Driving with a Trailer

Towing a trailer requires a certain amount of experience.

Get to know the rig before setting out for the open road. Get acquainted 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 as responsive as the vehicle is by itself.

Before starting, 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. This checks the electrical connection at the same time.

During the trip, check occasionally to be sure that the load is secure, and that the lamps and any trailer brakes are still working.

    See also:

    Roadside Assistance Program
    U.S.: 1-800-252-1112 TTY Users: 1-888-889-2438 Canada: 1-800-268-6800 As the owner of a new Buick, you are automatically enrolled in the Roadside Assistance program. See Roadside Assistance Pr ...

    Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
    This legal identifier is in the front corner of the instrument panel, on the left side of the vehicle. It can be seen through the windshield from outside. The VIN also appears on the Vehicle Certifi ...

    Approaching a Hill
    When you approach a hill, you need to decide if it is one of those hills that is just too steep to climb, descend, or cross. Steepness can be hard to judge. On a very small hill, for example, there ...