Loading ...
Loading ...
Loading ...
Towing a Trailer
Mirrors
Many states and provinces have
laws requiring special outside
mirrors when you are towing a
trailer. Check the laws in your area.
You may want to install mirrors,
even if they are not required. Hook
up the trailer and see how much it
obscures your ability to see behind
you with the standard mirrors. If
you cannot see directly behind you,
or have a large blind spot next to
the trailer or the car, you should
install mirrors intended for towing.
Connecting the Trailer
Most trailers that have a gross
weight of 450 kg (1,000 Ibs) do not
have their own braking system. If
you are thinking of getting a trailer
that does have brakes, make sure
they are electrically-operated.
There are no provisions in your car
to tap into its hydraulic braking
system. Any attempt to attach the
trailer's brakes to your car's
hydraulic system, no matter how
successful it may seem, will lower
braking effectiveness and create a
potential hazard.
Always use a safety chain when
towing a trailer. Connect the safety
chain securely at both ends. Make
sure the chain crosses under the
tongue so it will catch the trailer if
it becomes unhitched. Leave
enough slack in the chain so it can't
bind in a sharp turn. Do not let it
drag on the ground.
Before Starting Out
As you are preparing to tow your
trailer, do the following:
Measure the trailer's tongue load.
You can do this with a bathroom
scale.
Verify that the hitch and safety
chain are securely fastened.
Check the condition and air
pressure of all tires on the trailer
and your car. Low tire pressure
can seriously affect the handling.
Also check the spare tire.
With everything loaded and the
trailer connected, check that the
rear of the car is not sagging. If
so,
redistribute the load in the
car.
Check that all lights on the car
are working properly.
Driving
Main Menu
Table of Contents
▲
▼
Loading ...
Loading ...
Loading ...