Driving with a Trailer

CAUTION:
If you have a rear-most window open and you pull a trailer with your vehicle, carbon monoxide (CO) could come into your vehicle. You cannot see or smell CO.

It can cause unconsciousness or death.

See Engine Exhaust on page 122.

To maximize your safety when towing a trailer:

• Have your exhaust system inspected for leaks, and make necessary repairs before starting on your trip.
• Keep the rear-most windows closed.
• If exhaust does come into your vehicle through a window in the rear or another opening, drive with your front, main heating or cooling system on and with the fan on any speed. This will bring fresh, outside air into your vehicle. Do not use the climate control setting for maximum air because it only recirculates the air inside your vehicle.

Towing a trailer requires a certain amount of experience. Before setting out for the open road, you’ll want to get to know your rig. Acquaint yourself with the feel of handling and braking with the added weight of the trailer. And always keep in mind that the vehicle you are driving is now a good deal longer and not nearly as responsive as your vehicle is by itself.

Before you start, check all trailer hitch parts and attachments, safety chains, electrical connection, lamps, tires and mirror adjustment. If the trailer has electric brakes, start your vehicle and trailer moving and then apply the trailer brake controller by hand to be sure the brakes are working. This lets you check your electrical connection at the same time.

During your trip, check occasionally to be sure that the load is secure, and that the lamps and any trailer brakes are still working.

    See also:

    What to Add
    If the vehicle has DOT 3 brake fluid, as indicated on the reservoir cap, use only new DOT 3 brake fluid from a sealed container. See Recommended Fluids and Lubricants . If the vehicle has DOT 4 b ...

    Security Light
    This light will come on briefly when you turn the key toward START. The light will stay on until the engine starts. If the light flashes, the Passlock® system has entered a tamper mode. If t ...

    Starting the Vehicle
    1. Aim the RKE transmitter at the vehicle. 2. Press and release . 3. Immediately after completing Step 2, press and hold until the turn signal lamps flash, or for about two seconds if the vehicl ...