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AIRSTREAM CLASSIC TRAILER OWNERS MANUAL
TOWING TIPS
We want every owner to be a safe and courteous driver. A few hours of towing practice in a large empty
supermarket 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.
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. Truck or trailer type fender or door grip rear view mirrors are a must for maximum
visibility and 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, and observe the action of the
trailer, 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 TO THE 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
ten miles per hour. 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.
Tracking
On a two-lane road cars will be lining up behind you because you travel at a lower speed. It is both
courteous and sensible to signal, pull onto the shoulder, and let them pass. Your trailer is designed to be
towed easily at any legal speed, so if you are not careful you may be inclined to forget it is there.
The BRAKE CONTROLLER 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. Don't wait for an emergency then
grope for the controller.
When trailering you might encounter a temporary cooling system overload during severe conditions such as
hot days when pulling on a long 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 air conditioner 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 minutes Proceed on the highway a little slower. Ten minutes
later resume normal driving.
B-9
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