Operating Guide

12
Some drivers place their hands at the bottom of the
steering wheel, and while the tow vehicle is in reverse,
“think” of the hands as being on the top of the wheel.
When the hands move to the right (counter-clockwise,
as you would do to turn the tow vehicle to the left when
moving forward), the rear of the trailer moves to the
right.
Conversely, rotating the steering wheel clockwise with
your hands at the bottom of the wheel will move the rear
of the trailer to the left, while backing up. Be 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.
2.2.16 Safe traIler towIng guIdelIneS
Before towing, check coupling, safety chain, brakes,
tires, wheels and lights.
Check the lug nuts or bolts for tightness.
Recheck the load tie downs to make sure the load will
not shift during towing.
Check coupler tightness after towing 50 miles.
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 trafc.
Use your turn signals well in advance.
Allow plenty of stopping space for your trailer and tow
vehicle.
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.
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. Conrm
that:
• The coupler is secure to the hitch and is locked.
• Electrical connectors are made.
• There is appropriate slack in safety chains.
• There is appropriate slack in breakaway lanyard.
• The tires are not visibly low on pressure.
• The cargo is secure and in good condition.
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 drive so fast that the trailer begins to sway due
to speed. Generally never drive faster than 55 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.
Safety