1996 Pontiac Trans Sport Owner's Manual - Page 216

Towing a trailer requires a certain amount of experi nee. Before setting out for theopen road, you'll want to et to know your rig. Acquaint yourself with the feel oi handing and braking with the added weight of the trailer. And always keep inmind that the vehicle yo are driving is now a good deallonger and not nearly as responsive as your vehicle is by itself, Before you start, check thetrailer hitch and platforh (and attachments), safety chains, electrical connect r, lamps, tires and mirror adjustment. If the trailer has electric brakes, start your vehicleand trailer rnovin and then apply the trailer brake controll'er by hand to be sure the brakes are working. This lets you check your A : electrical connection at the same time. &, , ,+ ' I1 ' 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. 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 beforeyou can returnto your lane. Backing Up Hold the bottom 'of the steering wheel with one hand. Then, tomove the trailer to the left,just movethat hand your to the left, To move the trailer to the right, move hand to the right. Always back up slowly and,if possible, have someone guide you. :.*f ..,, * I. , During your trip, check occasionally to be sure that the load is secure, and that the lampsand any trailer- br2,kes a . are still working. I v : , I , ., ' , 3: 2 . h . , *:.A ..I ' " -a . , 8,