Trailering Tactics

With a trailer in tow, you’re operating a vehicle combination that’s longer, heavier and perhaps sometimes wider and taller than you’re used to. So you’ll have to make some compensating adjustments in your normal driving practices.

Take a “Shakedown Cruise”
At least one short trial run before your first trip will help. Familiarize yourself with your trailer’s operating characteristics. It also will let you know that the lights, brakes, hitch, etc. are all working properly.

Slow Down
Moderate to slower speeds to put less strain on your car and trailer.

Allow Extra Time and Space
You’ll need both when passing and stopping, especially if your trailer has no brakes.

Check Rear View Mirrors
Doing this frequently will let you know that your trailer is riding properly. We recommend installing outside rear-view mirrors on both sides of your tow vehicle.

Swing Wider
You need to make wider swings at curves and corners because your trailer’s wheels are closer to the inside of a turn than the wheels of your car or truck.

Pass with Extra Care
It takes more time and distance to get around a slower vehicle and return to the right lane when you’ve got a trailer in tow.

Watch the Wind
To avoid swaying, be prepared for sudden changes in air pressure and wind buffeting when larger vehicles pass from either direction. Slow down a bit and keep a firm hold on your steering wheel. Aim straight down your lane.

Conserve Fuel
You will go farther on a tank of gas at more moderate speeds. Higher speeds increase wind resistance against the trailer and reduce your gas mileage significantly.

Avoid Sudden Stops and Starts
This can cause skidding, sliding or jack-knifing, even if your trailer has brakes. Avoid quick stops while turning. Smooth, gradual starts and stops will improve your gas mileage.

Signal Your Intentions
Let surrounding vehicles know what you intend to do well before you stop, turn, change lanes or pass.

Shift to a Lower Gear
A lower gear will help ease the load on the transmission and engine when going over steep hills, sand, gravel or dirt roads. If your tow vehicle has an “overdrive” gear, shifting out of overdrive to a lower gear may or may not improve your gas mileage. Please check with a dealer or your tow vehicle’s owner’s manual for the specific information regarding this action for your tow vehicle. Many vehicles are different, so there is no “rule of thumb” these days.

Always Be Courteous
Make it as easy as possible for faster-moving vehicles to pass you. Keep to the right of the road and prepare to slow down if passing vehicles need extra time to return to their proper lane.

Don't Tailgate
Allow at least one car and trailer length between you and the vehicle ahead for each 10 mph on your speedometer. Three seconds should be the minimum distance.

If a Problem Occurs
Don’t panic, stay cool. Say you experience a sudden bumping or fishtailing. It may indicate a flat tire. Don’t jam on the brakes or mash the accelerator in an attempt to drive out of it. Instead, come to a stop slowly as you keep driving in as straight a line as possible. If conditions permit, coast to a very slow speed and try to avoid braking, except when your wheels are straight ahead and your trailer and tow vehicle are in line with each other.

If your trailer begins to fishtail as you accelerate to highway speed, back off the accelerator a bit. This should stop the fishtailing. If it begins again as you increase speed, stop and check your load. It probably isn’t distributed evenly from side to side, or it’s too far back to put a sufficient load on the hitch ball. It is recommended that from 10 to 15% of the trailer load be on the hitch on a single axle trailer and no less than 7% on any other trailer configuration. Redistribute the load as necessity dictates before continuing.

Hitching a Trailer

Hitching a trailer to your tow vehicle is usually a one-man job, but it’s easier if someone helps.

Here are the basic steps:

Back your tow vehicle as close as possible to the trailer; it’s easier - and safer - to do this rather than to pull the trailer to your car or truck. Release the coupler locking device. Raise the front end of the trailer, place the coupler directly over the hitch ball and then lower it until it’s seated on the hitch ball, covering it completely.

Visually check under the coupling to ensure the ball clamp is below the ball and not riding on top of it (be careful not to pinch your fingers). Latch the coupler to the hitch ball. Make sure it’s locked in place by lifting up the trailer tongue. If the coupler comes loose from the ball, unlatch it and go back to Step 3. Make sure your jack is fully raised.

If you have a weight distributing hitch with spring bars: Follow the above procedures. Then attach the spring bar chain to the trailer and tighten it until your trailer and car are in a normal, level position. If your trailer has a surge brake breakaway cable or chain, attach the cable or chain to your tow vehicle, allowing enough slack for you to make tight turns. Attach the safety chains (as described in the previous section). Connect the trailer wiring harness to the lighting system of your tow vehicle and check its operation.