Filter
Top Products
Driving with a Trailer
Towing a trailer requires a certain amount of experience.
Before setting out for the open road, you’ll want
to
get
to
know your rig. Acquaint yourself with the feel
of
handling and braking with the added weight
of
the
trailer. And always keep in mind that the vehicle you are
driving is now a good deal longer and not nearly as
responsive as your vehicle is by itself.
Before you start, check the trailer hitch and platform
(and attachments), safety chains, electrical connector,
lamps, tires and mirror adjustment.
If
the trailer has
electric brakes, start your vehicle and trailer moving and
then apply the trailer brake controller by hand to be sure
the brakes are working. This lets you check your
electrical connection at the same time.
During
your
trip, check occasionally to be sure that the
load
is
secure, and that the lamps and any trailer brakes
are still working.
Following Distance
Stay at least twice
as
far behind the vehicle ahead
as
you
would when driving your vehicle without a trailer.
This
can help you avoid situations that require heavy braking
and sudden turns.
Passing
You’ll need
mofe
passing distance up ahead when
you’re towing a trailer. And, because you’re a good
deal longer, you’ll need
to
go much farther beyond the
passed vehicle before you can return to your lane.
Backing
Up
Hold the bottom of the steering wheel with one hand.
Then, to move the trailer
to
the left, just move that hand
to
the left.
To
move the trailer to the right, move your
hand to the right. Always back up slowly and, if
possible, have someone guide
you.
4-37