Trailer Towing; Maintenance When Trailer; Engine Cooling When Trailer- Page 292

9-50

Driving and Operating

Maintenance When Trailer
Towing

The vehicle needs service more
often when pulling a trailer. See this
manual's Maintenance Schedule or
Index for more information. Things
that are especially important in
trailer operation are automatic
transmission fluid, engine oil, axle
lubricant, belts, cooling system and
brake system. Inspect these before
and during the trip.

Check periodically to see that all
hitch nuts and bolts are tight.

Engine Cooling When Trailer
Towing

The cooling system may temporarily
overheat during severe operating
conditions. See

Engine Overheating

on page 10

‑

18

.

Trailer Towing

Three important considerations
have to do with weight:

.

The weight of the trailer

.

The weight of the trailer tongue

.

The total weight on the vehicle's
tires

Weight of the Trailer

How heavy can a trailer safely be?

Speed, altitude, road grades,
outside temperature, special
equipment, and the amount of
tongue weight the vehicle can carry
must be considered. See

“

Weight of

the Trailer Tongue

”

later in this

section for more information.

Maximum trailer weight is calculated
assuming only the driver is in the
tow vehicle and it has all the
required trailering equipment.
The weight of additional optional
equipment, passengers and cargo in
the tow vehicle must be subtracted
from the maximum trailer weight.