Driving with a Trailer

Towing a trailer requires experience. Get familiar with handling and braking with the added trailer weight. The vehicle is now longer and not as responsive as the vehicle is by itself.

Check all trailer hitch parts and attachments, safety chains, electrical connectors, lamps, tires, and mirror adjustments. If the trailer has electric brakes, start the vehicle and trailer moving and then apply the trailer brake controller by hand to be sure the brakes are working.

During the trip, check regularly to be sure that the load is secure, and the lamps and trailer brakes are working properly.

    See also:

    When It Is Time for New Tires
    One way to tell when it is time for new tires is to check the treadwear indicators, which will appear when your tires have only 1/16 inch (1.6 mm) or less of tread remaining. Some commercial ...

    Tire Sealant
    Read and follow the safe handling instructions on the label adhered to the compressor. Check the tire sealant expiration date on the sealant canister. The sealant canister should be replaced ...

    Turn and Lane-Change Signals
    An arrow on the instrument panel cluster flashes in the direction of the turn or lane change. For vehicles with the side blind zone alert system, an arrow in the outside mirror flashes when ...