Airstream 2011 FLYING CLOUD Owner's Manual page 24

TOWING
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
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WHEN TURNING TO THE LEFT OR TO THE RIGHT.
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 or deserted parking lot. 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 radiator fan is turning. If you have a problem have it fixed at the next op-
portunity. 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.
DANGER
: Never open a radiator cap when the tow vehicle is
hot. Check the coolant level when the vehicle is cool.
When going downhill in dry weather, down shift 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.
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 highest possible gear. If you get stuck it
is best to tow out the entire rig together without unhitching.
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