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232
R
WARNING
Always replace a fuse with one that has
the specified amperage rating. Using a
fuse with a higher amperage rating can
cause severe wire damage and could start
a fire.
Driving while you tow
Be especially careful when driving while you
tow a trailer. Never drive faster than 45 mph
(70 km/h) when you tow in hilly country on
hot days. Also, anticipate stops so that you can
brake gradually.
If you use the speed control while you are
towing on very long, steep grades, the speed
control may shut off.
If your vehicle is equipped with an Electronic
4-Speed Automatic (E4OD or 4R70W)
transmission, operate in Overdrive. Refer to the
automatic transmission operation earlier in this
chapter.
When descending a steep grade with a trailer,
operate in Drive rather than Overdrive. If
additional braking is needed, shift the automatic
transmission gearshift into 2 (Second) gear or 1
(Low).
If your vehicle is equipped with a manual
5-speed transmission, operate in 4th gear.
Overdrive (5th) gear should not be used when
towing.
If additional braking is needed when descending
a steep grade with a trailer, downshift the
transmission into 3rd gear.
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Servicing your vehicle if you tow
If you tow a trailer for a long distance, your
vehicle will need to be serviced more frequently
than usual. Refer to the
Maintenance Schedule and
Record
booklet for additional information.
Trailer towing tips
Before starting on a trip, practice turning,
stopping and backing in an area away from
heavy traffic. Get to know the “feel” of the
vehicle/trailer combination.
Practice backing up. Back up very slowly, with
someone outside at the rear of your trailer to
guide you. Place your hand at the bottom of the
steering wheel and move it in the direction you
want the rear of the trailer to swing. Slight
movement of the steering wheel results in a
much larger movement of the rear of the trailer.
Allow more room for stopping with a trailer
attached. Trailer brakes should be applied first,
whether manually or automatically controlled,
when approaching a stop.
For a good handling truck-trailer combination,
the trailer tongue load should be approximately
10-15% of the loaded trailer weight.
Make a thorough check of your equipment
before starting out on the road. After you have
traveled about 50 miles (80 km) stop in a
protected area and double-check your hitch and
electrical connections. Also check trailer wheel
lug nuts for tightness.
234
When turning, drive slightly beyond the normal
turning point so the trailer wheels will clear
curbs or other obstructions.
When stopped in traffic for long periods of time
in hot weather, place the gearshift selector lever
in P (Park) to increase the engine idle speed.
This aids in engine cooling and air conditioner
efficiency. If the engine overheats, move the
function selector knob to VENT to stop the
compressor and increase the engine speed for a
short time.
Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a
grade. However, if you must park on a grade,
place wheel chocks under the trailer’s wheels as
follows:
❑
Apply the foot service brakes and hold.
❑
Have another person place the wheel chocks
under the trailer wheels.
❑
With the chocks in place, release the foot
service brakes, making sure the chocks are
holding.
❑
For automatic transmissions — apply the
parking brake by pressing the service brake
pedal down firmly with your right foot while
applying the parking brake pedal with your
left foot.
For manual transmissions — apply the
service brake and shift into N (NEUTRAL)
while still maintaining pressure on the service
brake pedal. Set the parking brake fully.
235
❑
Shift an automatic transmission into Park (P).
Put the gearshift of a manual transmission in
Reverse. If your vehicle is equipped with
four-wheel drive make sure the transfer case
is not in Neutral.
To start, after being parked on a grade:
❑
Apply the foot service brakes and hold
❑
Start the engine
❑
Shift transmission into gear and release the
parking brake
❑
Release the foot service brakes and move the
vehicle uphill to free the wheel chocks
❑
Apply the foot service brakes and hold while
another person retrieves the chocks.
Snowplowing
R
WARNING
Do not use this vehicle for snowplowing.
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