
When preparing to tow, and before
driving away, be sure to check the
following:
The vehicle has been properly
serviced, and the tires, brakes,
suspension, cooling system, and
lights are in good operating
condition.
The lights and brakes on your
vehicle and the trailer are working
properly.
All items in or on the trailer are
properly secured and cannot shift
while you drive.
The hitch, safety chains, and any
other attachments are secure.
All weights and loads are within
limits (see pages and ).
Your vehicle tires and spare are
properly inflated (see page ),
and the trailer tires and spare are
inflated as recommended by the
trailer maker.
The added weight, length, and
height of a trailer will affect your
vehicle’s handling and performance,
so driving with a trailer requires
some special driving skills and
techniques.
For your safety and the safety of
others, take time to practice driving
maneuvers before heading for the
open road, and follow the guidelines
below.
Drive slower than normal in all
driving situations, and obey posted
speed limits for vehicles with trailers.
If you have an automatic
transmission, use overdrive (O/D)
when towing a trailer on level roads.
Turn off the overdrive (O/D) when
towing a trailer in hilly terrain. (see
‘‘
’’ in the next column
for additional gear information.)
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Pre-Tow Checklist
Driving Saf ely With a Trailer
Towing a Trailer
Towing Speeds and Gears
Driving on Hills
D
riv
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