C RIC K E T
®
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1830 west 15th street houston, tx 77008 usa (rev.11292018)
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the event of, for example, an abrupt stop or emergency.
Longer stopping distances are required when towing a trailer so remember to start braking sooner than you would if driving without your
trailer. Begin slowing down well in advance of anticipated street/road dips and depressions. It also takes longer to accelerate when towing
a trailer. Thus, remember to account for both the slower acceleration rate and the combined length of your tow vehicle and trailer when
passing another vehicle and then safely returning to your lane. In sum, always pass, allow others to pass, and change lanes with care. We
also do not recommend using cruise control or overdrive when towing/travelling.
SWAY AND FISHTAILING
… excessive sway or fishtailing of your trailer can lead to the rollover of the trailer and tow vehicle, and thus, serious
injury or death. The tendency for the vehicle to sway increases with speed. Thus, reduce speed as needed and in inclement or harsh weather
conditions (i.e. high winds, rainstorms, slippery roads, etc.). The following are a few tips for reducing sway or fishtailing if and when they
occur and are not exhaustive: (1)
slow down gradually
…. do not jam/slam on the brakes or press on the
accelerator, both of which may make
the situation worse and result in severe injury or death. Instead, remove your foot from the accelerator and reduce your speed gradually
whenever possible; (2)
minimize and avoid quick steering movements
….
Quick steering movements will actually cause increased sway and
loss of control;
Keep both hands on the wheel, and hold the wheel as straight as possible until stability is regained; and
As soon as practicable after regaining control
… pull over and
check tire pressures and cargo weight distribution, and inspect the trailer and
tow vehicle for any signs of failure or defect. If you suspect a mechanical failure, recommend that you not tow until the problem is identified
and remedied. If you choose to travel, do so at reduced speeds and with heightened caution until the problem can be identified and
remedied.
WARNING
:
S
ide to side motion (sway) that begins as you reach a certain speed will likely become whipping at higher speeds. As soon
as you notice sway, slow your vehicle by letting off the gas pedal. Then stop to check the trailer and tow vehicle as soon as it is safe
to do so.
OTHER IMPORTANT TOWING SCENARIOS
winding, narrow roads
… stay in the center of the lane. This reduces the likelihood
of the tires/wheels dropping onto the shoulder, another
potential cause of hazardous sway. Do not cross the center-line unless safely changing lanes.
WARNING
:
If a wheel goes off the paved roadway, do not steer sharply and do not brake. Let off the gas pedal, slow down below 25
mph and then steer gradually back onto the roadway. Proceed with caution entering traffic.
sharp turns
…. minimize the suddenness of sharp turns by anticipating them, slowing down well in advance of them, and taking them at lo
w,
substantially reduced speeds.
steep, long grades
… like sharp turns, be sure to anticipate steep grades.
Down-shift into a lower gear or range in advance to assist your braking
on a descent and to add power on a climb.
Note: avoid situations that require excessive and prolonged use of the brakes. If unavoidable, apply and release brakes at short intervals to
give them a chance to cool. Downshift your tow vehicle to reduce breaking needs on long down grades of highway.
slippery, icy pavement
… reduc
e speed and drive slowly. Remember that skidding/hydroplaning can occur with minimal moisture on the road.
If skidding occurs, remove your foot from the accelerator and then gently apply the trailer brakes only.
freeways and highways
…
try to pick and stay in the far right hand slow(er) lane.
corner turns
… trailer wheels do not follow the path of your tow vehicle’s wheels during corner turns. The trailer will make a closer, ti
ghter
turn than the tow vehicle. Compensate by moving further into the intersection before turning so that the trailer clears any objects in or near
the road such as but not limited to the curb and parked vehicles. Left turns require a wider than normal turn to help prevent the trailer from
edging into an opposing lane. Use turn signals early for the traffic behind you and begin slowing down well in advance of your turn.
mud and sand
…
when going through mud or sand, accelerate gently, if at all, and try to remain In the path of the previous vehicles. Let the
momentum of the tow vehicle and trailer carry you through the problem area. If stuck, the trailer and tow vehicle should be towed out while
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