Airstream Rangeline 2023, Owner'S Manual

Page: 84 / 118

Driving
8-8
2023 Rangeline
Tracking
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, observe the trailer’s action,
and then carefully move into the proper traffic lane.
Remember that the trailer wheels will not follow the
path of the tow vehicle wheels; therefore, wider turns
are a necessity�
Try to pick the lane you want on freeways or
expressways 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
mph� To pass another vehicle, you will need longer to
accelerate� You must also allow for the trailer length
when returning to the right-hand lane� On a two-lane
road, cars may be lining up behind you because you
are traveling at a lower speed� It is courteous and
sensible to signal and pull over at the earliest safe
opportunity and let them pass�
WARNING
Consider that when towing a trailer, the handling
characteristics are different and less stable from
those with operating the vehicle without a trailer. It
is important to avoid sudden maneuvers. Sudden
maneuvers may lead to loss of control over the
vehicle-trailer combination.
Brake Controller
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� Do not wait for an emergency�
WARNING
Per Ram, if you use a trailer brake controller with
your trailer, the trailer brakes may be activated
and deactivated with the brake switch. If so, there
may not be enough brake pressure to hold both
the vehicle and the trailer on a hill when the brake
pedal is released. In order to avoid rolling down
an incline while resuming acceleration, manually
activate the trailer brake or apply more vehicle
brake pressure prior to releasing the brake pedal.