B - 10
TOWINg
B - 11
B
When driving in mud and sand let the momentum carry the rig through. Apply
power gently and use as little as possible. Stay in the tracks of the vehicle
ahead and keep the tow vehicle in the highest possible gear. If you get stuck it
is best to tow out the entire rig together without unhitching.
Despite the best hitch you will notice that whenever a large bus or truck
overtakes your rig the displaced air first pushes the trailer rear slightly to the
right and then affects the front. It may be necessary to steer very slightly, mo-
mentarily, toward the bus or truck to help compensate for the sway induced
by the passing-vehicle. Do not apply the vehicle brakes, as this can tend to
exaggerate the situation. You may find, however, that briefly applying the trailer
brakes with your manual control will help eliminate sway.
Warning
: When stopping on a hill or slope, leaving your tow
vehicle in gear is not enough for standstill safety. CHOCK THE TRAILER
WHEELS. Do not use trailer brakes as parking brakes.
Backing Up
In BACKING UP the important thing to remember is to DO EVERYTHING
SLOWLY and to correct immediately if you see the trailer turning the wrong
way. Concentrate on the rear of the trailer. With your tow vehicle and trailer in
a straight line back up slowly and turn the bottom of the steering wheel in the
direction you want the trailer to go. Watch out the window or in the mirror until
the rear of the trailer is pointing in the desired direction. Your vehicle will be
following the trailer in an arc. Straighten the tow vehicle and trailer by turning
the steering wheel more sharply, and then when they are in line, straighten the
steering wheel.
ALWAYS TRY TO BACK TO YOUR LEFT BECAUSE THE VISIBILITY IS MUCH
BETTER. (See Illustration) When you don’t make it on the first try it is usually
much easier to pull forward to your original position and start over.
If your spouse or traveling companion normally directs you when backing they
should position themselves forward of the tow vehicle so the driver can easily
see them. Their directions should always indicate to the driver the direction
the rear of the trailer should go. A little practice in a parking lot with the person
giving directions can save a lot of frustration when backing into a campsite.
Summary of Contents for 2013 International
Page 18: ...A A 12 Warranty and Service NOTES ...
Page 30: ...Towing B 12 B ...
Page 34: ...Towing B 16 B NOTES ...
Page 68: ...Exterior D 22 D NOTES ...
Page 122: ...APPLIANCES H 8 H NOTES ...