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WARNING
Never open a radiator cap when the tow vehicle
is hot. Check the coolant level when the vehicle is
cool.
Downhill and Non-level Driving
When going downhill in dry weather, down shift so 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. (Check the states in which you travel for
requirements regarding chains.)
Off-Road Towing
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.
When Being Passed
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 that briefly applying the
trailer brakes with your manual control will help eliminate sway.
On a two-lane road, cars may line up behind you because you
travel at a lower speed. It is both courteous and sen- sible, if you
are able, 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.
Passing
On freeways or expressways, pick the lane you want and try to
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.
Backing Up
`When backing up, the important thing to remember is to do
everything slowly and to correct immediately if you see the trailer
turning the wrong way. Concentrate on the rear of the trailer.
With your tow vehicle and trailer in a straight line, back up slowly
and turn the bottom of the steering wheel in the direction you
want the trailer to go. Watch out the window or in the mirror until
the rear of the trailer is pointing in the desired direction. Your tow
vehicle will be following the trailer in an arc. Straighten the tow
vehicle and trailer by turning the steering wheel more sharply,
and then, when they are in line, straighten the steering wheel.
Always try to back to your left because the visibility is much
better. When you don't make it on the first try, it is usually much
easier to pull forward to your original position and start over, or
at least pull forward until the rig is straight and then start backing
again.
If your spouse or traveling companion normally directs you when
backing, they should position themselves forward of the tow
vehicle so the driver can easily see them. Their directions should
always indicate to the driver the direction the rear of the trailer
should go.
A little practice in a parking lot with the person giving directions,
can save a lot of frustration when backing into a campsite.
Stopped On a Hill
Refer to the following warning if stopped on a hill for a prolonged
period of time.
WARNING
Chock the trailer wheels when stopping on a hill
or slope. Leaving your tow vehicle in gear is not
enough for standstill safety. Do not use your trailer
brakes as parking brakes.
7-5
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