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:

    Ending Cruise Control
    There are three ways to turn off the cruise control: • Step lightly on the brake pedal. • Move the cruise switch to off, or • Shift the transmission to NEUTRAL (N). ...

    Hood
    To open the hood: 1. Pull up on the hood release handle with this symbol on it. It is located inside the vehicle to the left of the steering column. 2. Go to the front of the vehicle and move t ...

    Ultrasonic Parking Assist
    For vehicles with this feature, it uses sensors on the rear bumper to detect objects while parking the vehicle. It operates at speeds less than 8 km/h (5 mph) while in R (Reverse). URPA uses aud ...