Driving with a Trailer
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If
you have a rear-most window open and you
pull a trailer with your vehicle, carbon monoxide
(CO)
could come into your vehicle. You can’t see
or smell
CO.
It can cause unconsciousness or
death. (See “Engine Exhaust” in the Index.)
To
maximize your safety when towing a trailer:
Have your exhaust system inspected for
leaks, and make necessary repairs before
starting on your trip.
Keep the rear-most windows closed.
If
exhaust does come into your vehicle
through a window in the rear or another
opening, drive with your front, main
heating or cooling system
on
and with the
fan on any speed. This will bring fresh,
outside air into your vehicle.
Do
not use
MAX
A/C because it only recirculates the
air inside your vehicle. (See
“
Comfort
Controls”
in
the Index.)
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.
4-49
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