Handling a trailer

Towing a trailer with ease and safety requires a certain amount of experience. The handling and braking characteristics of any tow vehicle may be radically changed by the added weight of a trailer. It's a good idea to learn the "feel" of a trailer by practicing turning, stopping and backing in an open area (an empty parking lot is a good place). Make mental notes of space requirements and trailer response and follow these common sense tips to help avoid accidents.

Load with safety

When loaded, the trailer should be heavier at the front; this will transfer most of the weight to the rear of the tow vehicle. Approximately 60% of the gross trailer weight should be forward of the axle. If the load is centered, or toward the rear, it will cause the trailer to sway, sometimes violently.

Mirrors

Large rear view mirrors are essential, especially when towing long trailers. The ability to view obstacles behind the trailer and see passing traffic is extremely important to towing safely.

If you find that the mirrors on your vehicle are insufficient, there are many different types of add on mirrors available to provide a better view while you are towing. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for installation and be sure the mirrors are properly adjusted for the driver.

Hooking up the trailer

1. Park the tow vehicle and trailer on level ground in the normal towing position.
2. Block the trailer wheels.
3. If the trailer has never been towed before, use the following procedure to adjust the ball height.
   1. Level the trailer using the tongue jack.
   2. Measure the height to the inside top of the coupler socket on the trailer. Also measure the height to the bottom of the bumper at all four corners of the tow vehicle.
   3. Measure the height to the top of the ball on the tow vehicle.
   4. Adjust the height of the ball equal to the height of the coupler socket, plus and additional 0.031 in. (0.78 mm) higher for each 100 lbs (45 kg) of tongue weight.
4. Lower the weight of the hitch onto the ball, making sure the lock mechanism grasps the ball securely.
5. Measure the height to the bottom of the bumper at all four corners of the tow vehicle. The vehicle should squat somewhat, but should be approximately level.

If the tow vehicle squats unequally, a weight distributing hitch may be necessary to tow the trailer.

1. Connect the safety chains from the trailer to the tow vehicle is a criss-cross fashion. This will prevent trailer sway if the trailer should become disconnected from the two vehicle.
2. Connect the breakaway cable and plug in the electrical connector. Ensure each is connected securely.
3. Test the trailer lights and electric brakes for proper operation prior to taking the trailer out on the road.

Turning
See Figure 11

Be sure to signal all turns well in advance. Remember that the trailer wheels will be closer to the inside of a turn than the vehicle wheels.

The arc of the turn is greater with a trailer; you cannot turn as tightly. Starting a turn near the center of the street will place you on the far right side of the new street when the turn is complete. Starting the turn at the outside portion of the road will complete the turn near the center of the new street. This means that you have to drive slightly "deeper" into the turn, or beyond your normal turning point.

Passing
See Figures 12 and 13

Never pass on a hill or curve. Leave enough room before starting to pass; acceleration is considerably slower with the added weight. Remember to allow for extra length when pulling back in after passing.

You may notice when a large truck or bus passes you, that the displaced air pushes the trailer to the right and then affects the front of the trailer. Don't hit the brakes or make any sudden maneuvers; this will only make it worse. Slow a little and the trailer will straighten itself out.

Following and stopping

It takes longer to stop with a trailer. Allow at least twice your normal stopping distance and try to anticipate all stops. Avoid panic stops, which cause the trailer to "jackknife" or try to catch up with the vehicle. Taking your foot off the brakes will usually cure this condition. Remember that everything must be done slowly, especially starting and stopping.

Driving on hills

On down grades, use lower gears and let engine compression slow the vehicle and trailer. Overuse of the brakes will only result in overheating and loss of effectiveness.

When going up long hills, you can reduce the chance of overheating by using a lower gear. The engine will turn faster, causing the fan to push more air. Should overheating occur, pull off the road, turn off all accessories except the heater and run the engine at fast idle until the temperature returns to normal. Check for leaks, broken drive belts, cracked hoses, etc., but never open the radiator cap.

Learn the "maximum controllable speed"

Every rig has a maximum speed, above which, it is out of control. Above this speed, many external factors can cause sudden, violent and uncontrolled trailer sway. Gusts of wind, passing vehicles, rough road surface; crosswinds and sudden maneuvers can all have disastrous consequences when driving above the rig's maximum controllable speed.

Backing a trailer

One of the worst experiences for a new trailer owner is backing a trailer. It can be a source of annoyance and frustration until you learn the trick to it.

There is no substitute for experience and one of the best places to practice is an empty parking lot. Practice backing between two trash cans, gradually decreasing the space between them.

Every driver has his own technique, but above all, go slowly. The trick is to turn the vehicle steering wheel in the opposite direction that you want the trailer to go.

An easy way to remember this is to put your right hand on the bottom of the steering wheel. To move the trailer left, turn your hand to the left; to move the trailer right, turn your hand right. Once the trailer is moving in the right direction, turn the wheels back in the opposite direction, so that the vehicle will "follow" the trailer through the turn. If you find the trailer is not going where you want it, pull forward, straighten the rig and try again.

Be patient. Turn the steering wheel a little at a time to start out. It's easier to begin backing with the vehicle and trailer in a straight line. This minimizes the corrections required, although, with practice, this becomes less important.

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