Towing a Trailer
Towing Preparation
1Towing Load Limits
Towing Load Limits
■
Your vehicle can tow a trailer if you carefully observe the load limits, use the proper
equipment, and follow the towing guidelines. Check the load limits before driving.
3WARNING
Exceeding any load limit or improperly
loading your vehicle and trailer can cause a
crash in which you can be seriously hurt or
killed.
■ Total trailer weight
Do not exceed the maximum towing weight
of the trailer and towbar (with/without
brakes), luggage and everything in or on it.
Check the loading of your vehicle and
trailer carefully before starting to drive.
Towing loads in excess of the maximum
towing weight can seriously affect vehicle
handling and performance and can damage
Check if all loads are within limits at a public scale.
If a public scale is not available, add the estimated
weight of your luggage load to the weight of your
trailer (as quoted by the manufacturer), and then
measure the tongue load with an appropriate scale or
tongue gauge or estimate it based on luggage
distribution.
Total Load
the engine and drivetrain.
Refer to the trailer owner’s manual for additional
information.
Break-in Period
Avoid towing a trailer during your vehicle’s first 1,000
km (625 miles).
If you tow a trailer in mountainous conditions,
remember to reduce 10% of the combined vehicle
and trailer weights from the maximum towing
weight for every 1,000 metres of elevation.
Never exceed the maximum towing weight and
specified load limit.
2 Specifications P. 770
504
uuTowing a TraileruTowing Preparation
■ Trailer nose load
The trailer nose load should never exceed 100
kg (220 lbs). This is the amount of weight the
trailer puts on the towbar when it is fully-
loaded. As a rule of thumb for trailer weights
of less than 1,000 kg (2,205 lbs), the trailer
nose load should be 10 percent of the total
trailer package.
Trailer Nose Load
• Excessive trailer nose load reduces front tyre traction and steering control. Too
little trailer nose load can make the trailer unstable and cause it to sway.
• To achieve a proper trailer nose load, start by loading 60% of the load toward the
front of the trailer and 40% toward the rear. Readjust the load as needed.
Continued
505
uuTowing a TraileruTowing Preparation
1Towing Equipment and Accessories
Towing Equipment and Accessories
■
Make sure that all equipment is properly installed and
maintained, and that it meets the regulations of the
country where you are driving.
Towing equipment varies by the size of your trailer, how much load you are towing,
and where you are towing.
Consult your trailer maker for proper installation and
setup of the equipment.
Improper installation and setup can affect the
handling, stability, and braking performance of your
vehicle.
■ Towbars
The towbar must be of an approved type and properly bolted to the underbody.
■ Safety chains
Always use safety chains when you tow a trailer. Leave enough slack to allow the
trailer to turn corners easily, but do not allow the chains to drag on the ground.
■ Trailer brakes
If you are thinking of getting a trailer that has brakes, be sure they are electronically
actuated. Do not attempt to tap into your vehicle’s hydraulic system. No matter how
successful it may seem, any attempt to attach trailer brakes to your vehicle’s
hydraulic system will lower braking effectiveness and create a potential hazard.
Consult your trailer sales or rental agency if any other
items are recommended or required for your towing
situation.
■ Additional towing equipment
There may be laws requiring special outside mirrors when towing a trailer. Even if
mirrors are not required in your locale, you should install special mirrors if visibility is
restricted in any way.
506
uuTowing a TraileruTowing Preparation
■ Trailer light
1Towing Equipment and Accessories
Trailer lights and equipment must comply with the regulations of the country where
you are driving. Check with your local trailer sales or rental agency for the
requirements in the area where you plan to tow.
The lighting and wiring of trailers can vary by type
and brand. If a connector is required, it should only
be installed by a qualified technician.
Back-Up Lights
(Light Green)
Illumination
(Grey)
Rear Fog Light
(Yellow)
+B Trailer (White)
We recommend that you have a dealer install a Honda wiring harness and converter.
They are designed for your vehicle.
507
uuTowing a TraileruTrailer Stability Assist
Trailer Stability Assist
Helps to stabilise the vehicle and trailer when the trailer severely sways.
1Trailer Stability Assist
Trailer stability assist is not a function that prevents
the vehicle and trailer from swaying. Avoid high
speeds, abrupt steering, improper trailer load, and
sudden braking to keep the trailer from swaying.
When swayed too severely, the system becomes
ineffective, and you may loose control of your
vehicle, causing the trailer to roll over or get
damaged.
■ How trailer stability assist works
When the vehicle and trailer become unstable while driving, trailer stability assist
determines the cause. If the trailer oscillation is detected as the cause, and the
swaying increases, the system applies the brakes or controls engine output to reduce
vehicle speed.
Both the vehicle and trailer brake lights come on automatically if you brake to
reduce vehicle speed.
2 Driving Safely with a Trailer P. 509
Trailer towing sway is caused by:
• Crosswinds
• Improper towbar down load
• Excessive Speed
The VSA system indicator blinks during the trailer
stability assist operation.
2 VSA Operation P. 547
508
uuTowing a TraileruDriving Safely with a Trailer
Driving Safely with a Trailer
1Driving Safely with a Trailer
Things You Need To Know Before Towing a Trailer
■
Operating speed when towing a trailer must not
exceed 100 km/h (62 mph).
• Have the trailer properly serviced and keep it in good condition.
• Make sure that all the weights and load in the vehicle and trailer are within limits.
2 Towing Load Limits P. 504
Parking
In addition to the normal precautions, place wheel
chocks at each of the trailer’s tyres.
• Securely attach the tow bar, safety chains, and other necessary parts to the trailer.
• Securely store all the items in and on the trailer so that they do not shift while
driving.
• Check if the lights and brakes on the trailer are working properly.
• Check the pressures of the trailer tyres, including the spare.
• Check regulations concerning the maximum speed or driving restrictions for
vehicles towing trailers. If you are driving across several countries, check each
country’s requirements before leaving home, because regulations may vary.
We recommend you drive uphill of less than 12%
slope. Follow the trailer association’s
recommendations for suitable roads.
Winds caused by passing large vehicles can sway your
trailer, keep a constant speed and steer straight
ahead.
Models with Auto Idle Stop
• Turn off the Auto Idle Stop system using Auto Idle Stop OFF button. The trailer
weight can affect your vehicle’s brake effectiveness if Auto Idle Stop is activated
on a hill while towing a trailer.
Always drive slowly and have someone guide you
when reversing.
Continued
509
uuTowing a TraileruDriving Safely with a Trailer
1Towing Speeds and Gears
Towing Speeds and Gears
■
The shift down indicator will not prompt to
downshift to 1st gear. It is up to you to downshift to
1st gear to increase engine braking. Avoid sudden
engine braking.
• Drive slower than normal.
• Obey posted speed limits for vehicles with trailers.
Continuously variable transmission models
• Use the (D position when towing a trailer on level roads.
Road and traffic conditions may require you to shift
at times other than those indicated.
Manual transmission models
Either shift up or shift down indicator will come on at the best time to shift to a
higher or lower gear for the better fuel economy.
510
uuTowing a TraileruDriving Safely with a Trailer
Turning and Braking
■
• Turn more slowly and with a wider turning arc than normal.
• Allow more time and distance for braking.
• Do not brake or turn suddenly.
Driving in Hilly Terrain
■
• Monitor your temperature gauge. If it nears the white (Hot) mark, turn off the
climate control system and reduce speed. Pull to the side of the road safely to cool
down the engine if necessary.
Continuously variable transmission models
• Shift to the (S position if the transmission shifts frequently.
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