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:

    Instrument Panel Illumination Control
    The brightness of the instrument panel lights and steering wheel controls can be adjusted. (Instrument Panel Brightness): Move and hold the thumbwheel up or down to brighten or dim the lights ...

    Tachometer
    The tachometer displays the engine speed in revolutions per minute (rpm). Notice: If the engine is operated with the tachometer in the shaded warning area, the vehicle could be damaged, and ...

    Additional Factors Affecting System Operation
    Safety belts help keep the passenger in position on the seat during vehicle maneuvers and braking, which helps the passenger sensing system maintain the passenger airbag status. See “Safety Belts” ...