Towing a
Trailer
Safety tips
What you need to know before you hitch up a
trailer to haul.
First, check your vehicle's weight (listed on the
driver's door decal) and its towing capacity (the
combined weight of a trailer and load-listed on the
dash plate with the VIN or in the owner's manual).
This will give you an idea of how much weight you
can safely tow.
A manufacturer's specifications may say it's okay to
haul a load that weighs more than the tow vehicle,
but think carefully about taking the risk. A loaded
trailer will affect your ability to control, steer,
and stop your vehicle. The heavier the load, the
harder it will be to control. Also, pulling a heavy
load increases wear on the vehicle's engine and
drivetrain.
Driving with a trailer.
Anticipation is the primary thing to keep in mind when you're towing a
trailer. Think ahead to allow the extra time you may
need to avoid problems or maneuver your vehicle
around unexpected obstacles. You'll also need more
space and time to stop the vehicle smoothly and
safely.
Towing a trailer will cause your vehicle to
overreact to the steering of normal driving. The
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
offers the following guidelines:
• Avoid sudden stops and starts, which can cause
your vehicle to jackknife or skid.
• Avoid quick steering maneuvers, which can cause
the trailer to sway.
• Make extra-wide turns so the trailer wheels don't
run over curbs or hit objects.
Backing up can be a challenge. Turn the steering
wheel in the opposite direction you want the trailer
to go. To make this easier, put your hand at the
bottom of the steering wheel. The trailer will move
in .the same direction as your hand. Practice in a
large, empty parking lot until you get the hang of
it.
What should I watch for?
If the trailer starts to sway, don't make any sudden
steering adjustments. Take your foot off the
accelerator slowly. After you've slowed down, apply
the brake gradually-you don't want to make the
problem worse or cause the trailer to jackknife. If
the trailer has electric trailer brakes, applying
the trailer brakes (not the tow vehicle's brakes)
gently can also help stop the swaying. When you've
come to a stop, check the trailer and reposition the
load if it's shifted so you can drive safely. If
wind gusts are causing the trailer to sway, consider
stopping until the wind dies down. |
