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:

    If the Vehicle Is Stuck
    Slowly and cautiously spin the wheels to free the vehicle when stuck in sand, mud, ice, or snow. If stuck too severely for the traction system to free the vehicle, turn the traction system off and us ...

    Safety
    Standard features include antilock brakes, an electronic stability system, traction control and side curtain airbags. Backseat side-impact airbags are optional. ...

    Courtesy Lamps
    When any door is opened, several lamps turn on making it easier for you to enter and exit the vehicle. Turn the instrument panel brightness control completely clockwise to manually turn on these ...