Tracking; Brake Controller - Airstream TOMMY BAHAMA 2020 Owner's Manual

Tracking

During practice, observe that the tracks made by the
trailer wheels are distinctly different from those made
by the tow vehicle� Studying this will make it easier for
you to correct mistakes� Consider truck- or trailer-type
fender or door grip rear view mirrors for maximum
visibility� In most states, the law requires them�
After thoroughly inspecting your hitch, brakes, and
tires, you should be ready to tow. Check traffic, signal
that you are about to pull away, and start slowly� Look
often in your mirrors, observe the action of the trailer,
and then carefully move into the proper lane of traffic.
Remember that the trailer wheels will not follow the
path of the tow vehicle wheels; therefore, wider turns
are necessary when turning to the left or right�
On freeways or expressways, try to pick the lane
you want and stay in it� Always maintain plenty of
space between you and the car ahead, at least the
length of the tow vehicle plus trailer for every 10 mph�
Remember that in order to pass another vehicle, you
will need longer to accelerate� You must also allow for
the length of the trailer when returning to the right hand
lane� On a two-lane road cars may be lining up behind
you because you are traveling at a lower speed� It is
both courteous and sensible to signal and pull over at
the earliest safe opportunity and let them pass�
Take into consideration that when towing a trailer,
the handling characteristics are different and
less stable from those with operating the vehicle
without a trailer. It is important to avoid sudden
maneuvers. Sudden maneuvers may lead to loss of
control over the vehicle-trailer combination.
2020 Tommy Bahama TC
WARNING

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.
Driving
WARNING
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