DRIvING
B - 9
B
celeration ability, and requires longer stopping distances. It is more prone to
reacting to side wind gusts, and requires more sensitive steering input.
In order to gain skill and an understanding of the vehicles behavior, you should
practice turning, stopping and backing up in an area which is free from traffic.
If possible, do not brake abruptly, but rather engage the brake slightly at first to
permit trailer to activate its brake. Then increase the braking force.
We want every owner to be a safe and courteous driver. A few hours of towing
practice in a large empty supermarket lot will make pulling your trailer over the
road much easier. Line out two corners for left and right turns. You may also use
these corners to practice backing and parking.
DURING PRACTICE OBSERVE THAT THE TRACKS MADE BY THE TRAILER
WHEELS ARE DISTINCTLY DIFFERENT FROM THOSE MADE BY THE TOW
VEHICLE.
Studying this will make it easier for you to correct mistakes. Consider truck or
trailer type fender or door grip rear view mirrors for maximum visibility. In most
states the law requires them.
After thoroughly inspecting your hitch, brakes, and tires you should be ready to
tow. Check traffic, signal that you are about to pull away, and start slowly. Look
often in your mirrors, and observe the action of the trailer, then carefully move
into the proper lane of traffic. Remember that the trailer wheels will not follow
the path of the tow vehicle wheels; therefore, WIDER TURNS ARE NECESSARY
WHEN TURNING TO THE LEFT OR TO THE RIGHT.
ON FREEWAYS OR EXPRESSWAYS try to pick the lane you want and stay in
it. Always maintain plenty of space between you and the car ahead, at least the
length of the tow vehicle plus trailer for every ten miles per hour. Remember
that in order to pass another vehicle you will need longer to accelerate. You
must also allow for the length of the trailer when returning to the right
hand lane.
