You
should always attach chains between your vehicle
and your trailer. Cross the safety chains under the tongue
of the trailer
so
that the tongue will not drop to
the
road
if it becomes separated from the
hitch.
Instructions
about safety chains may be provided by the hitch
manufacturer or by
the
trailer manufacturer. Follow the
manufacturer’s recommendation
for
attaching safety
chains and do
not
attach them
to
the
bumper. Always
leave just enough slack
so
you can
turn
with your rig.
And, never allow safety chains to drag
on
the ground.
Because you have anti-lock brakes, don’t
try
to tap into
your vehicle’s hydraulic brake system.
If
you
do,
both
brake systems won’t work well, or at all.
Be
sure
to read and follow the instructions for the trailer
brakes
so
you’ll
be
able to install, adjust and maintain
them properly.
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.
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.
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.
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