Driving
8-6 2022 Interstate 24X
Towing a Trailer
There are many different laws, including speed limit
restrictions, having to do with trailer towing� Make sure
that your vehicle-trailer combination will be legal not
only for where you reside, but also for where you’ll
be driving� A good source for this information can
be the State Attorney General, State Police, or local
authorities�
Before you start driving with a trailer, check the trailer’s
hitch, breakaway switch, safety chains, electrical
connections, lighting, and tires� Also, adjust the mirrors
to permit an unobstructed view beyond the rear of the
trailer�
If the trailer has brakes using an electric brake
controller, start your vehicle and trailer moving slowly,
and then apply the brakes manually using the brake
controller to be sure the brakes are working properly�
Read and follow the controller manufacturer’s
recommendations�
When towing a trailer, check occasionally to be sure
the load is secure, and lighting and trailer brakes (if
so equipped) are functioning properly� Always secure
items in the trailer to prevent load shifts while driving�
Take into consideration that when towing a trailer, the
handling characteristics are different and less stable
from those when operating the vehicle without a trailer�
It is important to avoid sudden maneuvers�
The vehicle and trailer combination is heavier, and
therefore is limited in acceleration ability and requires
longer stopping distances� It is more prone to reacting
to side wind gusts, and requires more sensitive
steering input�
In order to gain skill and an understanding of the
vehicle’s behavior, you should practice turning,
stopping and backing up in an area which is free from
trafc.
If possible, do not brake abruptly, but rather engage
the brake slightly at rst to permit trailer to activate its
brake� Then increase the braking force�
We want every owner to be a safe and courteous
driver� A few hours of towing practice in a large empty
parking lot will make pulling your trailer over the road
much easier� Line out two corners for left and right
turns� You may also use these corners to practice
backing and parking�
Tracking
During practice, observe that the tracks made by the
trailer wheels are distinctly different from those made
by the tow vehicle� Studying this will make it easier for
you to correct mistakes� Consider truck- or trailer-type
fender or door grip rear view mirrors for maximum
visibility� In most states, the law requires them�
After thoroughly inspecting your hitch, brakes, and
tires, you should be ready to tow. Check trafc, signal
that you are about to pull away, and start slowly� Look
often in your mirrors, observe the action of the trailer,
and then carefully move into the proper lane of trafc.
Remember that the trailer wheels will not follow the
path of the tow vehicle wheels; therefore, wider turns
are necessary when turning to the left or right�
On freeways or expressways, try to pick the lane
you want and stay in it� Always maintain plenty of
space between you and the car ahead, at least the
length of the tow vehicle plus trailer for every 10 mph�
Remember that in order to pass another vehicle, you
will need longer to accelerate� You must also allow for
the length of the trailer when returning to the right hand
lane� On a two-lane road cars may be lining up behind
you because you are traveling at a lower speed� It is
both courteous and sensible to signal and pull over at
the earliest safe opportunity and let them pass�
WARNING
Take into consideration that when towing a trailer,
the handling characteristics are different and
less stable from those with operating the vehicle
without a trailer. It is important to avoid sudden
maneuvers. Sudden maneuvers may lead to loss of
control over the vehicle-trailer combination.
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