60
Overdrive
D
or
D
- Overdrive is usually marked on the shifter by
a "D" with an "O" or square around it. Overdrive is intended to increase
gas mileage but, on many passenger cars, it is not durable enough for the
added load of towing a trailer. SUVs and small trucks may be able to tow
in overdrive. Check with your car dealer or look in your car's
owner's
manual
to see what gear the manufacturer recommends for trailer
towing.
Driving in drive (plain "D") or 3
rd
gear will not hurt the engine or
transmission. It will, however, decrease gas mileage slightly, and cause
the engine to rev higher at highway speeds. Because the engine is not
working as hard, the gas mileage is affected less than most people
expect. Anyone who has ridden a 10-speed bike understands that high
gear is not the best gear for all conditions.
Backing
-
To fully enjoy your
Camp-Inn
TM
trailer, you must master
backing your trailer. Backing a trailer takes a lot of practice and patience.
You may want to practice backing in a large open area, like a parking lot.
Practice backing into a parking spot, away from other vehicles.
One trick is to put one hand at the bottom of the steering wheel. Push that
hand in the direction you want the trailer to go. When the trailer starts
turning, turn the tow vehicle so it follows the trailer. If the trailer begins
to jackknife (turns too sharply), pull forward and try backing again.
When backing, it is helpful to have a second person watch behind the
trailer to make sure that you will not hit any obstacles. It is important
that the second person remain in view of the driver at all times. Develop
a system of hand signals to aid in directing.
For the person directing, keep in mind: If you can’t see the driver’s eyes,
(in the mirror)
they probably can’t see you. At night, make sure you are
illuminated so the driver can see you. If necessary, hold a flashlight so it
shines on you or at least illuminate your signal hand.
Until you become experienced at backing, choose parking areas that you
can pull-through.
If the ground is smooth and level, you can unhitch the trailer and roll it
backward by hand.
Never attempt this on a sloped surface, you may lose
control of the trailer causing bodily injury or causing damage to
property.