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:

    Headlamp Aiming
    Headlamp aim has been preset and should need no further adjustment. If the vehicle is damaged in a crash, the headlamp aim may be affected. If adjustment to the headlamps is necessary, see your de ...

    Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer
    The arrows on the instrument panel flash whenever signaling a turn or lane change. Properly hooked up, the trailer lamps also flash, telling other drivers the vehicle is turning, changing lanes ...

    Rear Window Sunshade
    On vehicles with a rear window sunshade, the switch is on the console to the right of the shift lever. The sunshade only operates when the ignition is in ON/RUN or ACC/ACCESSORY. To open the s ...