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:

    Maintenance Schedule
    Owner Checks and Services At Each Fuel Stop . Check the engine oil level. See Engine Oil  . Once a Month . Check the tire inflation pressures. See Tire Pressure  . . Inspect the tires f ...

    Inst (Instantaneous) Economy
    Displays the current fuel economy in either liters per 100 kilometers (L/100 km) or miles per gallon (mpg). This number changes frequently as driving conditions change. It cannot be reset. ...

    Securing an Add-On Child Restraint in the Vehicle
    WARNING! A child can be seriously injured or killed in a crash if the child restraint is not properly secured in the vehicle. Secure the child restraint properly in the vehicle using the ve ...