Backing UpHold the bottom of the steering wheel with one hand.Then, to move the trailer to the left, 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. The vehicle could be damaged. Avoidmaking very sharp turns while trailering.When turning with a trailer, make wider turns thannormal. Do this so the trailer will not strike softshoulders, curbs, road signs, trees or other objects.Avoid jerky or sudden maneuvers. Signal well inadvance.Turn Signals When Towing a TrailerThe arrows on the instrument panel flash wheneversignaling a turn or lane change. Properly hooked up, thetrailer lamps also flash, telling other drivers the vehicleis turning, changing lanes or stopping.When towing a trailer, the arrows on the instrumentpanel flash for turns even if the bulbs on the trailer areburned out. For this reason you may think otherdrivers are seeing the signal when they are not. It isimportant to check occasionally to be sure thetrailer bulbs are still working.Driving On GradesReduce speed and shift to a lower gear before startingdown a long or steep downgrade. If the transmission isnot shifted down, the brakes might have to be used somuch that they would get hot and no longer work well.Vehicles can tow in D (Drive). Shift the transmission toa lower gear if the transmission shifts too often underheavy loads and/or hilly conditions.The tow/haul mode may be used if the transmissionshifts too often. See “Tow/Haul Mode” earlier inthis section.When towing at high altitude on steep uphill grades,consider the following: Engine coolant will boil at a lowertemperature than at normal altitudes. If the engine isturned off immediately after towing at high altitudeon steep uphill grades, the vehicle may show signssimilar to engine overheating. To avoid this, letthe engine run while parked, preferably on level ground,with the transmission in P (Park) for a few minutesbefore turning the engine off. If the overheat warningcomes on, see Engine Overheating on page 6-30.5-49
