General information
1. Although towing a trailer will have a negative effect on handling, performance, braking, durability and economy, your vehicle can be used as a tractor provided that the gross trailer weights are not exceeded.
Permissible trailer weight:
- equipped with a brake system - 1.7 t
- not equipped with a brake system - 0.75 t
Permissible axial load on the hitch - 75 kg
2. The permissible weight of the trailer is also indicated in the documentation for the trailer by the manufacturer.
Attention:
- The trailer is an additional load on the engine, transmission and suspension of the car. Therefore, do not tow a trailer for the first 2,000 km ("running-in") on a new car.
- Never climb a steep slope with the automatic transmission selector lever in the "D", as this may damage the transmission.
- Permissible towing load tested at sea level. If you are going into the mountains, please note that engine power and towing capacity will be slightly reduced.
- Different trailer hitches have different manufacturer-specified towing capacities. Even if the vehicle is physically capable of towing more weight, the driver must determine the maximum allowable weight for a particular hitch and never exceed it.
- The trailer tires must be inflated to the pressure recommended by the trailer manufacturer according to the total weight of the trailer.
- Before driving, check the load distribution in the trailer, whereby the drawbar should take approximately 10% of the load.
Tips for towing a trailer
1. Due to the fact that the stopping distance of the vehicle with a trailer is increased, the distance to the vehicle in front must be increased by at least one vehicle with a trailer for every 10 km/h of speed. Avoid hard braking as this can cause a skid, causing the trailer to wobble and lose control. This is especially true when the road surface is wet or slippery.
Attention: Observe the maximum speeds established by the rules of the road when towing a trailer. Slow down and use engine braking (shift into a lower gear beforehand) before going down a steep or long slope. When choosing gears, follow the recommendations of the section "Driving a car with automatic transmission" (models with automatic transmission) or "Driving a car with a manual transmission" (models with manual transmission).
2. Avoid sharp steering wheel movements and sharp turns. The trailer may hit your vehicle when making a sharp turn. Decelerate slowly before making a turn to avoid unnecessary or sudden braking.
3. Reversing with a trailer is difficult and requires practice. To move the trailer to the left, turn the steering wheel to the right, and to move the trailer to the right, turn the steering wheel to the left. (This procedure is the exact opposite of that one. which is carried out when reversing without a trailer). It is also recommended to rotate the steering wheel a small angle at a time, avoiding sudden or prolonged rotation. Have someone guide you when reversing to reduce the risk of an accident.
4. Be careful when overtaking other cars. Overtaking requires a considerable distance. After overtaking a car, be aware of the length of the trailer and make sure you have enough space before changing lanes.
5. Due to the additional load from the trailer, the car engine may overheat on hot days (at temperatures above 30°С) when climbing a long or steep slope with a trailer. If the engine coolant temperature gauge indicates overheating, then immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place and follow the procedures described in subsection "Engine overheating" of this chapter.
6. Always place wheel chocks under vehicle and trailer wheels after parking. Apply the parking brake firmly. Set the automatic transmission selector lever to position "R".
7. Avoid parking your vehicle with a trailer on a slope, but if this proves unavoidable, do the following first:
- A) Press the brake pedal and hold it in this position.
- b) Have someone place wheel chocks under the wheels of the trailer and vehicle.
- V) With chocks under the wheels, slowly release the brake pedal until the vehicle and trailer are locked on the chocks,
- G) Apply the parking brake firmly.
- d) Set the automatic transmission selector lever to position "R" and stop the engine.
6. To start driving after parking on a slope, do the following:
- A) Start the engine (brake pedal pressed).
- b) Engage gear or drive mode on automatic transmission (brake pedal pressed).
- V) Release the parking brake and brake pedal. Slowly drive forward or back away from the wheel chocks.
- G) Have someone remove the stops.