Driving your vehicle
6-84
Trailer brakes
If your trailer is equipped with a braking
system, make sure it conforms to
your country’s regulations and that
it is properly installed and operating
correctly.
If your trailer weighs more than the
maximum trailer weight without trailer
brakes loaded, then it needs its own
brakes and they must be adequate.
Be sure to read and follow the
instructions for the trailer brakes so you’ll
be able to install, adjust and maintain
them properly. Be sure not to modify
your vehicle’s brake system.
WARNING
Do not use a trailer with its own brakes
unless you are absolutely certain that
you have properly set up the brake
system. This is not a task for amateurs.
Use an experienced, competent trailer
shop for this work.
Driving with a trailer
Towing a trailer requires a certain
amount of experience. Before setting
out for the open road, you must get to
know your trailer. 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 longer and not nearly as
responsive as your vehicle is by itself.
Before you start, check the trailer hitch
and platform, safety chains, electrical
connector(s), lights, tires and brakes.
During your trip, occasionally check
to be sure that the load is secure, and
that the lights and trailer brakes are still
working.
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 will need more passing distance up
ahead when you’re towing a trailer. And,
because of the increased vehicle length,
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, move your 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.
006_OS_ENG.indd 6-84 2021-01-05 10:31:34
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