Driving with a Trailer

Towing a trailer requires experience. Get familiar with handling and braking with the added trailer weight. The vehicle is now longer and not as responsive as the vehicle is by itself.

Check all trailer hitch parts and attachments, safety chains, electrical connectors, lamps, tires, and mirror adjustments. If the trailer has electric brakes, start the vehicle and trailer moving and then apply the trailer brake controller by hand to be sure the brakes are working.

During the trip, check regularly to be sure that the load is secure, and the lamps and trailer brakes are working properly.

    See also:

    Recommended Fuel
    If the vehicle has a 2.4L L4 engine (VIN Code C), use regular unleaded gasoline with a posted octane rating of 87 or higher. If the octane rating is less than 87, an audible knocking noise, commonly r ...

    Maintenance When Trailer Towing
    The vehicle needs service more often when pulling a trailer. See Scheduled Maintenance for more information. Things that are especially important in trailer operation are automatic transmission ...

    RKE without Remote Start Shown
    RKE without Remote Start Shown (Lock): Press to lock all doors. The turn signal indicators may flash and/or the horn may sound to indicate locking, see “Locking Feedback” under Vehicle ...