Driving with a Trailer

WARNING
When towing a trailer, exhaust gases may collect at the rear of the vehicle and enter if the liftgate, trunk/hatch, or rear-most window is open.

Engine exhaust contains Carbon Monoxide (CO) which cannot be seen or smelled. It can cause unconsciousness and even death.

To maximize safety when towing a trailer:

• Have the exhaust system inspected for leaks and make necessary repairs before starting a trip.

• Never drive with the liftgate, trunk/hatch, or rear-most window open.

• Fully open the air outlets on or under the instrument panel.

• Adjust the Climate Control system to a setting that brings in only outside air and set the fan speed to the highest setting. See Climate Control System in the Index.

For more information about Carbon Monoxide, see Engine Exhaust on page 9‑36.

Towing a trailer requires a certain amount of experience. The combination you are driving is longer and not as responsive as the vehicle itself. Get acquainted with the handling and braking of the rig before setting out for the open road.

Before starting, check all trailer hitch parts and attachments, safety chains, electrical connectors, lamps, tires, and mirrors. If the trailer has electric brakes, start the combination moving and then apply the trailer brake controller by hand to be sure the brakes work.

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

    See also:

    Removing and Replacing the Floor Mat
    The driver side floor mat is held in place by two retainers. 1. Pull up on the rear of the floor mat to unlock each retainer and remove. 2. Reinstall by lining up the floor mat retainer openings o ...

    CD/DVD Player Messages
    Disc Format Error: This message displays if the disc is inserted with the disc label wrong side up, or if the disc is damaged. Disc Region Error: This message displays if the disc is not from a corre ...

    Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer
    The turn signal indicators on the instrument panel flash whenever signaling a turn or lane change. Properly hooked up, the trailer lamps also flash, telling other drivers the vehicle is turning, c ...