Operating Guide

7
the possibility for loss of control. Also your tires may
overheat, increasing the possibility of a blowout.
^ WARNING
Driving too fast for conditions can result in
loss of control and cause death or serious
injury.
Adjust speed down when towing trailer.
2.2.3 adjuSt drIVIng when towIng traIler
When towing a trailer, you will have decreased
acceleration, increased stopping distance, and
increased turning radius.
The trailer will change the handling characteristics of
the tow 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:
• When encountering trailer sway, take your foot
off the accelerator, and steer as little as possible
in order to stay on the road. Use small “trim-like”
steering adjustments. Do not attempt to steer out
of the sway; you’ll only make it worse. Also do
not apply the tow vehicle brakes to correct trailer
swaying. On the other hand, application of the
trailer brakes alone will tend to straighten out the
combination, especially when going downhill.
• Check rearview mirrors frequently to observe trailer
and trafc.
• Be aware of trailer height, especially when
approaching bridges, roofed areas and trees.
• 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 busses.
• Use lower gear when driving down steep or long
grades. Use the engine and transmission as a
brake. Do not ride the brakes, as they can overheat
and become ineffective.
2.2.4 traIler not properly coupled to hItch
It is critical that the trailer be securely coupled to
the hitch, and that the safety chains and emergency
breakaway brake lanyard are correctly attached.
Uncoupling may result in death or serious injury to you
and to others.
^ WARNING
Proper selection and condition of the
coupler and hitch are essential to safely
towing a trailer.
A loss of coupling may result in death or
serious injury.
Hitch size must match coupler size.
Be sure hitch load rating is equal to or
greater than load rating of the coupler.
Be sure hitch components are tight before
coupling trailer to tow vehicle.
Observe hitch for wear, corrosion and
cracks before coupling. Replace worn,
corroded or cracked hitch components
before coupling trailer to tow vehicle.
^ WARNING
An improperly coupled trailer can result in
death or serious injury. Do not move the
trailer until:
• Coupler is secured and locked to hitch.
• Safety chains are secured to tow
vehicle.
• Trailer jack(s) are fully retracted.
• Trailer brakes are checked.
• Tires and wheels are checked.
• Breakaway switch is connected to tow
vehicle;
• The trailer lights are connected and
checked.
• Load is secured to trailer.
Safety