General Information
Warning: Freightliner neither recommends nor approves connecting a trailer or other towed vehicle's braking system directly to the vehicle braking system. Freightliner also neither recommends nor approves tapping into the vehicle air brake system, nor operating a towed vehicle or trailer's braking system by means of the vehicle braking system. Failure to observe this warning could result in severe injury or death, or substantial property damage.
The towing vehicle's brake system is rated for operation at the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and does not include the towed weight. Separate functional brake systems and chocks must be used for safe control and parking of towed vehicles and trailers weighing more than 1500 lbs (681 kg).
Do not tow unbraked vehicles if the combined weight of both vehicles is more than the sum of the Gross Axle Weight Ratings (GAWR) of the towing vehicle. Otherwise brake capacity will be inadequate, which could result in personal injury or death.
- Never load the vehicle over the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). Considerable damage to the drivetrain may result if the vehicle is over its GVWR. Check the GVWR safety compliance certification label (provided by the final manufacturer) to find the GVWR.
- Use the Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) and Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) to determine the towing capacity. Refer to the final manufacturer for GCWR. If the GCWR is exceeded, serious damage to the drivetrain and brake system may result. Loading past the GCWR may lead to unsafe operating and braking conditions.
- Subtract the GVW (which is the actual weight of the vehicle alone) from the GCWR (which is the total weight this vehicle can safely pull) to determine the acceptable weight this vehicle can tow.
- Make sure that the towing equipment is properly and safely attached to your vehicle.
- When descending a steep grade, shift the transmission into the next lower gear or use the exhaust brake to provide additional engine braking.
- To avoid vehicle damage and handling difficulty, evenly distribute the trailer load. Always tie the load down securely.
Important: An auxiliary braking system is strongly recommended when towing. Follow your state's motor vehicle regulations and the body builder's recommendations to determine if an auxiliary system is required for towing.
Note: In a high-altitude operating environment, your engine will lose power at the rate of 1 percent per 1000 feet (305 meters) of elevation. For these high-altitude operating conditions, a reduction in gross vehicle weights and gross combination weights is recommended and will result in improved vehicle performance.