Airstream CLASSIC TRAILER - Manual (Page 26)

B
TOWING
B - 12
TOWING TIPS
We want every owner to be a safe and courteous driver. A few hours of towing
practice in a large empty supermarket lot will make pulling your trailer over the road
much easier. Line out two corners for left and right turns. You may also use these
corners to practice backing and parking.
After thoroughly inspecting your hitch, brakes, and tires you should be ready to tow.
Check traffic, signal that you are about to pull away, and start slowly. Look often in
your mirrors, and observe the action of the trailer, then carefully move into the proper
lane of traffic. Remember that the trailer wheels will not follow the path of the tow
vehicle wheels; therefore, WIDER TURNS ARE NECESSARY WHEN TURNING TO
THE LEFT OR TO THE RIGHT.
The BRAKE CONTROLLER is activated when you apply the brakes of the tow
vehicle. Your tow vehicle brakes will automatically apply the trailer brakes first when
properly adjusted. This will help keep your tow vehicle and trailer in a straight line and
make you stop as if you were driving the tow vehicle alone. If swaying or swerving
should occur, briefly operating the controller separate from the vehicle brakes may
help correct the situation. Practice this maneuver on a clear highway or deserted
parking lot. Don’t wait for an emergency then grope for the controller.
When trailering you might encounter a temporary cooling system overload during
severe conditions, such as hot days when pulling on a long grade, when slowing
down after higher speed driving, or driving long idle periods in traffic jams. If the hot
indicator light comes on, or the temperature gauge indicates overheating and you
have your air conditioner turned on, turn it off. Pull over in a safe place and put on
your emergency brake. Don’t turn off the engine. Increase the engine idle speed. Lift
the engine hood and check for fluid leaks at the radiator overflow outlet. Check to
see that all drive belts are intact and the radiator fan is turning. If you have a problem
have it fixed at the next opportunity. If there is no problem the light should go off or
temperature should come down within one minute. Proceed on the highway a little
slower. Ten minutes later resume normal driving.
WARNING : Never open a radiator cap when the tow vehicle is hot.
Check the coolant level when the vehicle is cool.
When going downhill in dry weather, down shift so that engine compression will
slow the whole rig down. Take dips and depressions in the road slowly and do not
resume normal driving speeds until you are sure that the trailer wheels are clear of
the dip.
WARNING : On slippery pavement do not use engine drag to help
slow down as this may cause the rear wheels of the tow vehicle to skid. On icy
pavement drive slowly and if you feel the tow vehicle skidding gently apply the
trailer brakes only. This will bring the tow vehicle and trailer back into a single
line. Chains do not help trailer wheels.
When driving in mud and sand let the momentum carry the rig through. Apply power
gently and use as little as possible. Stay in the tracks of the vehicle ahead and keep
the tow vehicle in the highest possible gear. If you get stuck it is best to tow out the
entire rig together without unhitching.
Despite the best hitch you will notice that whenever a large bus or truck overtakes
your rig the displaced air first pushes the trailer rear slightly to the right and then
affects the front. It may be necessary to steer very slightly, momentarily, toward the
bus or truck to help compensate for the sway induced by the passing-vehicle. Do not
apply the vehicle brakes, as this can tend to exaggerate the situation. You may find,
however, that briefly applying the trailer brakes with your manual control will help
eliminate sway.
On a two-lane road cars will be lining up behind you because you travel at a lower