1998 Chevrolet Astro Owner's Manual - Page 218

Towing a trailer requires a certain amount of experience. Before setting out for the open road, you'll want to get to know your rig. Acquaint yourself with the feel of handling and braking with the added weight of the trailer. And always keep in mind that the vehicle are you driving is now a gooddeal longer and not nearly as responsive as your vehicle is by itself. Before you start,check the trailer hitch and platform (and attachments), safety chains, electrical connector, lamps, tires and mirror adjustment.If the trailer has electric brakes, start your vehicle and trailer moving and then apply the trailerbrake controller by hand to be sure the brakes are working. This lets you check your electrical connection at the same time. During your trip,check occasionally to be sure that the load is secure, and that lamps and any trailer brakes the are still working. Following Distance Stay at least twice as far behind the vehicle aheadas you would when driving your vehicle without a trailer. 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 togo much farther beyond the passed vehicle before you can return to your lane. Backing Up Hold the bottomof the steering wheel withone hand. Then, to move the trailerto the left, just move that hand to the left. To move the trailer to the right, move your hand to the right. Always back up slowly and, if possible, have someone guide you. 4-34