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Driving Characteristics and Trailering Tips

Driving Characteristics and Trailering Tips

WARNING: When towing a trailer, you can lose control of the vehicle if the proper equipment is not used, the trailer is not loaded correctly, or the vehicle is not driven properly. You and others could be seriously or even fatally injured.

CAUTION: Towing a trailer improperly can cause severe damage the vehicle, and the repairs are not covered by the warranty.

Driving with a trailer

WARNING: Do not drive over 62 mph (100 km/h) when towing. Exceeding this speed could cause loss of vehicle control.

When towing:

  • Familiarize yourself with and obey all state and local laws that apply to trailer towing. These requirements vary from state to state.

  • State laws may require the use of extended side view mirrors. Even if not required, you should install extended side view mirrors if your visibility is limited or restricted while towing.

  • Adhere to local speed and weight requirements.

  • The rear tire pressure must be increased at least 20 kPa (0.2 bar) over the standard recommended pressure before driving. See Maintaining Tire Pressures.

  • Before driving with a trailer, ensure correct installation and connection of the trailer's electronic connector to the vehicle, and ensure that the Trailer Mode indicator is illuminated on the Driver Display.

  • Do not drive over 62 mph (100 km/h).

Towing affects the handling, acceleration, braking, durability, and energy economy of your vehicle. To get accustomed to these changes, practice driving on a level road surface before driving on public roads.

The trailer structure, the tires, and the brakes must all be rated to carry the intended cargo. Inadequate trailer equipment can cause the combination to operate in an unexpected or unsafe manner.

Before driving, inspect all trailer hitch parts and attachments, safety chains, electrical connectors, lamps, tires, and mirrors.

During the trip, occasionally check that the cargo and trailer are secure and that the lamps are working.

Trailering with Electronic Stability Control (ESC)

When trailering, the ESC system may activate, which is normal. See Electronic Stability Control (ESC). This system reacts when the trailer affects vehicle movement (such as when cornering).

Following distance

To avoid heavy braking or sudden steering corrections, stay at least twice as far behind the vehicle ahead of you as you would when driving without a trailer.

Driving on downhill grades

Before starting down a long or steep downhill grade, reduce your speed. If the brakes have to work too hard to slow the vehicle and the additional trailer weight, they may overheat and result in reduced braking efficiency.

Turning

CAUTION: When towing a trailer, turn more slowly and make wider arcs. Making sharp, sudden turns could cause the trailer to contact the vehicle, resulting in damage that would not be covered under the warranty.

  • Use your turn signals earlier than usual to alert other drivers.

  • Make slower, wider turns than normal when towing. The outside edge of the trailer has to clear all curbside hazards while turning (e.g., street signs, mailboxes, trees).

  • Avoid sudden braking or steering movements.

Passing

  • Avoid passing on steep upgrades or downgrades whenever possible; passing on level roads is safer and less prone to trailer sway.

  • Use your turn signals earlier than usual to alert other drivers.

  • Remember that your vehicle will not accelerate as quickly because it is pulling extra weight.

  • More passing distance is needed due to the additional length of the trailer.

  • After you have passed a vehicle, make sure you allow for the extra length of the trailer before returning to the lane.

Backing up

CAUTION: Avoid exaggerated turns, as this can jackknife the trailer and cause damage to your vehicle, which would not be covered by the warranty.

  • Always back up slowly.

  • When you steer your vehicle in R (Reverse), the trailer moves in the opposite direction. Holding the steering wheel at the bottom with one hand can help you to visualize which way the trailer will move. Move that hand to the left to steer the trailer to the left. Move that hand to the right to steer the trailer to the right.

  • Longer trailers are less sensitive to steering adjustments than shorter trailers, and can require wider turns.

  • Use your mirrors and perform visual checks throughout your maneuvers to avoid collisions. Installing extended side view mirrors can help increase visibility of your surroundings. If possible, have another person guide you.

  • To correct excessive turns, steer the vehicle the same way the trailer is moving, or pull forward in D (Drive) and try again.

Parking on slopes and hills

When parking a vehicle with an attached trailer, it is recommended to park on a level surface whenever possible.

If you must park on a hill or slope:

  1. Press and hold the brake pedal, then curb your wheels accordingly: turn towards the curb if facing downhill, or turn towards traffic if facing uphill.

  2. Have another person chock the trailer wheels while you continue to hold the brake pedal.

  3. Gradually release the brake pedal to allow the chocks to absorb the load of the trailer.

  4. Press the brake pedal again and shift into P (Park), then apply the Electronic Parking Brake (EPB).

  5. Release the brake pedal.

To leave the parking space:

  1. With the vehicle powered On, press and hold the brake pedal.

  2. Shift into D (Drive) and release the EPB.

  3. Release the brake pedal and drive forward slowly until the trailer is clear of the chocks.

  4. Use the brake pedal to stop the vehicle, and have another person collect the chocks.

Handling trailer sway

If you notice the trailer beginning to sway or “fishtail” while driving:

  1. Immediately release the accelerator pedal, but DO NOT APPLY THE BRAKE PEDAL.

  2. Hold the steering wheel straight in your lane. Attempting to correct the sway by steering will only make it worse.

  3. Allow your vehicle to slow down on its own. If Cruise Control is engaged, disengage it. See Canceling and resuming cruising.

  4. Once you have regained control, pull over to a safe area.

  5. Check any cargo in the trailer to see if it needs to be secured or redistributed.

  6. If you begin driving again, maintain a slower speed. Stay at least 10 mph (16 km/h) under the speed at which you noticed the trailer sway starting.

  7. Have your hitch inspected by Fisker to ensure it is not defective. Replace it if necessary.

Some common causes of trailer sway include:

  • Wind gusts (weather-related or from passing high-profile vehicles)

  • Poor driving conditions (e.g.,uneven or slippery road surfaces)

  • Excessive speed

  • Low tire pressure. See Maintaining Tire Pressures.

Maintenance when towing

The vehicle needs service more often when used to tow trailers. Contact Fisker via the Fisker App for information and advice on maintenance for vehicles that frequently pull trailers.

Check periodically to see that all fasteners on the trailer hitch are tight.

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