Airstream 2013 SPORT, Owner'S Manual

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TOWINg
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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 get 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 tow 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.
DangEr
: 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.
On a two-lane road cars will be lining up behind you because you travel at a
lower speed. It is both courteous and sensible to signal, pull onto the shoulder,
and let them pass. Your trailer is designed to be towed easily at any legal speed,
so if you are not careful you may be inclined to forget it is there.
Passing
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.