Before Driving Your Mazda; Weight Limits; Trailer Towing- Page 112

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Before Driving Your Mazda

Form No. 8Q44-EA-01K

Towing

Your Mazda was designed and built primarily to carry passengers and cargo.
If you must tow a trailer, follow these instructions because driver and passenger safety 
depends on proper equipment and safe driving habits. Towing a trailer will affect handling, 
braking, durability, performance, and economy.
Never overload vehicle or trailer. Consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer if you need further 
details.

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Weight Limits

TTW and GCWR

The total trailer weight (TTW), gross combined weight rating (GCWR), gross axle 
weight rating (GAWR), trailer load, and trailer tongue load must be within the 
prescribed limits.

•

The total trailer weight (TTW) is the sum of the weights of the trailer load (trailer 
weight plus cargo), trailer hitch, vehicle passengers, and vehicle load. Never allow 
the total trailer weight (TTW) to exceed specifications in the Trailer Towing-Load 
Table.

•

The maximum GCWR is the combined weight of the trailer and load plus the 
towing vehicle (including trailer hitch, vehicle passengers, and load). It must not 
exceed specifications in the load table.

GAWR and GVWR

Don’t exceed front and rear GAWR (gross axle weight rating) and GVWR (gross vehicle 
weight rating). If you do, vehicle handling, braking, and performance will be affected. 
These values are also on the Motor Vehicle Safety Certification Label posted on the 
driver’s door.

High-altitude operation

In a high-altitude operating environment, a gasoline engine loses power at a rate of 3% to 
4% per 304 m (1,000 ft) of elevation. In these conditions, a reduction in gross vehicle 
weight and gross combined weight is recommended.

Trailer Towing

Don’t tow a trailer during the first 1,000 km (600 miles) of your new Mazda. If you do, 
you may damage the engine, transaxle, differential, wheel bearings, and other power 
train components.

CAUTION

J16L_EA.book  Page 12  Friday, February 22, 2002  11:34 AM