1997 Chevrolet Malibu Owner's Manual - Page 184

Driving with anailer Towing a trailer requires a certain amount experience. of Before settingout for the open road, you'll want to get to know your rig. Acquaint yourself with the of feel handling and braking with added weight of the the trailer. And always keep mind that the vehicle you are in driving is now a good deal longer and not nearly as responsive as your vehicle is itself. by Following Distance Stay at least twice as far behind vehicle ahead as you the would when driving your vehicle without a trailer. This can help you avoid situations that require heavy braking and sudden turns. Passing Before you start, check the trailer hitch and platform (and attachments), safety chains, electrical connector, lamps, tires and mirror adjustment. the trailer has If electric brakes,start your vehicle and trailer moving and Backing Up then apply the trailer brake controller by hand be sure to the brakes are working. This you check your lets Hold the bottomof the steering wheel with hand. one electrical connection at the same time. Then, to move the trailer to the left, move that hand just During your trip, check occasionally to be sure that the to the left. To move the trailer to the right, move your if load is secure, and that the lamps and any trailer brakes hand to the right. Always back up slowly and, possible, have someone guide you. are still working. 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 much farther beyond the go passed vehicle before you can return to your lane. 4-37