176 STARTING AND OPERATING WARNING! WARNING! Towing Requirements — Trailer Brakes When hauling cargo or towing a trailer, do not overload your vehicle or trailer. Overloading can cause a loss of control, poor performance or damage to brakes, axle, engine, transmis sion, steering, suspension, chassis structure or tires. GAWR Do not interconnect the hydraulic brake system or vacuum system of your vehicle with that of the trailer. This could cause inadequate braking and possible personal injury. Tongue weight rating for the trailer hitch utilized.
Towing Requirements — Tires An electronically actuated trailer brake controller is required when towing a trailer with electronically actuated brakes. When towing a trailer equipped with a hydraulic surge actuated brake system, an electronic brake controller is not required. Safety chains must always be used between your vehicle and trailer. Always connect the chains to the hook retainers of the vehicle hitch. Cross the chains under the trailer tongue and allow enough slack for turning corners. Do not attempt to tow a trailer while using a compact spare tire. Do not drive more than 50mph (80km/h) when towing while using a full size spare tire.
Proper tire inflation pressures are essential to the safe and satisfactory operation of your vehicle. Trailer brakes are recommended for trailers over 1,000 lb (453 kg) and required for trailers in excess of 2,000 lb (907 kg). Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade. When parking, apply the parking brake on the tow vehicle. Put the tow vehicle transmission in PARK. For four-wheel drive vehicles, make sure the transfer case is not in NEUTRAL. Always, block or "chock" the trailer wheels. Check the trailer tires for proper tire inflation pressures before trailer usage. Do not connect trailer brakes to your vehicle's hydraulic brake lines.
It can overload your brake system and cause it to fail. You might not have brakes when you need them and could have an accident. WARNING! Check for signs of tire wear or visible tire damage before towing a trailer. For the proper tire replacement procedures. Replacing tires with a higher load carrying capacity will not increase the vehicle's GVWR and GAWR limits. GCWR must not be exceeded. Towing any trailer will increase your stopping distance. When towing, you should allow for additional space between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you. Failure to do so could result in an accident.
Total weight must be distributed between the tow vehicle and the trailer such that the following four ratings are not exceeded: For further information Ъ page371. GVWR GTW (Continued)