DRIvING
B - 10
B
Tracking
On a two-lane road cars may be lining up behind you because you are traveling
at a lower speed. It is both courteous and sensible to signal and pull over at the
earliest safe opportunity, and let them pass.
The BRAKE CONTROLLER (if so equipped) is activated when you apply the
brakes of the tow vehicle. Your tow vehicle brakes will automatically apply
the trailer brakes first when properly adjusted. This will help keep your tow
vehicle and trailer in a straight line and make you stop as if you were driving
the tow vehicle alone. If swaying or swerving should occur, briefly operating
the controller separate from the vehicle brakes may help correct the situation.
Practice this maneuver on a clear highway. Don’t wait for an emergency then
grope for the controller.
When trailering you might encounter a temporary cooling system overload
during severe conditions such as hot days when pulling on a long uphill grade,
when slowing down after higher speed driving, or driving long idle periods in
traffic jams. If the hot indicator light comes on, or the temperature gauge indi-
cates overheating and you have your air conditioner turned on, turn it off. Pull
over in a safe place and put on your emergency brake. Don’t turn off the engine.
Increase the engine idle speed. Lift the engine hood and check for fluid leaks
at the radiator overflow outlet. Check to see that all drive belts are intact and
the fan is turning. If you have a problem have it fixed at the next opportunity. If
there is no problem the light should go off or temperature should come down
within one minute. Proceed on the highway a little slower. Ten minutes later
resume normal driving.
dangEr: Never open a radiator cap when the tow vehicle is
hot. Add coolant when the vehicle is cool.
When going downhill in dry weather, down shift so that engine compression
will slow the whole rig down. Take dips and depressions in the road slowly and
do not resume normal driving speeds until you are sure that the trailer wheels
are clear of the dip.
Warning: On slippery pavement do not use engine drag to
help slow down as this may cause the rear wheels of the tow vehicle to
