5-2
5.2 EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT
CHECK LIST
Use this list as a guide to identify the minimum
amount of emergency or safety equipment. Take
more as appropriate for your travel or personal
needs.
1. First Aid Kit
2. Emergency Flares
3. Tool Box and Tools
4. Plastic Bucket
5. Tow Rope or Chain
6. Wheel Blocks or Jacks
7. Water Hose
8. Electrical Cord Extension (100-150 ft./mini-
mum 3 wire/30 amp)
9. Fire Extinguisher
10. Hydraulic Jack and Lug Wrench (Jack not
supplied)
11. Spare Tire
5.3 DRIVING
1. To The New Driver:
For people that have never towed a trailer
before, it is recommended that they slowly
drive to a large open area (field, parking lot,
etc.) and practice driving. Practice starting,
stopping, turning and backing-up. A vehicle
handles much differently with a trailer attached.
A trailer substantially changes the power to
weight ratio of the total unit and affect the
accelerating/decelerating characteristics. Try
starting and stopping several times at a slow
speed to get the feel of the new characteris-
tics.
Turn both to the right and left to get the feel of
the new handling characteristics. Learn to use
both side mirrors to monitor what is happening
behind you. Use the center line, road edge or
the road lanes as a reference.
Practice backing-up with no obstacles around.
Be sure to use both side mirrors to monitor
your progress.
Practice driving on the open road when there
is minimal traffic. Use slow speed during the
learning process. Increase the speed only
when you feel comfortable with the vehicle and
the new handling characteristics.
TOPAZ
Do not allow a new or inexperienced driver to
operate the vehicle without practising in an
open area.
2. Handling:
A trailer attached to a tow vehicle substantially
changes the weight to power ratio of the tow
vehicle. As a result the unit accelerates and
decelerates at a slower rate than it previously
did. You will have to allow a longer open
space when passing another vehicle and leave
more space between you and the vehicle
ahead to allow for safe stopping. Allow more
space when passing to prevent the trailer from
hitting the passed vehicle.
When going underneath a bridge or similar
overhang, be sure you have sufficient clear-
ance. Check the trailer specification to deter-
mine its height. Measure if you have any
doubts. There should always be at least 6
inches of clearance.
With a little practice you will become accus-
tomed to the handling characteristics and feel
as comfortable towing the trailer as driving the
tow vehicle alone.
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