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 as
responsive as your vehicle is by itselfi.
Before you
start, check the trailer hitch and platform
(and attachments), safety
chains, electrical connector,
lamps, 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 tirne.
During your trip, check occasionally to be sure that the
load
is secure, and that the lamps and any trailer brakes ,
are still working.
Following Distance
Stay at least twice as far b’ehind the vehicle ahead as you
would when driving your vehicle without a trailer,
This
can help you avoid situations that require heavv 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
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 Thrns
I NOTICE:
Making very sharp turns while trailering could
cause th’e trailer to come in contact with the
vehicle. Your vehicle could be damaged. Avoid
making very sharp turns while trailering.
~ ~~ ~~ ~~~
When you’re turning with a trailer, make wider hms than
normal. Do this so your trailer won’t strike soft shoulders,
curbs, road signs, trees or
other objects. Avoid jerky or
sudden maneuvers.
Siggd well in advance.
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Part C: -Periodic Maintenance
Inspections connections, or other conditions which could cause a heat
build-up in
the floor pan or could let exhaust fumes into
the vehcle. See “Engine Exhaust”
in the Index.
Listed below are inspections and services which should
be performed at least twice a year (for instance, each
Radiator and Heater Hose Inspection
spxing and fall). You should let your GM dealer’+& ?::. Inspect the hoses and have them replaced if they are
service department or other qualified service center ,:5; 4
cracked, swollen or deteriorated. Inspect all pipes,
these jobs. Make sure any necessary repairs are fittings and clamps; replac\
e as needed.
completed at once.
Proper procedures to perform these services may be
found in a Pontiac service manual. See “Service and Inspect the throt\
tle linkage for interference or binding, and
. ..,..
Throttle Linkage Inspection
Owner Publications” in the Index.
Steering, Suspension and Front-Wheel-Drive
Axle Boot and Seal Inspection
Inspect the front and rear suspension and steering system
for.damaged, loose or missing parts, signs of wear, or
.
lack of lubrication. Inspect the power steering lines and
hoses for proper hook-up, binding, leaks, cracks, chafing,
etc. Clean and then inspect the drive axle boot seals for
damage,
tears or leakage. Replace seals if necessary.
Exhaust System Inspection
Inspect the colillplee exhaust system. Inspect the body near
the exhaust system. Look for broken, damaged, missing or
out-o€-position
parts as well as open seams, holes, loose fordamage
or missing parts. Replace parts
as needed.
Replace any cables that have high effort or excessive wear.
Do not lubricate accelerator and cruise control cables.
Brake System Inspection
Inspect the complete system. Inspect brake lines and hoses for proper
hookup, binding, leaks, cracks, chafhg, etc.
Inspect disc brake pads for wear and rotors for surface
condition.
Also inspect drum brake linings for. wear and
cracks. Inspect other brake parts, including
drums, wheel
cylinders, capers, parking brake, etc. The parking brake
is
self-adjusting and no manual adjustment is required. You
may need to have your brakes inspected more often if your
driving habits or conditions result
in fi-equent braking.
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