2007 Suzuki XL7 Owner's Manual - Page 180

DRIVING YOUR VEHICLE • Will you have to make any holes in the body of your vehicle when you install a trailer hitch? If you do, remember to seal the holes when you remove the hitch. If you do not seal them, deadly carbon monoxide (CO) from your exhaust can get into your vehicle. Refer to "Engine Exhaust" in "Starting and Operating Your Vehicle" in the "Features and Controls" section. Dirt and water can, too. Safety Chains You should always attach chains between your vehicle and your 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. Instructions about safety chains may be provided by the hitch manufacturer or by the trailer manufacturer. Follow the manufacturer's recommendation for attaching safety chains and do not attach them to the bumper. Always leave just enough slack so you can turn with your rig. Never allow safety chains to drag on the ground. Trailer Brakes If your trailer weighs more than 1000 lbs (450 kg) loaded, then it needs its own brakes, and they must be adequate. Be sure to read and follow the instructions for the trailer brakes so you will be able to install, adjust and maintain them properly. Because your vehicle has anti-lock brakes, do not try to tap into your vehicle's brake system. If you do, both brake systems will not work well, or at all. Driving with a Trailer WARNING If you have the liftgate open and you pull a trailer with your vehicle, carbon monoxide (CO) could come into your vehicle. You cannot see or smell CO. It can cause unconsciousness or death. Refer to "Engine Exhaust" in "Starting and Operating Your Vehicle" in the "Features and Controls" section. To maximize your safety when towing a trailer: • Have your exhaust system inspected for leaks, and make necessary repairs before starting on your trip. • Keep the liftgate closed. • If exhaust does come into your vehicle through a window in the rear or another opening, drive with your front, main heating or cooling system on and with the fan on any speed. This will bring fresh, outside air into your vehicle. Do not use the climate control setting for maximum air because it only recirculates the air inside your vehicle. Refer to "Automatic Climate Control System" in "Climate Controls" in the "Instrument Panel" section. Towing a trailer requires a certain amount of experience. Before setting out for the open road, you will want to get to know 4-23