Driving With A Trailer - Hyundai BC3 Owner's Manual

Driving with a trailer

Towing a trailer requires a certain
amount of experience. Before setting
out for the open road, you must get to
know your trailer. 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 longer and not nearly as
responsive as your vehicle is by itself.
Before you start, check the trailer hitch
and platform, safety chains, electrical
connector(s), lights, tires and brakes.
During your trip, occasionally check
to be sure that the load is secure, and
that the lights and trailer brakes are still
working.
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 will need more passing distance up
ahead when you're towing a trailer. And,
because of the increased vehicle length,
you'll need to go much farther beyond
the passed vehicle before you can return
to your lane.
Backing up
Hold the bottom of the steering wheel
with one hand. Then, to move the trailer
to the left, move your hand to the left.
To move the trailer to the right, move
your hand to the right. Always back up
slowly and, if possible, have someone
guide you.
Making turns
When you're turning with a trailer, make
wider turns than normal. Do this so your
trailer won't strike soft shoulders, curbs,
road signs, trees, or other objects. Avoid
jerky or sudden maneuvers. Signal well
in advance.
Turn signals
When you tow a trailer, your vehicle has
to have a different turn signal flasher and
extra wiring. The green arrows on your
instrument panel will flash whenever you
signal a turn or lane change. Properly
connected, the trailer lights will also
flash to alert other drivers you're about
to turn, change lanes, or stop.
When towing a trailer, the green arrows
on your instrument panel will flash for
turns even if the bulbs on the trailer
are burned out. Thus, you may think
drivers behind you are seeing your
signals when, in fact, they are not. It's
important to check occasionally to be
sure the trailer bulbs are still working.
You must also check the lights every
time you disconnect and then reconnect
the wires.
WARNING
Do not connect a trailer lighting system
directly to your vehicle's lighting
system. Use an approved trailer wiring
harness.
Failure to do so could result in damage
to the vehicle electrical system and/or
personal injury.
We recommend that you have the
system checked by an authorized
HYUNDAI dealer as soon as possible.
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