Driving with a Trailer
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
so
responsive as your vehicle is by itself.
Before you start, check the trailer hitch and platform,
safety chains, electrical connector, lights, 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.
Passing
During your trip, check occasionally to be sure that the
load is secure, and that the lights 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. 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
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.
lbrn Signals When Towing a Trailer
When you tow a trailer, your vehicle has to have a
different turn signal flasher and extra wiring. The green
arrows on your instrument panel will flash whenever
you signal a turn or lane change. Properly hooked up,
ProCarManuals.com
Part 9 Index
.
Ace (Ignition Key Position) ........................ 75
Accessory Power. Retained
......................... 76
Adding
Brake Fluid
.................................. 263
Coolant
..................................... 259
Electrical Equipment
...................... 140, 286
Engineoil
................................... 252
Power Steering Fluid
.......................... 261
Transaxle/Transmission Fluid
.................... 256
Windshield Washer Fluid
........................... 262
Additives, Engine Oil
............................. 254
Adjustment, Brake
............................... 175
Adult Safety Belt Usage
............................. 25
AirBag
.......................................... 34
Aircleaner
..................................... 255
Air Conditioner ............................. 132, 137
Air Outlets ..................................... 130
Air System
................................. 132, 137
Alcohol, Driving Under the Influence of
.............. 167
Alcohol
in Gasoline .............................. 243
Aluminum Wheels, Cleaning
....................... 283
AM Radio Reception ............................. 139 AM
Stereo Radio Reception
......................... 140
Antenna
....................................... 156
Antifreeze
...................................... 258
Antilock Brake System ........................... 172
Antilock Braking System Warning Light
.............. 120
Anti-TheftTips
................................... 71
Anti-Theft Feature, Delco LOC I1
.................... 153
Appearance Care
.................................. 278
Appearance Care and Materials
..................... 285
Armrest, Storage
................................ 113
Ashtrays
.. : ...................................... 115
Astroroof
...................................... 109
Audio Systems
.................................. 139
Automatic Air Conditioning System
................. 133
Automatic Door Locks
............................. 63
Automatic Mirror
................................ 106
Automatic Overdrive
.............................. 82
Automatic Pull-Down, Trunk
........................ 65
Automatic Transaxle
.............................. 80 I
Automatic Transaxle Fluid ......................... 256
Automatic Transaxle Torque Lock
................... 196
321
ProCarManuals.com
