17
•
The SW9F trailer is a bumper hitch trailer, so you will need to make sure not to turn the
trailer too much, as it could hit the rear of the towing vehicle
•
When you want to straighten the trailer, simply drive forward, or turn your wheel in the
opposite direction of your trailer
G
ENERAL
G
UIDELINES FOR
S
AFE
T
RAILER
T
OWING
•
Check and recheck your tie-downs to insure the load will not shift. Make sure to also do
this while towing.
•
Check your coupler and hitch, safety chains, tires, and wheels to make sure they are in
correct working order
•
Check your lights to insure they are functioning properly
•
Check your lug nuts and bolts to insure they are properly tightened
•
Check your coupler after towing for 50 miles
•
While towing, always use your mirrors to insure you have enough room for changing
lanes or pulling into traffic
•
Always give yourself plenty of room for passing. A good rule to follow is the passing
distance with the trailer is 4x the distance without your trailer.
•
Always use your turn signals well before you intend to turn/pass
•
Always allow plenty of space for you vehicle/trailer to stop
•
Never drive faster than 60 mph; never drive so fast as to make the trailer sway
•
Shift into low gear for city driving, and also for ascending and descending grades
•
Never ride your brakes on descending grades. This could cause them to overheat and
stop working, resulting in a runaway vehicle and trailer
•
It is recommended not to use full throttle when driving up a hill; build speed as you
approach the hill instead
•
Always slow down for bumps in the road, and do not brake while driving over the bump
•
Always slow down before entering a curve; don’t brake on the curve unless absolutely
necessary. This insures your towing vehicle keeps control of the trailer.
•
Never apply brakes to correct a swaying trailer; instead, continue pulling the trailer with
a slight acceleration to stabilize the trailer.
•
Make hourly stops to check the following:
o
Coupler and hitch are secure and locked
o
Electrical connections are secure and working
o
Safety chains are secure and properly slack
o
Tires are at proper pressure
o
Cargo is secure
