Driving
with
a
m
+er
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.
FoIlowing
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
NOTICE:
Making very sharp turns while trailering could
cause the trailer to come
in
contact with the
vehicle.
Your
vehicle coul’d 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.
4-36
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