Attention: Refrain from towing a trailer for the first 2000 km to ensure that the parts are broken in (running-in) your new car. Failure to observe this precaution could result in severe engine or transmission damage.
Towing hooks
Select the correct drawbar combination, making sure it is in the same location as the trailer or towed vehicle. Use a drawbar that evenly distributes the load on the chassis. The trailer hitch must be securely attached to the vehicle by a qualified mechanic. DO NOT USE A HITCH THAT IS SUITABLE FOR TEMPORARY INSTALLATION AND NEVER USE A HITCH THAT IS ONLY ATTACHED TO THE VEHICLE'S BUMPER.
Trailer with brakes
If your trailer is equipped with brakes, make sure it meets federal and local laws, is properly installed, and is in good working order.
Note: If you are towing a trailer or vehicle, your vehicle will need to be serviced more frequently due to the added stress on it. Cm. "Periodic maintenance when operating the vehicle in difficult road conditions" in the service book.
Attention:
- Do not connect the trailer brake system to the vehicle brake system.
- When towing a trailer uphill at a steep angle (exceeding 12%), pay close attention to the engine coolant temperature gauge to prevent the engine from overheating. If the arrow of the engine coolant temperature gauge enters the zone "H" (Hot) dial, stop the vehicle in a safe place and let the engine idle until it cools down. After that you can continue moving.
Security chains
If your vehicle and trailer, or the vehicle you are towing, are disconnected, the trailer or vehicle you are towing may continue to move uncontrollably across the road and collide with another vehicle. To prevent this potentially hazardous situation from occurring, in most regions (countries) the use of safety chains is mandatory.
Maximum trailer weight and maximum hitch load
1 - Load on hitch
2 - Gross trailer weight
The hitch load can be increased or decreased by redistributing the load in the trailer. This can be verified by checking the gross weight of the loaded trailer and checking the hitch load.
Note:
- 1. Do not load the trailer in such a way that its rear end is loaded more than the front end. 60% of the weight of the load in the trailer must fall on the front half of the trailer, and the remaining 40% on the rear half.
- 2. Gross vehicle weight with trailer must not exceed the maximum gross vehicle weight indicated on the vehicle identification plate (see here). Gross Vehicle Weight is the weight of the vehicle, driver, all passengers and their luggage, luggage, tow hitch, hitch load and other optional equipment.
- 3. The load on the front or rear axle must not exceed the maximum axle load indicated on the vehicle identification plate (see here). It is possible that the weight of the trailer you are towing does not exceed the gross vehicle weight, but exceeds the maximum axle load. Incorrect trailer loading and/or too much luggage in the trunk of the vehicle can lead to rear axle overload. Redistribute the load and check the axle load again.
- 4. The maximum allowable static vertical hitch load is 44kg.
- 5. The maximum allowable overhang of the hitch attachment points is: 690 mm.
1 - Axle load 2 - Gross vehicle weight | 1 - Attachment points |
Attention: When towing a trailer, it is recommended to observe the following technical requirements. The weight of the trailer must not exceed the values given in the table below.
Warning: Improper loading of your vehicle and trailer can seriously affect the operation of your steering and braking systems, which could lead to an accident (accidents) in which you could be seriously injured.
Trailer Driving Tips
1. Before towing, check the connections of the hitch, safety chains, and the operation of the trailer lights, brake lights, and direction indicators.
2. Always try to move at a moderate speed (no more than 100 km/h).
3. Trailer towing requires more fuel.
4. For effective braking of engines and operation of the charging system, do not engage fifth gear (Manual Transmission).
5. Always secure luggage in the trailer so that it cannot be thrown onto the road while driving.
6. Check the condition of the tires and the air pressure in all tires on the trailer and your vehicle. Low air pressure in tires can greatly affect the vehicle's handling. Also check the condition of the spare wheel.
7. The vehicle/trailer combination is more susceptible to crosswinds and shock waves. If you are being overtaken by a large vehicle, keep the steering wheel straight and maintain a constant speed. If the air shock wave from a passing vehicle is too strong, slow down.
8. When parking your vehicle and trailer, especially on a slope, take the usual precautions. Turn the front wheels towards the curb, apply the parking brake and move the shift lever to 1st or reverse gear (Manual Transmission) or move the selector to position "R" ("Parking") (Automatic transmission). Moreover, place brake shoes under each trailer wheel.
9. If the trailer is equipped with electric brakes, drive your vehicle and trailer, and operate the trailer brake controller by hand to make sure the brakes are working. This will also help you check the wiring connections.
10. During the trip, periodically check the security of the luggage and the operation of the lighting and brake lights of the trailer.
11. Avoid abrupt starting, sudden acceleration and sudden braking.
12. Avoid sharp turns and abrupt changes in the direction of travel.
13. Avoid too long holding or frequent depressing the brake pedal. This can cause the brakes to overheat and reduce their performance.
14. Before descending a slope, shift into a low gear to fully utilize the engine braking effect. When going uphill for a long time, shift to a lower gear and slow down the speed to avoid excessive load on the engine and its overheating.
15. In the event of a stop while climbing a hill, do not hold the vehicle in place by depressing the accelerator pedal. This can cause the automatic transmission to overheat. Use the brake pedal or parking brake.
Note: When towing, check the automatic transmission fluid more frequently than usual.
Caution: If the engine overheats while towing (coolant temperature gauge in the red zone of the scale), You can troubleshoot as follows:
- 1. Turn off the air conditioner.
- 2. Reduce vehicle speed.
- 3. When climbing, shift into a low gear.
- 4. If you are caught in a traffic jam, move the selector to the position "R" ("Parking") or "N" ("Neutral gear") and let the engine run at high idle.