Driving With A Trailer; Following Distance - Cadillac 1995 DeVille Owners Literature

Driving with a Trailer
Towing a trailer requires a certain amount of experience. Before setting
out for the open road, you'll want to get to know your rig. Acquaint
yourself with the feel of Ilandling and braking w i t h the added weight of
the trailer. And always keep i n mind that thc vehicle you are driving is
now a good deal longer and not nearly as responsivs as your vehicle is by
itself.
Before you start, check thc trailer hitch and platform (and attachments),
safety chains, electrical connector, lamps, tires and mirror adjustment. If
the trailer has electric brakes, start your vehicle and trailer moving and
then apply the trailer brake controlier by hand to be sure the brakes are
working. This lets you check your electrical connection at the same time.
During \Tour trip, check occasionally to be sure that the load is secure, and
that
the'lights and any trailer brakes are still working.
Following Distance
Stay at least twice as far behind the vehicle ahead as you would when
driving your vehicle without a trailer. This can help you avoid situations
that require heavy braking and sudden turns.
Passing
You'll need more passing distance up ahead when you're towing a trailer.
And, because you're a good deal longer, you'll need to go much farther
beyond the passed vehicle before you can return to your lane.
Bucking Up
Hold the bottom of the steering wheel
with
one hand. Then, to move the
trailer to the left, just move that hand to the left. To move the trailer to
the right, move your hand to the right. Always back up slowly and, if
possible, havc someone guide you.
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