Driving with a Trailer

Towing a trailer requires a certain amount of experience. Before driving, become familiar with the feel of steering and braking with the added trailer weight. Always keep in mind that the vehicle you are driving is now longer and does not respond as quickly as your vehicle alone.

Before you start, check the trailer hitch and platform, safety chains, electrical connector(s), lights, tires and brakes.

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

Following Distance

Keep at least twice the distance from the vehicle ahead as you would when driving your vehicle without a trailer. This can help avoid situations requiring sudden braking and sharp turns.

Passing Distance

You need a greater passing distance when you are towing a trailer. Because of the increased length of the vehicle, you may need to travel much farther past the passed vehicle before you can safely return to your lane.

Backing Up

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

Making Turns

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

Turn Signals

When you are towing a trailer, your vehicle has a different turn signal flasher and additional wiring. The green arrows on your instrument panel flash whenever you signal a turn or lane change. When properly connected, the trailer lights also flash to warn other drivers when you are about to turn, change lanes, or stop.

When towing a trailer, the green turn arrows on the instrument panel flash even if the trailer bulbs have 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 the trailer lights are still working. Check that they light each time you disconnect and then reconnect the wires.

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 cause damage to the vehicle's electrical system and/or personal injury. Contact an authorized HYUNDAI dealer for assistance.

Driving on Hills

On a long upgrade, shift down and reduce your vehicle speed to approximately 70 km/h to reduce the possibility of engine and transmission overheating. If you do not shift down, you may need to use the brakes, and your brakes may overheat and may become less effective.

If your trailer weighs more than the maximum trailer weight without trailer brakes and your vehicle has an automatic transmission, drive in D (Drive) when towing the trailer.

Driving in D (Drive) when towing a trailer can minimize heat buildup and extend the life of your transmission.

NOTICE

To prevent the engine and/or transmission from overheating:

• When towing a trailer on steep grades (over 6%), pay close attention to the engine coolant temperature gauge to make sure the engine does not overheat. If the coolant temperature gauge needle moves toward the "H" (HOT) position, pull over to the shoulder and stop as soon as it is safe, and let the engine idle until it cools down. You may continue after the engine has cooled sufficiently.
• If you tow a trailer at the maximum gross vehicle weight and maximum trailer weight, the engine or transmission may overheat. When driving under these conditions, let the engine idle until it cools down. You may continue once the engine or transmission has cooled sufficiently.
• When towing a trailer, your vehicle speed may be significantly lower than the general flow of traffic, especially when climbing a hill. Use the right lane when towing a trailer on mountain grades. Select your vehicle speed based on the maximum posted speed limit for vehicles with trailers, the steepness of the grade, and the weight of your trailer.

Parking on Hills

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

If you ever have to park your trailer on a hill:

1. Drive the vehicle into a parking space. Turn the steering wheel toward the curb (right if facing downhill, or left if facing uphill).

2. Shift the transmission to P (Park).

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

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

5. Start the vehicle, hold the brake pedal, shift into neutral, release the parking brake, and slowly release the brake pedal while the trailer wheel chocks absorb the load.

6. Reapply the brake and apply the parking brake.

7. Shift the transmission into P (Park) when the vehicle is facing uphill, and into R (Reverse) when facing downhill.

8. Turn off the engine and release the brake pedal, but keep the parking brake applied.

WARNING

To avoid serious injury or death:

• Do not leave the vehicle without firmly applying the parking brake. If you have left the engine running, the vehicle may suddenly move. You or others may be seriously or fatally injured.
• Do not depress the accelerator pedal to hold the vehicle on a hill.

Driving the Vehicle After Parking on a Hill

1. With the transmission in P (Park), apply the brakes and keep the brake pedal depressed until you: