A WARNING
Your vehicle should be handled in a
different way when towing a trailer.
For the safety of yourself and others,
observe the following precautions:
Practice turning, stopping, and
reversing before you begin towing
a trailer in traffic. Do not tow a
trailer in traffic until you are confi-
dent that you can handle the vehi-
cle and trailer safely.
Never exceed local towing speed
limits or 80 km/h (50 mph), which-
ever is lower.
Never drive at a speed that causes
shaking or swaying of the trailer. If
you notice even the slightest sign
of shaking or swaying, slow down.
• When roads are wet, slippery or
rough, drive at a slower speed than
you would on dry or smooth roads.
Failure to slow down when road
conditions are bad can result in
loss of control.
Always have someone guide you
when reversing.
(Continued)
A WARNING
(Continued)
Always admit greater stopping dis-
tance. Stopping distance is
increased when you tow a trailer.
For each 16 km/h (10 mph) of
speed, allow at least one vehicle
and trailer length between you and
the vehicle ahead. Allow a greater
stopping distance if roads are wet
or slippery.
If the trailer has over-run brakes,
apply the brakes gradually to avoid
snatching caused by the trailer
wheels locking.
Slow down before corners and
maintain a steady speed while cor-
nering. Deceleration or accelera-
tion while cornering can result in
loss of control. Remember that a
larger than normal turning radius is
needed because the trailer wheels
will go inside than vehicle's
wheels.
Avoid sudden acceleration and
stopping of the vehicle. Do not
make quick maneuvers unless they
are necessary.
Slow down in cross winds and be
prepared for gusts of wind from
large passing vehicles.
(Continued)
BEFORE DRIVING
A WARNING
(Continued)
Be careful when overtaking other
vehicles. Allow enough room for
your trailer before changing lanes,
and use turn signal lights properly
in advance.
Slow down and shift into a lower
gear for better engine braking
before you reach long or steep
downhill grades. It is hazardous to
attempt downshifting while you are
descending a hill.
Do not step on the brake pedal
excessively. This could cause the
brakes to over-heat resulting in
reduced braking efficiency. Use
engine braking as much as possi-
ble.
Because of the added trailer
weight, your engine may overheat
on hot days when going up long or
steep hills. Pay attention to your
engine coolant temperature. If it
indicates overheating, pull off the
road and stop the vehicle in a safe
place. Refer to "Engine trouble:
Overheating" in "EMERGENCY
SERVICE" section.
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