Airstream REI Co-op Special Edition, Owner'S Manual

Page: 60 / 90

Towing
7-6
2023 REI Special Edition
Cooling System Overload
When towing, you might encounter a temporary cooling
system overload during severe conditions, such as:
• Hot days when pulling on a long grade
• When slowing down after higher speed driving
•
Driving with long, idle periods in traffic jams
If the tow vehicle’s temperature gauge, or indicator
light indicates overheating, and the air conditioner is
on, turn it off, pull over in a safe place, and apply the
emergency brake� Increase the engine idle speed�
Lift the engine hood and check for fluid leaks at the
radiator overflow outlet. Ensure all drive belts are intact
and the radiator 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; resume normal driving after 10 minutes�
WARNING
Never open a radiator cap when the tow vehicle is
hot. Check the coolant level when the vehicle is
cool.
Downhill and Non-level Driving
When going downhill in dry weather, downshift so
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 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.
Off-Road Towing
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�
When Being Passed
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, momentarily, 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�
On a two-lane road, cars may line up behind you
because you travel at a lower speed� It is both
courteous and sensible, if you are able, 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, pick the lane you want
and try to 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�