Towing

• Verify that your Mazda maintains a near-normal level ride when a loaded or unloaded trailer is connected. Do not drive if it has an abnormal front-up or front-down position. Inspect for incorrect tongue load, worn suspension parts, and trailer overloading.

• Make sure the trailer is properly loaded and the cargo is secure to prevent it from shifting.

• Make sure the mirrors conform to all government regulations. If they do not, install required rear view mirrors appropriate for towing purposes.

Trailer towing-load table

Because vehicle weights vary, adjustments must be made to meet the requirements in this table.

(U.S.A. and Canada)

TTW and GCWR

The total trailer weight (TTW), gross combination weight rating (GCWR), gross axle weight rating (GAWR), trailer load, and trailer tongue load must be within the prescribed limits.

• The total trailer weight (TTW) is the sum of the weights of the trailer load (trailer weight plus cargo). Never allow the total trailer weight (TTW) to exceed specifications in the Trailer towing-load table.

• The maximum GCWR is the combination weight of the trailer and load plus the towing vehicle (including trailer hitch, vehicle passengers, and load). It must not exceed the specifications in the load table.

GAWR and GVWR

Do not exceed front and rear GAWR (gross axle weight rating) and GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating). If you do, vehicle handling, braking, and performance will be affected. These values are also on the Motor Vehicle Safety Standard Label posted on the driver's door frame.

Trailer frontal area table

Frontal area is the total area that a moving vehicle and trailer exposes to air resistance. Exceeding this limit may reduce the performance of your towing vehicle.

(U.S.A. and Canada)

Before driving

• Have your cooling and braking system checked by an Authorized Mazda Dealer.

• Before starting out, inspect the operation of all vehicle and trailer lights and all vehicle-to-trailer connections. Stop and re-inspect all lights and connections after driving a short distance.

Trailer hitch

Use only a hitch ball recommended by the trailer manufacturer that conforms to the gross trailer weight requirement.

When not towing a trailer, remove the trailer hitch (if detachable) to reduce the possibility of damage as a result of the vehicle being rear-ended.

Tires

• When towing a trailer, make sure that the tire pressures of the rear tires are at 20 kPa (0.2 bar, 2.9 psi) higher than the recommended tire pressures indicated on the tire pressure chart on the driver's door frame.

  Trailer tire size, load rating, and inflation pressures should conform to tire manufacturer specifications.

• Do not exceed 100 km/h (62 mph) with a trailer in tow. If the local legal maximum speed with a trailer in tow is less than 100 km/h (62 mph), do not exceed the legal speed.

Safety chains

Safety chains must be used as a precautionary measure should the trailer become unintentionally unhitched. They should cross under the trailer tongue and attach to the hitch. Leave enough slack to allow full turns. Consult literature published by your trailer or hitch manufacturer for more details.

Trailer lights

Trailer lights must comply with all federal, state, and local regulations. Equip your trailer as required before towing it day or night.

Trailer brakes

If the total trailer weight exceeds 450 kg (1,000 lb), trailer brakes are required. If your trailer has brakes, make sure they comply with all federal, state, and local regulations.

Driving

• Your Mazda will handle differently with a trailer in tow, so practice turning, backing, and stopping in a traffic-free area.

• Take time to get accustomed to the extra weight and length.

• Allow more room between your vehicle and the one in front because braking distance increases with a trailer. For each 16 km/h (10 mph) of speed, allow at least one vehicle and trailer length between your Mazda and the vehicle ahead.

• Avoid jerky starts or sudden acceleration.

• Avoid sudden braking. It may cause loss of control and result in jackknifing, especially so on wet or slippery roads.

• Shift the selector lever to the D position when towing a trailer in hilly terrain or when heavily loaded.

The D position will allow operating the vehicle without frequent shifting.

Lane changes and turning

Avoid quick lane changes, sudden turns, and tight turns. Slow down before turning to avoid the need of sudden braking.

A turning trailer will make a tighter arc than the tow vehicle. Compensate with turns that are larger than normal.

Passing

Plan well ahead to pass other vehicles, and provide plenty of room before changing lanes. Crosswinds from passing vehicles, especially larger ones, and the effects of rough roads will affect handling.

If swaying occurs, firmly grip the steering wheel and reduce speed immediately, but gradually.

Steer straight ahead. If no extreme correction of steering or braking is made, the combination of less speed and firm steering will result in stability.

Backing up

Backing a vehicle with a trailer requires practice and patience. Back slowly, and have a helper outside at the rear of the trailer to reduce the risk of an accident.

To turn the trailer, place your hand at the bottom of the steering wheel and turn it in the direction you want the trailer to go. Make only slight movements to prevent sharp or prolonged turning.

Ascending a hill

Shift into a lower gear to reduce the possibility of overloading or overheating the engine, or both.

Descending a hill

Shift into a lower gear and use engine compression as a braking effect.

Parking

Always make sure the tires of the trailer and the tow vehicle are blocked while parked.

Apply the parking brake firmly and put the transmission in P.

Avoid parking on an incline, but if you must, follow these instructions:

1. Depress and hold down the brake pedal.

2. Have a helper put wheel blocks against the downhill side of all vehicle and trailer tires.

3. Then release the brake pedal slowly until the blocks bear the load.

   • If the grade is downhill, turn the steering wheel so that the front of the front tires face the curb.

   • If it is uphill, face the rear of the front tires against the curb.

4. Firmly apply the parking brake.

5. Shift the transmission into P, and stop the engine.

To restart after parking on an incline:

1. With the transmission in P, start the engine. (Be sure to depress and hold the brake pedal.)

2. Shift into gear.

3. Release the parking brake (also the foot brake) and pull away from the wheel blocks. Stop; apply the parking brake and shift into P.

4. Have a helper retrieve the wheel blocks.

Maintenance

If you tow a trailer frequently, have your vehicle serviced as shown in Scheduled Maintenance (Search).

Recreational Towing

An example of "recreational towing" is towing your vehicle behind a motorhome.

The transmission is not designed for towing this vehicle on all 4 wheels.

When doing recreational towing refer to "Having the Vehicle Towed" (Search) and "Using the Towing Hooks" (Search) and carefully follow the instructions.