246 Driving and OperatingMaintenance when TrailerTowingThe vehicle needs service moreoften when pulling a trailer. SeeMaintenance Schedule 0 329.Things that are especially importantin trailer operation are automatictransmission fluid, engine oil, axlelubricant, belts, cooling system, andbrake system. It is a good idea toinspect these before and duringthe trip.Check periodically to see that allhitch nuts and bolts are tight.Trailer Towing (Sedan L4Engine)A maximum speed of 100km/h mustnot be exceeded, even in countrieswhere higher speed limits arepermitted.Before pulling a trailer, there arethree important considerations thathave to do with weight:. The weight of the trailer.. The weight of the trailer tongue.. The total weight on yourvehicle's tires.Weight of the TrailerHow heavy can a trailer safely be?It should never weigh more than1136 kg (2,500 lb). But even thatcan be too heavy.It depends on how the rig is used.For example, speed, altitude, roadgrades, outside temperature, andhow much the vehicle is used to pulla trailer are all important. It candepend on any special equipmenton the vehicle, and the amount oftongue weight the vehicle can carry.See “Weight of the Trailer Tongue”later in this section.Maximum trailer weight is calculatedassuming only the driver is in thetow vehicle and it has all therequired trailering equipment. Theweight of additional optionalequipment, passengers, and cargoin the tow vehicle must besubtracted from the maximum trailerweight.Ask your dealer for traileringinformation or advice.Weight of the Trailer TongueThe tongue load (1) of any trailer isan important weight to measurebecause it affects the total grossweight of the vehicle. The GrossVehicle Weight (GVW) includes thecurb weight of the vehicle, anycargo carried in it, and the peoplewho will be riding in the vehicle.If there are a lot of options,equipment, passengers, or cargo inthe vehicle, it will reduce the tongueweight the vehicle can carry, whichwill also reduce the trailer weight thevehicle can tow. If towing a trailer,the tongue load must be added tothe GVW because the vehicle willbe carrying that weight, too. SeeVehicle Load Limits 0 189.
