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To contact NHTSA, you may either call the Auto Safety Hotline toll-free at 800-424-9393 (or
366-0123 in the Washington D.C. area) or write to: NHTSA, U.S. Department of Transportation,
Washington D.C. 20590. You can also obtain other information about motor vehicle safety from
the Hotline.
1.2.16 Trailer Towing Guide
Driving a vehicle with a trailer in tow is vastly different from driving the same vehicle without a
trailer in tow. Acceleration, maneuverability and braking are all diminished with a trailer in tow.
It takes longer to get up to speed; you need more room to turn and pass, and more distance to
stop when towing a trailer. You will need to spend time adjusting to the different feel and
maneuverability of the tow vehicle with a loaded trailer. Because of the significant differences
in all aspects of maneuverability when towing a trailer, the hazards and risks of injury are also
much greater then when driving without a trailer. You are responsible for keeping your vehicle
and trailer in control, and for all the damage that is caused if you lose control of your vehicle
and trailer.
As you did when learning to drive an automobile, find an open area with little or no traffic for
your first practice trailering. Of course, before you start towing the trailer, you must follow all
of the instructions for inspection, testing, loading and coupling. Also, before you start towing,
adjust the mirrors so you can see the trailer as well as the area to the rear of it.
Drive slowly at first, 5mph or so, and turn the wheel to get the feel of how the tow vehicle and
trailer combination responds. Next make some right and left hand turns. Watch in your side
mirrors to see how the trailer follows the tow vehicle. Turning with a trailer attached requires
more room.
Stop the tow vehicle and trailer a few times from speeds no greater than 10mph. If your trailer
is equipped with brakes, try using different combinations of trailer/electric brake and tow
vehicle brake. Note the effect that the trailer brakes have when they are the only brakes used.
When properly adjusted, the trailer brakes will come on just before the tow vehicle brakes.
It will take practice to learn how to back up a tow vehicle with a trailer attached. Take it slow.
Before backing up, get out of the vehicle and look behind the trailer to make sure that there
are no obstacles. Practice maneuvering your trailer in an open area free of obstructions.
Safe Trailer Towing Guidelines
•
Recheck the load tie downs to make sure the load will not shift during towing.
•
Before towing, check coupling, safety chains, safety brake, tires, wheels and lights.
•
Check the lug nuts or bolts for tightness.
•
Check coupler tightness after towing 50 miles.
•
Adjust the brake controller to engage the trailer brakes before the tow vehicle brakes.
Your dealer or service center can assist you by making this adjustment.
•
Use your mirrors to verify that you have room to change lanes or pull into traffic.
•
Use your turn signals well in advance.
Summary of Contents for Gooseneck
Page 1: ...Owner sManual ...
