the trailer brakes so you’ll be able to install, adjust and
maintain them properly. Because you have anti-lock
brakes, do not try
to tap into you 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.
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
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.
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Part 9 INDEX
Accessory Power . Retained ........................ 81
Adding
Brake Fluid
.................................. 252
Electrical Equipment
...................... 14 1. 276
Engine Coolant
............................... 247
Engineoil
................................... 238
Power Steering Fluid
.......................... 250
Transaxle Fluid
............................... 244
Windshield Waher Fluid
....................... 251
Air Bag (Supplemental Restraint System)
.............. 34
Air Bag Readiness Light
........................... 36
Aircleaner
..................................... 243
Airconditioner
................................. 140
Air Conditioner Refrigerant
........................ 282
Alcohol. Driving Under the Influence
................ 167
Alcohol
in Gasoline .............................. 229
Aluminum Wheels
. Cleaning ....................... 273
Antenna Care
................................... I58
Antifreeze
...................................... 247
Anti-lock Brake System
........................... 167
Anti-lock Braking System Warning Light
............. 123
Appearance Care
................................ 268
Appearance Care and Maintenance Materials
.......... 275
Ashtrays and Lighter
............................. 11 7
Astroroof
...................................... 112 Assistance. Roadside
............................. 306
Audio Systems
.................................. 143
Automatic Door Locks
............................. 67
Automatic Overdrive
.............................. 85
Automatic Ride Control ........................... 115
Automatic Transaxle .............................. 83
Fluid
....................................... 244
Shifting
...................................... 88
Battery
....................................... 255
Jump Starting
................................ 198
Warning Light
................................ 128
Blizzard
....................................... 186
Block Heater (Engine Coolant Heater) ................ 82
Blowout. Tire
................................... 215
Brake Adjustment
.................................. 254
Anti-lock
.................................... 167
Fluid
....................................... 252
Master Cylinder
.............................. 252
Parking
...................................... 87
PedalTravel
................................. 254
Replacement
................................. 254
311
ProCarManuals.com
