Driving With A Trailer - Chevrolet 2001 Prizm Owner's Manual

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Even if your vehicle doesn't have anti
don't tap into your vehicle's brake system if the trailer's
brake system will use more than 0.02 cubic inch (0.3 cc)
of fluid from your vehicle's master cylinder. If it does,
both braking systems won't work well. You could even
lose your brakes.
D
Will the trailer brake parts take 3,000 psi
(20 650 kPa) of pressure? If not, the trailer brake
system must not be used with your vehicle.
D
If everything checks out this far, then make the brake
fluid tap at the upper rear master cylinder port. But
don't use copper tubing for this. If you do, it will
bend and finally break off. Use steel brake tubing.

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
handling and braking with the added weight of the
trailer. And always keep in mind that the vehicle you are
driving is now a good deal longer and not nearly as
responsive as your vehicle is by itself.
4-34
-
lock brakes,
Before you start, check the 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 controller by hand to be sure
the brakes are working. This lets you check your
electrical connection at the same time.
During your trip, check occasionally to be sure that the
load is secure, and that the lamps 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.

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