1996 Oldsmobile 88 Owner's Manual - Page 189

Driving with a Trailer Towing a trailer requires a certain amountexperience. of Before setting out the open road, you'll want to get for to know your Acquaint yourself with feel of rig. the handling and braking with added weightof 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 by itself. is Before youstart, 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 moving and trailer then apply the trailer brake controllerby hand to be sure the brakes are working. lets you check your This electrical connection at the same time. During yourtrip, check occasionallyto be sure that the load is secure, and that lamps and any trailer brakes the are still working. Following Distance Stay atleast twice as far behindthe vehicle aheadas you would when driving your vehicle without a trailer. This can help you avoid situations that require heavy brakin and suddenturns. Passing You'll need more passing distance up ahead when you're towing a trailer. And, because you're a good d longer, you'll need to much farther beyond the go passed vehicle before you can return to your lane. Backing Up Hold the bottom of the steering wheel with one hand. Then,-tomove the trailer the left, just move that hand to to the left. To move the trailer to right, move your the hand to the right. Always back up slowly and, if possible, have someone guide you. 4-37