Driving with a Trailer

Towing a trailer requires a certain amount of experience. Before driving on public roads, you should get to know your trailer. Familiarize yourself with the handling and braking feel with the additional trailer weight. And always remember that the vehicle you are driving is now longer and less responsive than your vehicle alone.

Before starting, check the trailer hitch and coupler, safety chains, electrical connectors, lights, tires, and brakes.

During the trip, periodically check that the cargo is securely fastened and that the trailer lights and brakes are still working.

Range

Keep at least twice the normal following distance behind the vehicle ahead, as you would when driving without a trailer. This will help you avoid situations that require sudden braking and sharp turns.

Passing

You will need more distance to pass when towing a trailer. Due to the increased length of the vehicle, you will need to travel much farther past the passed vehicle before you can return to your lane.

Backing Up

Hold the bottom of the steering wheel with one hand. Then, to move the trailer left, move your hand left. To move the trailer right, move your hand right. Always back up slowly and, if possible, have someone guide you.

Making Turns

When turning with a trailer, make wider turns than usual. Do this so that your trailer does not hit curbs, road signs, trees, or other objects. Avoid jerky or sudden maneuvers. Signal well in advance.

Turn Signals

When you tow a trailer, your vehicle must have a trailer turn signal flasher and additional wiring. The green turn indicator arrows on the instrument panel will flash whenever you signal a turn or lane change. When properly connected, the trailer lights will also flash to warn other drivers that you are going to turn, change lanes, or stop.

When towing a trailer, the green turn signal indicators on the instrument panel will flash when turning even if a trailer bulb has burned out. Therefore, you may think that drivers behind you see your signals when in fact they do not. It is important to check periodically to make sure that the trailer lights are still working. You should also check that each light illuminates whenever you disconnect and then reconnect the wiring.

WARNING

Do not connect the trailer lighting system directly to your vehicle's lighting system. Use an approved trailer wiring harness. Failure to do so may result in damage to the vehicle electrical system and/or injury. Consult an authorized HYUNDAI dealer for assistance.

Driving on Hills

Reduce speed and shift to a lower gear before starting a long or steep descent. If you do not downshift, you may have to use the brakes so much that they overheat and may become less effective.

On a long upgrade, downshift and reduce speed to approximately 70 km/h to reduce the likelihood of engine and transmission overheating.

If your trailer weighs more than the maximum trailer weight without trailer brakes, you should drive in D (Drive) when towing a trailer. Driving your vehicle in D (Drive) when towing a trailer will minimize heat buildup and extend the service life of your transmission.

NOTICE

To prevent the engine and/or transmission from overheating:

• When towing a trailer on a steep grade (over 6%), pay close attention to the engine coolant temperature gauge to make sure the engine does not overheat. If the engine coolant temperature gauge needle moves toward "H" (HOT), pull over and stop as soon as it is safe to do so and let the engine idle until it cools down. You may continue once the engine has cooled sufficiently.
• When towing a trailer, your vehicle speed may be much lower than the general traffic flow, especially when climbing an upgrade. Use the right lane when towing a trailer on an upgrade. Select your vehicle speed according to the maximum posted speed limit for vehicles with trailers, the grade steepness, and your trailer weight.

Parking on Hills

As a general rule, if you have a trailer attached to your vehicle, you should not park your vehicle on a hill.

However, if you ever have to park your trailer on a hill, follow these steps:

1. Drive the vehicle into the parking area.

Turn the steering wheel toward the curb (right if facing downhill, left if facing uphill).

2. Shift the vehicle into P (Park).

3. Set the parking brake and turn off the vehicle.

4. Place wheel chocks under the trailer wheels on the downhill side.

5. Start the vehicle, apply the brake, shift into N (Neutral), release the parking brake, and slowly release the brake until the trailer wedges against the wheel chocks and takes the load.

6. Reapply the brake pedal and the parking brake.

7. Move the shift lever to P (Park).

8. Turn off the engine and release the brake, but leave the parking brake engaged.

WARNING

• Do not leave the vehicle unless the parking brake is firmly set. If you leave the engine running, the vehicle may move suddenly. You and others may be seriously or fatally injured.
• Do not use the accelerator pedal to hold the vehicle on a hill.

Operating the vehicle after it has been parked on a hill

1. With the shift lever in P (Park), depress the brake pedal and keep it pressed down while performing the following:

• Start the engine;
• Engage a gear; and
• Release the parking brake.

2. Slowly release the brake pedal.

3. Move forward slowly until the trailer is free of the wheel chocks.

4. Stop and ask someone to pick up and store the wheel chocks.