Driving with a Trailer

Towing a trailer requires experience.

Get familiar with handling and braking with the added trailer weight. The vehicle is now longer and not as responsive as the vehicle is by itself.

Check all trailer hitch parts and attachments, safety chains, electrical connectors, lamps, tires and mirror adjustments. If the trailer has electric brakes, start the vehicle and trailer moving and then apply the trailer brake controller by hand to be sure the brakes are working.

During the trip, check regularly to be sure that the load is secure, and the lamps and trailer brakes are working properly.

    See also:

    Checking Brake Fluid
    Check brake fluid by looking at the brake fluid reservoir. See Engine Compartment Overview on page 10‑6. The fluid level should be above MIN. If it is not, have the brake hydraulic system che ...

    Convex Mirrors
    WARNING A convex mirror can make things, like other vehicles, look farther away than they really are. If you cut too sharply into the right lane, you could hit a vehicle on the right. Check the insid ...

    Fuel Economy Light
    For vehicles with the fuel economy mode light, it comes on when the eco (economy) switch, located on the center console near the shifter, is pressed. For vehicles with a Driver Information Cente ...