Trailer Towing Safety Precautions

The additional weight and increased dimensions of a vehicle and trailer combination noticeably affect the handling and towing capability of your vehicle. Therefore, when towing a trailer, you need to have certain special skills and driving techniques.

For your safety and the safety of others, take the time to practice maneuvering with the trailer in a safe location before setting out on your trip.

Driving Speed and Gear Shifting

When towing a trailer under any driving conditions, drive at a lower speed than you would for the same conditions without a trailer.

When towing a trailer, observe the speed limits established by traffic regulations. At high speeds the trailer may sway, which will make it difficult to control the vehicle (for more information on gear shifting, see "Driving on Rough Terrain" on the next page).

If your vehicle is equipped with the i-SHIFT automated manual transmission, it is recommended to use automatic shift mode when towing a trailer.

When starting from a standstill, first gear is engaged automatically to ensure smooth acceleration. Automatic shifting improves driving smoothness and reduces fuel consumption, as the control system takes into account the vehicle load and trailer weight.

Turning and Braking

When making a turn, drive more slowly and use a wider turning radius than you are used to.

Note that when the vehicle and trailer turn, the trailer follows a smaller radius than the vehicle and may strike an obstacle that the vehicle has passed freely.

When driving with a trailer, keep a greater following distance from the vehicle ahead. Avoid sudden braking and sharp turns, as this may cause the vehicle and trailer to jackknife or the trailer to overturn.

Driving on Rough Terrain

When climbing long grades, closely monitor the engine temperature on the gauge on the instrument panel. If the needle approaches the engine overheating zone (red zone of the scale), turn off the air conditioner and reduce speed. If necessary, stop on the shoulder of the road and let the engine cool down.

When driving down long grades, reduce speed and shift to a lower gear to use engine braking. On steep descents, engage 1st gear to increase the effectiveness of engine braking.

Avoid excessive brake wear, and remember that when towing a trailer downhill, the braking distance increases.

Towing a trailer on roads with a grade of more than 12% is not recommended.

It is recommended to operate the vehicle with a trailer only on paved roads, in accordance with the trailer manufacturer's instructions.

For vehicles equipped with the i-SHIFT transmission

When stopping the vehicle and trailer on a grade, use the service brake or the parking brake. Do not hold the vehicle in place by pressing the accelerator pedal, as this may overheat the automatic transmission and clutch.

Do not forget to apply the parking brake before starting to move on a grade.

Crosswind Control

A vehicle with a trailer is more sensitive than a single vehicle to gusts of crosswind and aerodynamic disturbances from other vehicles. If a heavy truck or vehicle combination passes you at high speed, maintain a straight and steady course at a constant speed.

Avoid sudden steering and braking.

Reverse Driving

Drive in reverse carefully and ask someone standing outside to monitor the trailer's movement and guide you. When maneuvering the vehicle and trailer in reverse, hold the bottom of the steering wheel rim (not the top, as you would when driving forward). This grip maintains the familiar relationship between steering wheel direction and trailer movement: moving your hand to the left turns the trailer to the left, and vice versa.

Parking Brake

When parking the vehicle and trailer for an extended period, fully engage the parking brake and shift the gear selector into first gear or reverse.

Place wheel chocks under both trailer wheels.

For diesel engine versions only

Before turning off the engine, let it idle for approximately 2 minutes. In some countries, engine idling is prohibited. Observe the laws in effect in the country where you are located.