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Driving
Towing a Trailer
There are many different laws, including speed limit
restrictions, having to do with trailer towing� Make sure
that your vehicle-trailer combination will be legal not
only for where you reside, but also for where you'll
be driving� A good source for this information can
be the State Attorney General, State Police, or local
authorities�
Before you start driving with a trailer, check the trailer's
hitch, breakaway switch, safety chains, electrical
connections, lighting, and tires� Also, adjust the mirrors
to permit an unobstructed view beyond the rear of the
trailer�
If the trailer has brakes using an electric brake
controller, start your vehicle and trailer moving slowly,
and then apply the brakes manually using the brake
controller to be sure the brakes are working properly�
Read and follow the controller manufacturer's
recommendations�
When towing a trailer, check occasionally to be sure
the load is secure, and lighting and trailer brakes (if
so equipped) are functioning properly� Always secure
items in the trailer to prevent load shifts while driving�
Take into consideration that when towing a trailer, the
handling characteristics are different and less stable
from those when operating the vehicle without a trailer�
It is important to avoid sudden maneuvers�
The vehicle and trailer combination is heavier, and
therefore is limited in acceleration ability and requires
longer stopping distances� It is more prone to reacting
to side wind gusts, and requires more sensitive
steering input�
In order to gain skill and an understanding of the
vehicle's behavior, you should practice turning,
stopping and backing up in an area which is free from
traffic.
If possible, do not brake abruptly, but rather engage
the brake slightly at first to permit trailer to activate its
brake� Then increase the braking force�
We want every owner to be a safe and courteous
driver� A few hours of towing practice in a large empty
parking lot will make pulling your trailer over the road
much easier� Line out two corners for left and right
turns� You may also use these corners to practice
backing and parking�
8-6
Brake Controller
The brake controller (if so equipped) is activated
when you apply the brakes of the tow vehicle� Your
tow vehicle brakes will automatically apply the trailer
brakes first when properly adjusted. This will help keep
your tow vehicle and trailer in a straight line and make
you stop as if you were driving the tow vehicle alone� If
swaying or swerving should occur, briefly operating the
controller separate from the vehicle brakes may help
correct the situation� Practice this maneuver on a clear
highway� Do not wait for an emergency and then grope
for the controller�
When towing a trailer, you might encounter a
temporary cooling system overload during severe
conditions such as hot days when pulling on a long
uphill grade, when slowing down after higher speed
driving, or driving long idle periods in traffic jams. If
the hot indicator light comes on, or the temperature
gauge indicates overheating and you have your AC
turned on, turn it off� Pull over in a safe place and put
on your emergency brake� Don't turn off the engine�
Increase the engine idle speed� Lift the engine hood
and check for fluid leaks at the radiator overflow outlet.
Check to see that all drive belts are intact and the fan
is turning. If you have a problem have it fixed at the
next opportunity� If there is no problem the light should
go off or temperature should come down within one
minute� Proceed on the highway a little slower� Ten
minutes later resume normal driving�
NOTE
If the transmission continually shifts between
gears on inclines, manually shift to a lower gear.
A lower gear and reduction of speed reduces the
chances of engine overloading and/or overheating.
When going down a long hill, shift into a lower gear
and use the engine's braking effect. Avoid riding
the brakes, thus overheating the vehicle and trailer
brakes. If the engine coolant rises to an extremely
high temperature (e.g. coolant temperature needle
approaching the red zone) when the AC is on, turn
off the AC. Engine coolant heat can be additionally
vented by opening the windows, switching the
climate control fan speed to high and setting the
temperature control to the maximum hot position.
Never open a radiator cap when the tow vehicle is
hot. Add coolant when the vehicle is cool.
2020 Tommy Bahama Interstate Nineteen
WARNING
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