1996 Oldsmobile Achieva Owner's Manual - Page 185

Driving with a Trailer Towing a trailer requires a certain amount of experience. Before setting out for the open road, you'll wantto 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 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 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. Following Distance Stay at least twice as far behind the vehicle ahead as you would when driving your vehicle without a trailer. This can help you avoid situations that require heavy braking and sudden turns. You'll need more passing distance up ahead when you're towing a trailer. And, because you're a good deal longer, you'll needto go much farther beyond the passed vehicle before you can return to your lane. Backing Up Hold the bottom of the steering wheel withone hand. Then, to move the trailer to the left, just move that hand to the left. To move the trailer to theright, move your hand to the right.Always back up slowly and, if possible, have someone guide you.