On the Road - continued
- Plan your trip and map out the roads you plan to use. Find out the grade of the area you will be
traveling in. Some mountain passes have extreme conditions in elevation grade and curves you may prefer to
avoid.
- Rain or snow/ice conditions require extreme caution when towing. Vehicle speeds should be
reduced and in some cases, towing should be avoided.
- Maintain at least twice the normal stopping distance while towing your trailer. The increased
weight of the combination of vehicles requires greater stopping distances.
- Use lower gears on long grades. Downshift on upgrades to avoid overheating or undue engine loads.
Downshift on downgrades to allow engine braking to assist in controlling vehicle speed. Avoid continuous or
frequent brake application. The weight of the combination of vehicles can cause brakes to overheat and fade.
- Allow ample time for passing. Your acceleration will be much slower and your combination of vehicles is
much longer than the tow vehicle alone.
If the Trailer is Swaying
- Steer as little as possible while maintaining control of the vehicle. Because of your natural reaction
time lag, quick steering movements to counter trailer sway can actually cause increased sway and loss
of control. Try to hold the wheel as straight as possible until stability is regained.
- Slow down but avoid strong tow vehicle braking. Reduce speed gradually whenever possible. Use
the hand control to gradually apply the trailer brakes, this will help keep the vehicles aligned. Tow
vehicle braking reduces trailer stability, and sliding tow vehicle tires causes loss of control and jack-
knifing.
- If a reduction in trailer stability has occurred, slow down immediately and stop as soon as possible.
Check tire pressures, sway control adjustment (if equipped), hitch spring bar adjustment (if equipped),
cargo weight distribution, and look for any signs of mechanical failure. Until the problem has been
identified and corrected, travel at reduced speeds that permit full control.
Once you become accustomed to the feel of your tow vehicle/trailer combination, you will find towing your
trailer comparable to driving your family car. Become familiar with the position of the trailer in traffic, and be
cautious when maneuvering to allow for its length and width. Always allow extra room to corner and to change
lanes. Learn to use the side mirrors to view the road behind and to the sides. Check them often.
Allow for the extra height of your trailer and avoid areas having low overhead clearance. Check for low hanging
tree branches or other obstructions whenever you drive, park, or when pulling in for fuel or service. Always
check over-head clearances of overpasses and bridges. This may be particularly important if you drive with the
roof vents open or if the trailer is equipped with a roof air conditioner, roof rack, or antennas.
BACKING UP
Place your hand at the bottom of the steering wheel. The back of the trailer will move in the same direction
that your hand moves. The rear of the tow vehicle will go the opposite way you want the trailer to turn. Be
careful as the trailer/tow vehicle angle gets large; the hitch and/or tow vehicle and trailer may be damaged by
jackknifing.
You will need a much greater turning radius than the tow vehicle itself requires. When backing, be sure to
watch not only the rear, but also both sides of the tow vehicle. Before backing up, you should designate a
person to "spot" you to ensure that you will not bump the trailer into anything out of your field of view.
In time, and with a little practice, you will be able to back your trailer with little effort. Always be aware that
you have poor visibility to the rear. Someone standing safely outside at the rear of the trailer to guide you in
safe backing. Use both rear view mirrors when backing. If you are in doubt, stop, place the vehicle in park,
shut the engine off, engage the parking brake, and go look for yourself at the trailer to ensure it is going where
you intend it to go.
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Summary of Contents for 2013 Creek Side
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