Maintenance When Trailer Towing

The vehicle needs service more often when pulling a trailer. See the Maintenance Schedule for more information. Things that are especially important in trailer operation are automatic transmission fluid, engine oil, axle lubricant, belts, cooling system and brake system. It is a good idea to inspect these before and during the trip.

Check periodically to see that all hitch nuts and bolts are tight.

    See also:

    Keys
    WARNING! Leaving children in a vehicle with the ignition key is dangerous for many reasons. Children or others could be badly injured or even killed. They could operate the power windows or ...

    Weight of the Trailer
    How heavy can a trailer safely be? It should never weigh more than 450 kg (1,000 lbs). But even that can be too heavy. Speed, altitude, road grades, outside temperature, special equipment, ...

    Torque Lock
    Torque lock is when the weight of the vehicle puts too much force on the parking pawl in the transmission. This happens when parking on a hill and shifting the transmission into P (Park) is not done ...