Before Driving Your Mazda; Safety Chains; Trailer Lights- Page 118

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Before Driving Your Mazda

Towing

Form No. 8R21-EA-02G

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Safety Chains

Safety chains must be used as a precautionary measure should the trailer become 
unintentionally unhitched. They should cross under the trailer tongue and attach to the 
hitch. Leave enough slack to allow full turns. Consult literature published by your trailer or 
hitch manufacturer for more details.

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Trailer Lights

Trailer lights must comply with all federal, state, and local regulations. Equip your trailer 
as required before towing it day or night.

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Trailer Brakes

If the total trailer weight exceeds 450 kg (1,000 lb), trailer brakes are required. If your 
trailer has brakes, make sure they comply with all federal, state, and local regulations.

Towing Without Safety Chain:
Towing a trailer without using a safety chain securely attached to both the trailer and 
the vehicle is dangerous. If damage occurs to the coupling unit or hitch ball, the 
trailer could wander into another lane and cause a collision. Make sure the safety 
chain is securely attached to both the trailer and the vehicle prior to departure.

Don’t connect a trailer lighting system directly to the lighting system of your Mazda. 
This may damage your vehicle’s electrical system and lighting systems. Have a 
recreational vehicle dealer or trailer rental agency connect the system, and inspect the 
brake lights and turn signals each time before driving.

Hydraulic Trailer-Brake System:
Connecting a hydraulic trailer-brake system directly to the vehicle brake system is 
dangerous and will result in inadequate braking and possible injury. Don’t connect a 
hydraulic trailer-brake system to your vehicle’s brake system.

WARNING

CAUTION

WARNING

J16L_8R21-EA-02G.book  Page 16  Saturday, June 8, 2002  11:16 AM