2007 Suzuki XL7 Owner's Manual - Page 178

DRIVING YOUR VEHICLE the ground. It can be towed with car carrier equipment. Towing a Trailer WARNING If you do not use the correct equipment and drive properly, you can lose control when you pull a trailer. For example, if the trailer is too heavy, the brakes may not work well - or even at all. You and your passengers could be seriously injured. Pull a trailer only if you have followed all the steps in this section. Ask your dealer for advice and information about towing a trailer with your vehicle. cessful, safe trailering takes correct equipment, and it has to be used properly. That is the reason for this section. In it are many time-tested, important trailering tips and safety rules. Many of these are important for your safety and that of your passengers. So please read this section carefully before you pull a trailer. If You Do Decide To Pull A Trailer If you do, here are some important points: • There are many different laws, including speed limit restrictions, having to do with trailering. Make sure your rig will be legal, not only where you live but also where you will be driving. A good source for this information can be state or provincial police. • Consider using a sway control. Refer to "Hitches" later in this section. • Do not tow a trailer at all during the first 500 miles (800 km) your new vehicle is driven. Your engine, axle or other parts could be damaged. • During the first 500 miles (800 km) that you tow a trailer, do not drive over 50 mph (80 km/h) and do not make starts at full throttle. This helps your engine and other parts of your vehicle wear in at the heavier loads. Level Control Your vehicle may have this feature. This self-adjusting type of level control is fully automatic and will provide a better leveled riding position as well as better handling under a variety of passenger and loading conditions. The system is activated when sufficient weight is added to the vehicle, and will automatically adjust vehicle height thereafter. A hydraulic pump inside each rear shock absorber raises the rear of the vehicle to the proper height, based on inputs from the road surface, while the vehicle is being driven. It takes approximately two miles (3.2 km) of driving for the leveling to complete, depending on the road surface conditions. If the loaded vehicle is not moved for approximately twelve hours, the leveling system may bleed down to a lower height. This can be especially apparent if a trailer is left attached to a parked vehicle for long periods of time. The vehicle must be driven to re-level the vehicle. If a self-equalizing hitch is being used, the vehicle should be driven approximately two miles (3.2 km) with the trailer prior to adjusting (leveling) the hitch. CAUTION Pulling a trailer improperly can damage your vehicle and result in costly repairs that would not be covered by your warranty. Always follow the instructions in this section and check with your dealer for more information about towing a trailer with your vehicle. To identify the trailering capacity of your vehicle, you should read the information in "Weight of the Trailer" that appears later in this section. Trailering is different than just driving your vehicle by itself. Trailering means changes in handling, acceleration, braking, durability, and fuel economy. Suc- 4-21