Safety Chains; Trailer Brakes; Driving with a Trailer- Page 214

4-36

Safety Chains

You should always attach chains between your vehicle
and your trailer. Cross the safety chains under the tongue
of the trailer so that the tongue will not drop to the road
if it becomes separated from the hitch. Instructions
about safety chains may be provided by the hitch
manufacturer or by the trailer manufacturer. Follow the
manufacturer’s recommendation for attaching safety
chains and do not attach them to the bumper. Always
leave just enough slack so you can turn with your rig.
And, never allow safety chains to drag on the ground.

Trailer Brakes

Because you have anti

-

lock brakes, do not try to tap 

into your vehicle’s brake system. If you do, both brake
systems won’t work well, or at all.

Driving with a Trailer

Towing a trailer requires a certain amount of experience.
Before setting out for the open road, you’ll want to 
get to know your rig. Acquaint yourself with the feel 
of handling and braking with the added weight of the
trailer. And always keep in mind that the vehicle you 
are driving is now a good deal longer and not nearly 
as responsive as your vehicle is by itself.

Before you start, check the trailer hitch and platform
(and attachments), safety chains, electrical connector,
lamps, tires and mirror adjustment. If the trailer has
electric brakes, start your vehicle and trailer moving 
and then apply the trailer brake controller by hand to be
sure the brakes are working. This lets you check your
electrical connection at the same time.

During your trip, check occasionally to be sure that the
load is secure, and that the lamps and any trailer brakes
are still working.

Following Distance

Stay at least twice as far behind the vehicle ahead as you
would when driving your vehicle without a trailer. This
can help you avoid situations that require heavy braking
and sudden turns.

Passing

You’ll need more passing distance up ahead when
you’re towing a trailer. And, because you’re a good 
deal longer, you’ll need to go much farther beyond 
the passed vehicle before you can return to your lane.