1998 Oldsmobile Achieva Owner's Manual - Page 185
1998 Oldsmobile Achieva Manual
Page 185 highlights
Driving witha Trailer Towing a trailer requiresa certain amount of experience. Before setting out for open road, you'll want to get the 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 isnow a good deal longer and not nearly as responsive asyour 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 hand to be sure by the brakes are working. This lets check your you electrical connection at same time. the During your trip, check occasionally to sure that the be load is secure, and that the lamps and any trailer brakes are still working. Following Distance Stay at least twiceas far behind the vehicleahead as you would when driving your vehicle without a trailer. This can help you avoid situationsthat 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 to gomuch farther beyond the passed vehicle beforeyou can return to your lane. Backing Up Hold the bottom of the steering wheel with one hand. Then, to move the trailer tothe left, just move hand that To to the left. move the trailer to theright, move your hand to the right. Always back up slowly and,if possible, have someone guide you.