you want the trailer to go to the left, move
your hand to the left.
The four steps required to back a trailer
around a corner are illustrated in Figure
14-4.
Highway Operation
• After completing your equipment check
and driving practice, you are ready to take
your trailer out on the highway.
• When operating your rig for the first
time, choose ideal weather and a lightly
traveled road.
• You will find acceleration slower and
braking different with the added weight
of a trailer.
• On a clear stretch of road, practice gentle
braking to get the feel.
• Swing a little wider than usual when turning
corners. It is a good safety practice to
increase the distance between you and the
car ahead. Watch in your side view mirrors
to ensure you are not close to hitting
a curb.
• You will need greater distance to pass
other vehicles.
• Do not pass until you feel comfortable
with the rig. Always be courteous.
• Signal your intentions well in advance
to let surrounding vehicles know your
intentions.
• Make it easy for faster moving vehicles
to pass you. Keep to the right of the road
and prepare to slow down if they need
extra time to return to the proper lane.
Expect your trailer to sway when large
trucks pass.
• Do not overreact and brake or steer to
compensate.
• Keep to the right and relax and go with
the flow; your car and trailer will withstand
the pressure.
• Never let anyone ride in the boat; it is not
only dangerous but illegal in most states.
• Observe posted speed limits.
• Never forget that you have a boat behind
you!
Section 14: Trailering 163
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Figure 14-4. Backing a trailer