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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 more 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.
Making Turns
I
NOTICE:
Making very sharp turns while trailering could cause the trailer
to come in contact with the vehicle. Your vehicle could be
damaged. Avoid making very sharp turns while trailering.
When you’re turning with a trailer, make wider turns than normal.
Do
this
so
your
trailer won’t strike soft shoulders, curbs, road signs, trees, or other
objects. Avoid jerky or sudden maneuvers. Signal well in advance.
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