Airstream Basecamp 2007 Owner's Manual page 25

Passing
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 ten miles
per hour. Remember that in order to pass another ve-
hicle you will need longer to accelerate. You must also
allow for the length of the trailer when returning to the
right hand lane.
When going downhill in dry weather, down shift or if
so equipped, turn the Overdrive off on the tow vehicle
transmission so that engine compression will slow the
whole rig down. Take dips and depressions in the road
slowly and do not resume normal driving speeds until
you are sure that the trailer wheels are clear of the dip.
WARNING
: On slippery pavement do
not use engine drag to help slow down as this may
cause the rear wheels of the tow vehicle to skid. On
icy pavement drive slowly and if you feel the tow
vehicle skidding gently apply the trailer brakes only.
This will bring the tow vehicle and trailer back into a
single line. Chains do not help trailer wheels.
CAUTION
: When driving in mud and sand let the
momentum carry the rig through. Apply power gently
and use as little as possible. Stay in the tracks of
the vehicle ahead
and keep the tow
vehicle in the high-
est possible gear.
If you get stuck
it is best to tow
out the entire rig
together
unhitching.
Despite the best
hitch you will notice
that whenever a large bus or truck overtakes your rig
the displaced air first pushes the trailer rear slightly to
the right and then affects the front. It may be necessary
to steer very slightly, momentarily, toward the bus or
truck to help compensate for the sway induced by the
passing-vehicle. Do not apply the vehicle brakes, as
this can tend to exaggerate the situation. You may find,
however, that briefly applying the trailer brakes with
your manual control will help eliminate sway.
B - 9
WARNING
: When stopping on a hill or
slope, leaving your tow vehicle in gear is not enough
for standstill safety. CHOCK THE TRAILER WHEELS
to be double sure. Do not use trailer brakes as park-
ing brakes.
without
TOWING
B