DRIVING TOO FAST
With ideal road conditions, the maximum recommended speed for safely towing a trailer is 60
mph. If you drive too fast, the trailer is more likely to sway, thus increasing the possibility for loss
of control. Also your tires may overheat, thus increasing the possibility of a blowout.
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GENERAL SAFETY INFORMATION
IMPROPER SIZING OF THE TRAILER TO THE TOW VEHICLE
Trailers that weigh too much for the towing vehicle can cause stability problems, which can lead
to death or serious injury. Furthermore, the additional strain put on the engine and drive-train
may lead to serious tow vehicle maintenance problems. For these reasons the maximum towing
capacity of your towing vehicle should not be exceeded. The towing capacity of your tow vehicle,
DANGER
Use of an under-rated hitch, ball or tow vehicle can result in loss of control leading
to death or serious injury.
Make certain that your hitch & tow vehicle are rated for your trailer.
WARNING
Driving too fast for conditions can result in loss of control and
cause death or serious injury.
Adjust speed down when towing trailer.
FAILURE TO ADJUST DRIVING BEHAVIOR WHEN TOWING A TRAILER
When towing a trailer, you will have decreased acceleration, increased stopping distance, and
increased turning radius (which means you must make wider turns to keep from hitting curbs,
handling characteristics of your towing vehicle, making it more sensitive to steering inputs and
more likely to be pushed around in windy conditions or when being passed by large vehicles.
In addition, you will need a longer distance to pass, due to slower acceleration and increased
length. With this in mind:
• Be alert for slippery conditions. You are more likely to be affected by slippery road surfaces
when driving a tow vehicle with a trailer, than driving a tow vehicle without a trailer.
• Anticipate the trailer “swaying.” Swaying can be caused by excessive steering, wind gusts,
roadway edges, or by the trailer reaction to the pressure wave created by passing trucks and
buses.