1996 Pontiac Firebird Owner's Manual - Page 197

Driving with a m +er 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 feelof 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 as responsive as your vehicleis 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 trailer brake 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 the lamps and any trailer brakes are still working. 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 before you can return to yourlane. Backing Up Hold thebottom of the steering wheel with one hand. Then, to move trailer tothe left, just movethat hand the to the left. To move thetrailer to the right, move your hand to the right. Always back up slowly and,if possible, have someone guideyou. Making Turns NOTICE: Making very sharp turns while trailering could cause the trailer to come contact with the in vehicle. Your vehicle coul'd be damaged. Avoid making verysharp turns while trailering. When you're turning with trailer, make wider turns than a normal. Do this so your trailer won't strike soft shoulders, curbs, road signs, treesor other objects. Avoidjerky or sudden maneuvers. Signal wellin advance. FoIlowing Distance Stay at least twice as far behind the vehicle ahead as you would when driving yourvehicle without a trailer. This can help you avoid situationsthat require heavy braking and sudden turns. 4-36