Towing a trailer increases the stresses on the vehicle's transmission and engine. The additional weight of the trailer slows your acceleration and reduces your breaking. To increase the vehicle's power while towing, turn off the vehicle's overdrive. This process disengages the top gear in the vehicle's transmission, causing the engine to run at higher revolutions per minute (RPM). The higher RPM increases the vehicle's power but also often causes the car to consume more fuel.
Determine the tow vehicle's maximum towing capacity by looking in its owner's manual. The weight of the trailer, plus its cargo, must be less than this rating for a safe trip.
Lower the trailer's coupler onto the vehicle's hitch and lock in place by locking the latch with a hitch pin.
Connect the trailer's right chain to the left side of the vehicle's hitch and the left chain to the right side.
Push the trailer's electrical connector into the vehicle's receiver. Test that the trailer's lights respond to the vehicle's commands as expected.
Turn off the vehicle's overdrive by pushing the button on the end of the steering wheel-mounted transmission selector. The switch also may be located near the center console. If you are having difficulty locating the switch to turn off the overdrive, consult your owner's manual for its exact location.
Confirm the overdrive is off by looking on the dashboard for an indicator light.
Drive slower than normal to compensate for the reduced performance of the vehicle. Allow yourself additional breaking room and take corners wider while maintaining your lane.
