Following DistanceStay at least twice as far behind the vehicle ahead asyou would when driving your vehicle without a trailer.This can help you avoid situations that requireheavy braking and sudden turns.PassingYou will need more passing distance up ahead when youare towing a trailer. And, because you are a good deallonger, you will need to go much farther beyond thepassed vehicle before you can return to your lane.Backing UpHold the bottom of the steering wheel with one hand.Then, to move the trailer to the left, just move that handto the left. To move the trailer to the right, move yourhand to the right. Always back up slowly and, if possible,have someone guide you.Making TurnsNotice: Making very sharp turns while traileringcould cause the trailer to come in contact with thevehicle. Your vehicle could be damaged. Avoidmaking very sharp turns while trailering.When you are turning with a trailer, make wider turnsthan normal. Do this so your trailer will not strike softshoulders, curbs, road signs, trees or other objects. Avoidjerky or sudden maneuvers. Signal well in advance.Turn Signals When Towing a TrailerWhen you tow a trailer, your vehicle may need adifferent turn signal flasher and/or extra wiring. Checkwith your dealer. The arrows on your instrumentpanel will flash whenever you signal a turn or lanechange. Properly hooked up, the trailer lamps will alsoflash, telling other drivers you are about to turn,change lanes or stop.When towing a trailer, the arrows on your instrumentpanel will flash for turns even if the bulbs on the trailerare burned out. Thus, you may think drivers behindyou are seeing your signal when they are not. Itis important to check occasionally to be sure the trailerbulbs are still working.4-44
