Hitches

It is important to have the correct hitch equipment. Crosswinds, large trucks going by, and rough roads are a few reasons why the right hitch is needed.

► The rear bumper on the vehicle is not intended for hitches.

Do not attach rental hitches or other bumper-type hitches to it. Use only a frame-mounted hitch that does not attach to the bumper.

► Will any holes be made in the body of the vehicle when the trailer hitch is installed? If so, then be sure to seal the holes when the hitch is removed. If the holes are not sealed, dirt, water, and deadly carbon monoxide (CO) from the exhaust may get into the vehicle. See Engine Exhaust .

Weight-Distributing Hitches and Weight Carrying Hitches

A. Body-to-Ground Distance
B. Front of Vehicle

When using a weight-distributing hitch, the hitch must be adjusted so that the distance (A) remains the same both before and after coupling the trailer to the tow vehicle.

Safety Chains

Always attach chains between the vehicle and the trailer. Cross the safety chains under the tongue of the trailer to help prevent the tongue from contacting the road if it becomes separated from the hitch.

Always leave just enough slack so the rig can turn. Never allow safety chains to drag on the ground.

Trailer Brakes

► loaded trailer that weighs more than 450 kg (1,000 lbs) needs to have its own brake system that is adequate for the weight of the trailer. Be sure to read and follow the instructions for the trailer brakes so they are installed, adjusted, and maintained properly.

Because the vehicle has antilock brakes, do not try to tap into the vehicle's hydraulic brake system.

If you do, both brake systems will not work well, or at all.

Trailer Wiring Harness

Basic Trailer Wiring

The trailer wiring harness, with a seven-pin connector, is located at the rear of the vehicle and is tied to the vehicle's frame. The harness connector can be plugged into a seven-pin universal heavy-duty trailer connector available through your dealer.

The seven-wire harness contains the following trailer circuits:

► Yellow: Left Stop/Turn Signal
► Dark Green: Right Stop/Turn Signal
► Brown: Taillamps
► Black: Ground
► Light Green: Back-up Lamps
► Red/Black: Battery Feed
► Dark Blue: Trailer Brake

*The fuse for this circuit is installed in the underhood electrical center, but the wires are not connected.

They should be connected by your dealer or a qualified service center.

If the back-up lamp circuit is not functional, contact your dealer.

If a remote (non-vehicle) battery is being charged, press the Tow/Haul mode switch located on the center console near the climate controls.

This will boost the vehicle system voltage and properly charge the battery. If the trailer is too light for Tow/Haul mode, turn on the headlamps (non-HID only) as a second way to boost the vehicle system and charge the battery.

Electric Trailer Brake Control Wiring Provisions

These wiring provisions for an electric trailer brake controller are included with the vehicle as part of the trailer wiring package.

The instrument panel contains blunt cut wires behind the steering column for the electric trailer brake controller. The harness contains the following wires:

► Red/Black: Power Supply
► White: Brake Switch Signal
► Gray: Illumination
► Dark Blue: Trailer Brake Signal
► Black: Ground

The electric trailer brake controller should be installed by your dealer or a qualified service center.