Driving with a Trailer
Towing a trailer requires a certain amount of experience.
Before setting out for the open road, you’ll want to get
to know your rig. Acquaint yourself with the feel of
handling and braking with the added weight of the trailer.
And always keep in mind that the vehicle you are
driving is now a good deal longer and not nearly as
responsive as your vehicle is by itself.
Before you start, check the trailer hitch and platform
(and attachments), safety chains, electrical connector,
lamps, tires and mirror adjustment. If the trailer has
electric brakes, start your vehicle and trailer moving and
then apply the trailer brake controller by hand to be
sure the brakes are working. This lets you check your
electrical connection at the same time.
During your trip, check occasionally to be sure that the
load is secure, and that the lamps and any trailer
brakes are still working.
While towing a trailer or when exposed to long periods
of sunshine, the floor of the truck bed may become
very warm. Avoid putting items in the truck bed
that might be affected by high ambient temperatures.
Following Distance
Stay at least twice as far behind the vehicle ahead as you
would when driving your vehicle without a trailer. This can
help you avoid situations that require heavy braking and
sudden turns.
Passing
You’ll need more passing distance up ahead when you’re
towing a trailer. And, because you’re a good deal longer,
you’ll need to go much farther beyond the passed vehicle
before you can return to your lane.
Backing Up
Hold the bottom of the steering wheel with one hand.
Then, to move the trailer to the left, just move that hand to
the left. To move the trailer to the right, move your hand
to the right. Always back up slowly and, if possible, have
someone guide you.
Making Turns
Notice: Making very sharp turns while trailering
could cause the trailer to come in contact with the
vehicle. Your vehicle could be damaged. Avoid
making very sharp turns while trailering.
When you’re turning with a trailer, make wider turns than
normal. Do this so your trailer won’t strike soft shoulders,
curbs, road signs, trees or other objects. Avoid jerky or
sudden maneuvers. Signal well in advance.
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Summary of Contents for Silverado 2003
Page 5: ...These are some examples of vehicle symbols you may find on your vehicle v ...
Page 18: ...Put someone on it Get it up to speed Then stop the vehicle The rider doesn t stop 1 12 ...
Page 78: ...United States without Passenger Sensing System Canada with Passenger Sensing System 1 72 ...
Page 156: ... NOTES 2 68 ...
Page 159: ... NOTES 3 3 ...
Page 160: ...Instrument Panel Overview 3 4 ...
Page 194: ...Canada with Passenger Sensing System Canada without Passenger Sensing System 3 38 ...
Page 282: ... NOTES 3 126 ...
Page 380: ... NOTES 4 98 ...
Page 394: ...When you lift up the hood on the VORTEC 8100 V8 engine you will see the following 5 14 ...
Page 461: ...Removing the Spare Tire and Tools Regular Cab and Crew Cab Extended Cab 5 81 ...
Page 494: ...5 114 ...
Page 525: ...Maintenance Record cont d Date Odometer Reading Serviced By Maintenance Record 6 23 ...
Page 526: ...Maintenance Record cont d Date Odometer Reading Serviced By Maintenance Record 6 24 ...
Page 556: ... NOTES 20 ...