1993 CADILLAC FLEETWOOD Owners Manual

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If you’re using a “dead-weight” hitch, the trailer tongue (A) should
weigh
10% of the total loaded trailer weight (B). If you have a
“weight-distributing” hitch, the trailer tongue
(A) should weigh
12% of the total loaded trailer weight (B).
If your vehicle
is equipped to tow up to 7,000 pounds (3178 kg), and
you should use a “dead-weight” hitch, the trailer tongue
(A) should
weigh
10% of the total loaded trailer weight (B). Or, if you have a
“weight-distributing” hitch, the trailer tongue
(A) should weigh
12% of the total loaded trailer weight (B).
After you’ve loaded your trailer, weigh the trailer and then the
tongue, separately, to see
if the weights are proper. If they aren’t,
you may be able to get them right simply by moving some items
around in the trailer.
3. Total Weight on Your Vehicle’s Tires
Be sure your vehicle’s tires are inflated to the limit for cold tires.
You’ll find these numbers on the Certification label at the rear edge
of the driver’s door (or see “Tire Loading” in the Index). Then be
sure you don’t go over the
GVW limit for your vehicle.
- Hitches
It’s important to have the correct hitch equipment. Crosswinds, large
trucks going by, and rough roads are a
few reasons why you’ll need the
- right hitch. Here are some rules to follow:
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If you’ll be pulling a trailer that, when loaded, will weigh more than
2,000 pounds (900 kg), be sure to use a properly mounted,
weight-distributing hitch and sway control of the proper size. This
equipment is
very important for proper vehicle loading and good
handling when you’re driving.
Will you have to make any holes
in the body of your vehicle when you
install a trailer hitch? If you do, then be sure to seal the holes later
when you remove the hitch. If you don’t seal them, deadly carbon
monoxide (CO) from your exhaust can get into your vehicle (see
Index under “Carbon Monoxide”). Dirt and water can, too.
Don’t let the steel in a hitch contact the aluminum on your bumper. If
you do, the
two will corrode. You can use something like paint or
plastic tape to separate the steel and aluminum. The same steel to
aluminum problem can happen with fasteners,
too.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Safety Chains
You should always attach chains between your vehicle and your trailer.
Cross the safety chains under the tongue
of the trailer so that the tongue
will not drop to the road if it becomes separated from the hitch.
Instructions about safety chains may be provided by the hitch
manufacturer or by the trailer manufacturer. Follow the manufacturer’s
recommendation for attaching safety chains. Always leave just enough
slack
so you can turn with your rig. And, never allow safety chains to drag
on the ground.
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Trailer Brakes
If your trailer weighs more than 1,000 pounds (450 kg) loaded, then it
needs its
own brakes -- and they must be adequate. Be sure to read and
follow the instructions for the trailer brakes
so you’ll be able to install,
adjust and maintain them properly.
Because
you have anti-lock brakes, don’t try to tap into your vehicle’s
brake system. If you do, both brake systems won’t work well, or at all.
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.
During your trip, check occasionally to be sure that the load
is secure,
and that the lights and any trailer brakes are still working.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine - 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.
Passing
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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.
1urn 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, the
trailer lights will also flash, telling other drivers you’re about to turn, -
- change lanes or stop.
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When towing a trailer, the green arrows on your instrument panel will
flash for turns even
if the bulbs on the trailer are burned out. Thus, you
may think drivers behind you are seeing your signal when they are not.
It’s important to check occasionally to be sure the trailer bulbs are still
working. p__-_.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Driving On Grades
Reduce speed and shift to a lower gear before you start down a long or
steep downgrade. If you don’t shift down, you might have to use your
brakes
so much that they would get hot and no longer work well.
On a long uphill grade, shift down and reduce your speed to around 45
mph (70 kmih) to reduce the possibility of engine and transmission
overheating.
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and you have an automatic transmission with Overdrive, you may prefer
to drive in
“D” instead of Overdrive
Parking on Hills
You really should not park your vehicle, with a trailer attached, on a hill. -
If something goes wrong, your rig could start to move. People can be
injured, and both your vehicle and the trailer can be damaged. <-
But if you ever have to park your rig on a hill, here’s how to do it:
1. Apply your regular brakes, but don’t shift into “P” (Park) yet.
2. Have someone place chocks under the trailer wheels.
3. When the wheel chocks are in place, release the regular brakes until
4. Reapply the regular brakes. Then shift into “P” (Park) firmly and
apply your parking brake.
5. Release the regular brakes.
the
chocks absorb the load.
When You Are Ready to Leave After Parking on a Hill
1. Apply your regular brakes and hold the pedal down while you:
Start your engine;
Shift into a gear; and
0 Be sure the parking brake has released.
2. Let up on the brake pedal.
3. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of the chocks.
4.
Stop and have someone pick up and store the chocks.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine - Maintenance when Trailer Towing
Your vehicle will need service more often when you’re pulling a trailer.
See the Maintenance Schedule for more on this. Things that are
(don’t overfill), engine oil, axle lubricant, belt, cooling system, and brake
adjustment. Each
of these is covered in this manual, and the Index will
__- help you find them quickly. If you’re trailering, it’s a good idea to review
these sections before you start your trip.
Check periodically to see that all hitch nuts and bolts are tight.
rc-.- especially important in trailer operation are automatic transmission fluid
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PROBLEMS ON THE ROAD n
Here you'll find what to do about some problems that can occur on the
road.
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- Your hazard warning flashers let you warn others. They also let police
know you have a problem. Your front and rear turn signal lights will flash
on and
off.
Press the button in to
make your front and
rear turn signal lights
flash on and
off.
Your hazard warning flashers work no matter what position your key is in,
and even if the key isn’t in.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine a
To turn off the
flashers, pull out
on
the collar. When the
hazard warning
flashers are on, your
turn signals won’t
work.
OTHER WmING DEVTCES
If you carry reflective triangles, you can set one up at the side of the road
about
300 feet (100 m) behind your vehicle.
JUMP STARTING
If your battery has run down, you may want to use another vehicle and
some jumper cables to start your Cadillac. But please follow the steps
below to do it safely.
A CAUTION:
Batteries can hurt you. They can be dangerous because:
They contain acid that can burn you.
0 They contain that can explode or ignite.
0 They contain enough electricity to burn you.
If you don’t follow these steps exactly, some or all of these things
can hurt you.
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