1993 Pontiac Grand Am Owner's Manual - Page 165

Your Driving and the Road Driving with a lbiler Towing a trailer requires a certain amount of experience. Before setting out for the openroad, 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 you are driving is now a good deal longer and not nearly so responsive as your vehicle is by itself. Before you start, check the trailer hitch and platform, safety chains, electrical connector, lights, tires and mirror adjustment. If the trailer has electric brakes, start your vehicle and trailer moving and then apply the trailer brake controller by hand to be sure the brakes are working. This lets you check your electrical connection at the same time. 164 During your trip, check occasionally to be sure that the load is secure, and that the lights andany trailer brakes are still working. Following Distance Stay at least twice as far behind the vehicle ahead as you would when driving your vehicle without trailer. a This can helpyou avoid situations that require heavy braking and suddenturns. Passing You'll need more passing distance up ahead when you're towinga trailer. And, because you're a good deal longer, you'll need to go much farther beyond the passed vehicle beforeyou can return to your lane. Backing Up Hold the bottom of the steering wheel with one hand. Then, tomove the trailer to 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. Making Turns When you're turning witha trailer, make wider turns than normal. Do this so your trailer won't strike soft shoulders, curbs, road signs, trees, or other objects. Avoid jerky or sudden maneuvers. Signal wellin advance.