Driving with a trailer, Fomowirrg distance, Passing – GMC 2003 Sierra User Manual
Page 366: Backing up, Making turns
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Driving with a Trailer
TQvtfIrtg a trailer requires a certain amouni of екрепапсе.
Before setting out for the open road* you'N want to
get
to know your rig. Acquaint yourself wilh the feel of
handling and brakii>g with the
added
weight of the trailer.
And always keep in imind Thai the vehicle you are
driving is now a good deaJ longer and not neady as
responsive as your vehicle is by ilsell.
Beiore you stan, check the trailer hitch and piatiorm
{and attachrnents)f safety chains, elecirical connecfor^
iampSH tires and mirror adjuslrrient. if the trailer has
efectric brakes, start your vehicle and trailer moving and
then appty the trailer brake conlrotler by hand to be
Sure The brakes are working. This lets you check your
elsclncail connection al the same tima.
During your trip^ check occasionally to be sure lhat me
load is secure, and lhat the lamps and any trailer
brakes are still working.
While tov^ing a trailer or when exposed to long periods
of sunshina, the floor of Ihe trvck bed may becotme
very warm. Avoid pulling iteins in the truck bed
that might be affected by high ambient temperatures.
FoMowirrg Distance
Slay at least twice as Far behind Ihe vehicle ahead as
you would wherr driving your vehicle wilhoirt
a
Irailer,
This can help you avoid situations that require
heavy braking and sudden turns.
Passing
You’ll need more passing distance up ahead when
you’re towing a trailer. And, because you're a good deal
longer, you'll need to go much farther beyond the
passed vehicle bafore you can return to your lane.
Backing Up
Hold the botloin of the steering wheel with one hand.
Then, to move the trailer to the left, just move that hand
(o the left. To move the trailer to the right, move your
hand to 1he right. Always back up slowly and, if possible,
have someone guide you.
Making Turns
N o t f e s ;
Making very sharp turns while trailering
could cause the trailer to
came
irii contact with the
vehicle. Your vehicle could be damaged. Avoid
making very sharp turns while trailering.
When you're turning wilti a irailer, make wider turns than
normal г Do this
50
your trailor won't sirike soft shouldqra,
curbs, road signs, trees or other objects. Avo
sudden maneuvers. Signal well in advance.
4'85