Driving with a Trailer

Towing a trailer requires some experience. Before setting out on open roads, you should get to know your trailer. Become familiar with the handling and braking characteristics with the additional trailer weight. And always keep in mind that the vehicle you are driving is now longer and less responsive than your vehicle alone.

Before starting, check the hitch and trailer platform, safety chains, electrical connector(s), 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

Maintain at least twice the following distance from the vehicle ahead than you would when driving your vehicle without a trailer.

This can help you avoid situations that require sudden braking and sharp turns.

Passing

When towing a trailer, you will need a greater distance to pass ahead.

And, because of the increased length of the vehicle, you will need to travel much farther beyond the passed vehicle before you can return to your lane.

Backing Up

Hold the bottom of the steering wheel with one hand. 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 reverse 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 strike soft shoulders, curbs, road signs, trees, or other objects. Avoid jerking and abrupt maneuvers. Signal well in advance.

Turn Signals

When towing a trailer, your vehicle must be equipped with a different turn signal flasher and additional wiring. The green arrows on the instrument panel will flash whenever you signal a turn or lane change. When connected correctly, the trailer lights will also flash to warn other drivers that you are about to turn, change lanes, or stop.

When towing a trailer, the green turn signal indicators on the instrument panel will flash during turns even if the trailer lamps have burned out. Therefore, you may think that drivers behind you can see your signals when in fact they cannot. It is important to check periodically that the trailer lamps are still working. You should also check the indicators every time you disconnect and then reconnect the wiring.

WARNING

Do not connect the trailer lighting system directly to your vehicle's electrical 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 down a long or steep grade. If you do not downshift, you may have to brake so heavily that the brakes overheat and may fail to work effectively.

On a long grade, shift to a lower gear and reduce speed to approximately 45 mph (70 km/h) to reduce the possibility of engine and transmission overheating.

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

Driving in D (Drive) when towing a trailer minimizes heat buildup and extends the service life of your transmission.

CAUTION

To prevent engine and/or transmission overheating:

• When towing a trailer on steep grades (over 6%), pay particular attention to the engine coolant temperature gauge to make sure the engine is not overheating. If the coolant temperature gauge needle moves toward the "H" (HOT) mark, pull over and stop as soon as it is safe, and let the engine idle while it cools. You may continue driving after the engine has cooled sufficiently.
• You must determine your vehicle speed based on the trailer weight and grade classification.

Parking on Hills

As a rule, if a trailer is attached to your vehicle, you should not park your vehicle on a hill. However, if you ever have to park your vehicle with a trailer on a hill, follow these steps:

1. Drive the vehicle into the parking space.

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

2. Shift the vehicle into P (Park).

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

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

5. Start the engine, hold the brakes, shift to neutral, release the parking brake, and slowly release the brakes until the trailer wheel chocks take the load.

6. Apply the brakes and the parking brake.

7. Shift the gear selector to P (Park, for vehicles with an automatic transmission) or 1st gear when parked uphill, and to R (Reverse) when parked downhill (for vehicles with a manual transmission).

8. Turn off the engine and release the vehicle brakes, but leave the parking brake applied.

WARNING

Do not leave the vehicle if the parking brake is not fully applied. If you have left the engine running, the vehicle may suddenly move. You and others could receive serious or fatal injuries.

Ready to drive off after parking on a hill

1. With the gear selector in P (Park, for vehicles with an automatic transmission) or in neutral (for vehicles with a manual transmission), apply the brakes and keep the brake pedal depressed until you:

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

2. Slowly release the brake pedal.

3. Drive slowly until the trailer is on the wheel chocks.

4. Stop and ask someone to lift and remove the wheel chocks.