Airstream INTERNATIONAL CCD - Manual (Page 25)

B
B - 9
TOWING
Passing
ON FREEWAYS OR EXPRESSWAYS try to pick the
lane you want and stay in it. Always maintain plenty
of space between you and the car ahead, at least the
length of the tow vehicle plus trailer for every ten miles
per hour. Remember that in order to pass another ve-
hicle you will need longer to accelerate. You must also
allow for the length of the trailer when returning to the
right hand lane.
When going downhill in dry weather, down shift so that
engine compression will slow the whole rig down. Take
dips and depressions in the road slowly and do not
resume normal driving speeds until you are sure that
the trailer wheels are clear of the dip.
WARNING : On slippery pavement do not
use engine drag to help slow down as this may
cause the rear wheels of the tow vehicle to skid.
On icy pavement drive slowly and if you feel the tow
vehicle skidding gently apply the trailer brakes only.
This will bring the tow vehicle and trailer back into a
single line. Chains do not help trailer wheels.
CAUTION : 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, momentarily, toward the bus or truck to help
compensate for the sway induced by the passing-ve-
hicle. 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
to be double sure. Do not use trailer brakes as park-
ing brakes.