General Safety Information
careful not to allow the trailer to turn too much, because it will hit the rear of the tow
vehicle. To straighten the rig, either pull forward, or turn the steering wheel in the
opposite direction.
34
S
AFE TRAILER TOWING GUIDELINES
Recheck the load tie downs to make sure the load will not shift during towing.
Before towing, check coupling, safety chain, brakes, tires, wheels and lights.
Check the lug nuts or bolts for tightness.
Check coupler tightness after towing 50 miles. (Including Setscrews)
Adjust the brake controller to engage the trailer brakes before the tow vehicle
brakes. Follow the brake controller manufacturer’s literature.
Use your mirrors to verify that you have room to change lanes or pull into
traffic.
Use your turn signals well in advance.
Allow plenty of stopping space for your trailer and tow vehicle.
Do not drive so fast that the trailer begins to sway due to speed. Generally
never drive faster than 60 m.p.h.
Allow plenty of room for passing. A rule of thumb is that the passing distance
with a trailer is 4 times the passing distance without a trailer.
Use lower gears for climbing and descending grades.
Do not ride the brakes while descending grades; they may get so hot that they
stop working. Then you will potentially have a runaway tow vehicle and trailer.
Slow down for bumps in the road.
Do not brake while in a curve unless absolutely necessary. Instead, slow down
before you enter the curve.
Do not apply the tow vehicle brakes to correct extreme trailer swaying.
Instead, lightly apply the trailer brakes with the hand controller.
Make regular stops, about once each hour. Confirm that
The coupler is secure to the hitch and is locked,
Electrical connectors are made,
There is appropriate slack in the safety chains,
There is appropriate slack in the breakaway switch pull pin cable,
The tires are not visibly low on pressure, and
The cargo is secure and in good condition.