DRIvING
B - 11
B
skid. On icy pavement drive slowly and if you feel the tow vehicle skidding
gently apply the trailer brakes only. This will bring the tow vehicle and
trailer back into a single line. Chains do not help trailer wheels.
When driving in mud and sand let the momentum carry the rig through. Apply
power gently and use as little as possible. Stay in the tracks of the vehicle
ahead and keep the tow vehicle in the highest possible gear. If you are stuck it
is best to tow out the entire rig together without unhitching.
Despite the best hitch you will notice that whenever a large bus or truck
overtakes your rig the displaced air first pushes the trailer rear slightly to the
right and then affects the front. It may be necessary to steer very slightly, mo-
mentarily, toward the bus or truck to help compensate for the sway induced
by the passing-vehicle. Do not apply the vehicle brakes, as this can tend to
exaggerate the situation. You may find, however, that briefly applying the trailer
brakes with your manual control will help eliminate sway.
Warning: CHOCK THE TRAILER WHEELS when stopping on
a hill or slope. Leaving your tow vehicle in gear is not enough for standstill
safety. Do not use trailer brakes as parking brakes.
