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 biakes, start
your yehicle 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 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 turris.
.
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 mo.ve 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.
Turn 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,
199
Acc (Ignition Key Position) ........................ 74
Adding Brake Fluid
.................................. 262
Coolant
.............................. 2 19.222. 257
Electrical Equipment
.......................... 287
Engineoil
................................... 249
Power Steering Fluid
.......................... 260
Transmission Fluid ............................ 254
Windshield Washer Fluid
....................... 261
Additives, Engine Oil
............................. 251
Adjustment, Brake
............................... 169
Adult Safety Belt Usage
............................ 27
AirBag
.......................................... 35
Aircleaner
...................................... 253
Air Conditioner
............................. 127, 132
Air Outlets
..................................... 126
Alcohol, Driving Under the Influence of
.............. 160
Alcohol in Gasoline ..................... ........ 243
Aluminum Wheels, Cleaning
....................... 284
AM Radio Reception
............................. 134
AM Stereo Radio Reception
....................... 135
Antenna Care
................................... 149
Antifreeze
...................................... 257
Antilock Brakes
.................................. 166
Antilock Brake System Warning Light
........... 121, 166
...
Part 9 Index
Anti-Theft Tips ................................... 72
Anti-Theft Feature. Delco
LOC I1 ..................... 147
Appearance Care
................................ 249
Appearance Care and Materials
..................... 286
Armrest. Storage
................................ 112
Ashtrays ........................................ 110
Assist Handles
.............................. 102. 113
Audio Systems
.................................. 134
Automatic Air Conditioning System
................. 129
Automatic Door Locks
............................. 64
Automatic Overdrive
.............................. 79
Automatic Pull-Down Feature
....................... 65
Automatic Transmission
........................... 78
Automatic Transmission Fluid
...................... 254
Automatic Transmission Torque Lock
................ 190
Axle. Rear
..................................... 256
Baby. Holding a
................................. 46
Battery
........................................ 264
Battery Cables. Starting With
....................... 206
Battery Warning Light ............................ 118
Blizzard. If You’re Caught In A
..................... 193
BloodAlcoholLevel
............................. 162
“Blowout”. Tire
................................. 224
