Lance 1130, Owner'S Manual

Page: 13 / 132

13
MAJOR HAZARDS
Loss of control of the trailer or trailer/tow vehicle
combination can result in death or serious injury.
The most common causes for loss of control of the
trailer are:
• Improper sizing the trailer for the tow vehicle, or
vice versa.
• Excessive Speed: Driving too fast for the condi -
tions.
• Failure to adjust driving behavior when towing a
trailer.
• Overloading and/or improper weight distribu -
tion.
• Improper or miss-coupling of the trailer to the
hitch.
• Improper braking and steering under sway con -
ditions.
• Not maintaining proper tire pressure.
• Not keeping lug nuts tight.
Improper Sizing of the Trailer to the Tow Vehicle.
Trailers that weigh too much for the towing vehicle
can cause stability problems, which can lead to death
or serious injury. Furthermore, the additional strain
put on the engine and drive-train may lead to seri-
ous tow vehicle maintenance problems. For these
reasons the maximum towing capacity of your towing
vehicle should not be exceeded. The towing capac-
ity of your tow vehicle, in terms of maximum Gross
Trailer Weight (GTW) and maximum Gross Combined
Weight Rating (GCWR) can be found in the tow
vehicles Owner’s Manual.
DANGER
Use of an under-rated hitch, ball or tow ve-
hicle can result in loss of control leading to
death or serious injury.
Make certain your hitch and tow vehicle are
rated for your trailer.
Driving Too Fast
With ideal road conditions, the maximum recom-
mended speed for safely towing a trailer is 60 mph.
If you drive too fast, the trailer is more likely to sway,
thus increasing the possibility for loss of control. Also
your tires may overheat, thus increasing the possibil-
ity of a blowout.
WARNING
Driving too fast for conditions can result in
loss of control and cause death or serious
injury.
Adjust speed down when towing trailer.
Failure to Adjust Driving Behavior When
Towing a Trailer
When towing a trailer, you will have decreased accel-
eration, increased stopping distance, and increased
turning radius (which means you must make wider
turns to keep from hitting curbs, vehicles, and any-
thing else that is on the inside corner). Furthermore,
the trailer will change the handling characteristics
of your towing vehicle, making it more sensitive to
steering inputs and more likely to be pushed around
in windy conditions or when being passed by large
vehicles. In addition, you will need a longer distance
to pass, due to slower acceleration and increased
length. With this in mind:
• Be alert for slippery conditions. You are more
likely to be affected by slippery road surfaces
when driving a tow vehicle with a trailer, than
driving a tow vehicle without a trailer.
• Anticipate the trailer “swaying.” Swaying can
be caused by excessive steering, wind gusts,
roadway edges, or by the trailer reaction to the
pressure wave created by passing trucks and
buses.
• When encountering trailer sway, take your foot
off the accelerator, and steer as little as possible
in order to stay on the road. Use small “trim-
like” steering adjustments. Do not attempt to
steer out of the sway; you’ll only make it worse.
Also, do not apply the tow vehicle brakes to cor-
rect trailer swaying. The application of the trailer
brakes alone will tend to straighten out the
combination, especially when going downhill.
• Check rearview mirrors frequently to observe
the trailer and traffic.
• Use lower gear when driving down steep or
long grades. Use the engine and transmission
as a brake. Do not ride the brakes, as they can
overheat and become ineffective.
• Be aware of your trailer height, especially when
approaching bridges, roofed areas and around
trees.
Trailer Not Properly Coupled to the Hitch
It is critical that the trailer be securely coupled to
the hitch, and that the safety chains and emergency
breakaway brake lanyard are correctly attached.
Uncoupling may result in death or serious injury to
you and to others.