Towing Information: Service and Repair
SPECIFICATIONS
In this article you will find safety tips and information on limits to the type of towing you can reasonably do with the vehicle. Before towing a trailer carefully review this information to tow the load as efficiently and safely as possible.
To maintain warranty coverage, follow the requirements and recommendations concerning vehicles used for trailer towing.
Common Towing Definitions
The following trailer towing related definitions will assist you in understanding the following information:
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
The GVWR is the total allowable weight of the vehicle. This includes driver, passengers, cargo and tongue weight. The total load must be limited so that you do not exceed the GVWR.
Gross Trailer Weight (GTW)
The Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) is the weight of the trailer plus the weight of all cargo, consumables and equipment (permanent or temporary) loaded in or on the trailer in its "loaded and ready for operation" condition. The recommended way to measure GTW is to put the fully loaded trailer on a vehicle scale. The entire weight of the trailer must be supported by the scale.
Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR)
The Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) is the total permissible weight of the vehicle and trailer when weighed in combination. (Note that GCWR ratings include a 150 lbs (68 kg) allowance for the presence of a driver).
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
The GAWR is the maximum capacity of the front and rear axles. Distribute the load over the front and rear axles evenly. Make sure that you do not exceed either front or rear GAWR.
WARNING: It is important that you do not exceed the maximum front or rear GAWR. A dangerous driving condition can result if either rating is exceeded. Failure to follow these instructions may result in serious or fatal injury.
Tongue Weight (TW)
The downward force exerted on the hitch ball by the trailer is the tongue weight. In most cases it should not be less than 10% or more than 15% of the trailer load. You must consider this as part of the load on the vehicle.
Frontal Area
The maximum height and maximum width of the front of a trailer.
TSC (Trailer Sway Control) - If Equipped
- Trailer Sway Control - Electronic TSC uses sensors in the vehicle to recognize a swaying trailer and will take the appropriate actions to attempt to stop the sway. The system will reduce engine power and apply individual brakes that will counteract the sway of the trailer. TSC will become active automatically once the swaying trailer is recognized. No driver action is required. TSC cannot stop all trailers from swaying. Always use caution when towing a trailer and follow the tongue weight recommendations. Even if the vehicle is equipped with electronic TSC, mechanical sway control is recommended when appropriate for the size of the trailer.
- Trailer Sway Control - Mechanical The trailer sway control is a telescoping link that can be installed between the hitch receiver and the trailer tongue that typically provides adjustable friction associated with the telescoping motion to dampen any unwanted trailer swaying motions while traveling.
Weight-Carrying Hitch
A weight-carrying hitch supports the trailer tongue weight, just as if it were luggage located at a hitch ball or some other connecting point of the vehicle. These kind of hitches are the most popular on the market today and they're commonly used to tow small- and medium-sized trailers.
Weight-Distributing Hitch
A weight-distributing system works by applying leverage through spring (load) bars. They are typically used for heavier loads, to distribute trailer tongue weight to the tow vehicle's front axle and the trailer axle(s). When used in accordance with the manufacturers' directions, it provides for a more level ride, offering more consistent steering and brake control thereby enhancing towing safety. The addition of a friction/hydraulic sway control also dampens sway caused by traffic and crosswinds and contributes positively to tow vehicle and trailer stability. trailer sway control and a weight distributing (load equalizing) hitch are recommended for heavier tongue weights and may be required depending on vehicle and trailer configuration/loading to comply with Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) requirements.
WARNING: An improperly adjusted Weight-Distributing Hitch system may reduce handling, stability, braking performance, and could result in an accident.
Weight-Distributing Systems may not be compatible with surge brake couplers. Consult with the hitch and trailer manufacturer or a reputable recreational vehicle dealer for additional information. Failure to follow these instructions may result in serious or fatal injury.
Fifth-Wheel Hitch
A fifth-wheel hitch is a special high platform with a coupling that mounts over the rear axle of the tow vehicle in the truck bed. Connects a vehicle and fifth-wheel trailer with a coupling king pin.
Gooseneck Hitch
The gooseneck hitch employs a pivoted coupling arm which attaches to a ball mounted in the bed of a pickup truck. The coupling arm connects to the hitch mounted over the rear axle in the truck bed.
Trailer Hitch Classification
The rear bumper is intended to tow trailers up to 2,000 lbs (907 kg) without added equipment or alterations to the standard equipment. the vehicle may be factory equipped for safe towing of trailers weighing over 2,000 lbs (907 kg) with the optional Trailer Tow Prep Package. See the authorized dealer for package content.
The following chart provides the industry standard for the maximum trailer weight a given trailer hitch class can tow and should be used to assist you in selecting the correct trailer hitch for the intended towing condition. Refer to Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings) for the website address that contains the necessary information for the specific drivetrain.
All trailer hitches should be professionally installed on the vehicle.
Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings)
Trailer and Tongue Weight
Always load a trailer with 60% to 65% of the weight in the front of the trailer. This places 10% to 15% of the Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) on the tow hitch of the vehicle. Loads balanced over the wheels or heavier in the rear can cause the trailer to sway severely side to side which will cause loss of control of vehicle and trailer. Failure to load trailers heavier in front is the cause of many trailer accidents.
Never exceed the maximum tongue weight stamped on the bumper or trailer hitch.
Consider the following items when computing the weight on the rear axle of the vehicle:
- The tongue weight of the trailer.
- The weight of any other type of cargo or equipment put in or on the vehicle.
- The weight of the driver and all passengers.
NOTE: Remember that everything put into or on the trailer adds to the load on the vehicle. Also, additional factory-installed options, or dealer-installed options, must be considered as part of the total load on the vehicle. Procedures Tire and Loading Information placard in the Tire Safety Information section.
Towing Requirements
To promote proper break-in of the new vehicle drivetrain components the following guidelines are recommended:
CAUTION:
- Avoid towing a trailer for the first 500 mi (805 km) of vehicle operation. Doing so may damage the vehicle.
- During the first 500 mi (805 km) of trailer towing, limit the speed to 50 mph (80 km/h).
When towing a trailer, never exceed the GAWR, or GCWR, ratings.
WARNING: Improper towing can lead to an injury accident. Follow these guidelines to make the trailer towing as safe as possible:
Make certain that the load is secured in the trailer and will not shift during travel. When trailering cargo that is not fully secured, dynamic load shifts can occur that may be difficult for the driver to control. Failure to follow these instructions may result in serious or fatal injury.
- When hauling cargo or towing a trailer, do not overload the vehicle or trailer. Overloading can cause a loss of control, poor performance or damage to brakes, axle, engine, transmission, steering, suspension, chassis structure or tires.
- Safety chains must always be used between the vehicle and trailer. Always connect the chains to the frame or hook retainers of the vehicle hitch. Cross the chains under the trailer tongue and allow enough slack for turning corners.
- Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade. When parking, apply the parking brake on the tow vehicle. Put the tow vehicle automatic transmission in PARK. With a manual transmission, shift the transmission into REVERSE. And with four-wheel drive vehicles, make sure the transfer case is not in NEUTRAL. Always, block or "chock" the trailer wheels.
- GCWR must not be exceeded.
- Total weight must be distributed between the tow vehicle and the trailer so that the following four ratings are not exceeded:
- GVWR
- GTW
- GAWR
- Tongue weight rating for the trailer hitch utilized (This requirement may limit the ability to always achieve the 10% to 15% range of tongue weight as a percentage of total trailer weight).
Towing Requirements - Tires
- Do not attempt to tow a trailer while using a compact spare tire.
- Proper tire inflation pressures are essential to the safe and satisfactory operation of the vehicle. Refer to the Tires-General Information section on Tire Pressures for proper tire inflation procedures.
- Also, check the trailer tires for proper tire inflation pressures before trailer usage.
- Check for signs of tire wear or visible tire damage before towing a trailer.Description and Operation section on Tread Wear Indicators for the proper inspection procedure.
- When replacing tires Description and Operation section on Replacement Tires for proper tire replacement procedures. Replacing tires with a higher load carrying capacity will not increase the vehicle's GVWR and GAWR limits.
Towing Requirements - Trailer Brakes
- Do not interconnect the hydraulic brake system or vacuum system of the vehicle with that of the trailer. This could cause inadequate braking and possible personal injury.
- An electronically actuated trailer brake controller is required when towing a trailer with electronically actuated brakes. When towing a trailer equipped with a hydraulic surge actuated brake system, an electronic brake controller is not required.
- Trailer brakes are recommended for trailers over 1,000 lbs (454 kg) and required for trailers in excess of 2,000 lbs (907 kg).
CAUTION: If the trailer weighs more than 454 kg (1,000 lbs) loaded, it should have its own brakes and they should be of adequate capacity. Failure to do this could lead to accelerated brake lining wear, higher brake pedal effort, longer stopping distances and may result in serious or fatal injury.
WARNING: Do not connect trailer brakes to the vehicle's hydraulic brake lines. It can overload the brake system and cause it to fail. You might not have brakes when you need them and could have an accident.
Towing any trailer will increase the stopping distance. When towing you should allow for additional space between the vehicle and the vehicle in front of you. Failure to follow these instructions may result in serious or fatal injury.
Towing Requirements - Trailer Lights AND Wiring
Whenever you pull a trailer, regardless of the trailer size, stop lights and turn signals on the trailer are required for motoring safety.
The Trailer Tow Package may include a 4- and 7-pin wiring harness. Use a factory approved trailer harness and connector.
NOTE: Do not cut or splice wiring into the vehicle's wiring harness.
The electrical connections are all complete to the vehicle but you must mate the harness to a trailer connector. Refer to the illustrations and.
Towing Tips
Before setting out on a trip, practice turning, stopping and backing the trailer in an area away from heavy traffic.
If using a manual transmission vehicle for trailer towing, all starts must be in FIRST gear to avoid excessive clutch slippage.
Towing Tips - Automatic Transmission
The D range can be selected when towing. However, if frequent shifting occurs while in this range, the TOW HAUL feature should be selected.
NOTE: Using the TOW HAUL feature while operating the vehicle under heavy operating conditions will improve performance and extend transmission life by reducing excessive shifting and heat build up. This action will also provide better engine braking.
The automatic transmission fluid and filter should be changed if you REGULARLY tow a trailer for more than 45 minutes of continuous operation. Maintenance for transmission fluid change intervals.
NOTE: Check the automatic transmission fluid level before towing.
Towing Tips - Tow/Haul (If Equipped)
To reduce potential for automatic transmission overheating, turn the TOW HAUL feature ON when driving in hilly areas or shift the transmission to Drive position 2 on more severe grades.
Towing Tips - Electronic Speed Control (If Equipped)
- Don't use in hilly terrain or with heavy loads.
- When using the speed control, if you experience speed drops greater than 10 mph (16 km/h), disengage until you can resume cruising speed.
- Use speed control in flat terrain and with light loads to maximize fuel efficiency.
Towing Tips - Cooling System
To reduce potential for engine and transmission overheating, take the following actions:
- City Driving - When stopped for short periods of time, put transmission in neutral and increase engine idle speed.
- Highway Driving - Reduce speed.
- Air Conditioning - Turn off temporarily.
- Refer to Cooling System Operating information in the Maintenance section for more information.