16
T
OWING
Y
OUR
T
RAILER
If you have never towed a trailer before, you will need to learn safe towing practices and how to
back up with a trailer correctly.
Driving with a trailer is very different than driving without a trailer. Your maneuverability
becomes much more limited, and you will need to spend time learning to drive comfortably with
a trailer attached to your vehicle. With practice, you can feel confident in your ability to tow.
With limited maneuverability, the hazards and risks are significantly increased when towing a
trailer; you are responsible for keeping control of your towing vehicle and trailer, and you are
responsible for any damages caused by losing control of your towing vehicle and trailer.
To practice driving while towing, do the following:
•
First, read and follow the instructions given in the sections
Coupling to the Tow Vehicle
,
Loading the Trailer
(if you are loading anything), and
Checking the Trailer
•
Find a clear, flat, open area without traffic to practice towing your trailer
•
Adjust your mirrors so you can easily see your trailer and the area to the rear of it
•
Drive slowly (around 5-10 mph). Move your wheel around to get a feel for how your
vehicle responds with a trailer attached
•
Make some left and right hand turns. Watch in your mirrors how your trailer responds to
the turns, and how much room will be required to make a turn without hitting anything.
Remember, the turning radius with a trailer is much wider than without a trailer
•
Practice braking with the trailer. If your trailer does not have brakes (most of the smaller
aluminum trailers will not have brakes), watch how your trailer reacts to braking. If your
trailer does have brakes, they should brake at the same time as the towing vehicle. If they
aren’t, double check the wiring to make sure you have a good connection
Backing up a towing vehicle with a trailer will take a lot of practice. Go slow, be patient, and
practice a lot. To practice backing up a trailer, do the following:
•
Get out of you vehicle and check behind the trailer to make sure there is nothing in the
way
•
Get in your car and place your hands on the bottom of the wheel
•
When you move your hands counterclockwise (right), the rear of your trailer will also
move to the right. When you move your hands clockwise (left), the rear of your trailer will
also move to the left
