The primary concern when towing a trailer should be safety. Check and double-check the connections between your vehicle and the trailer. After tightening the hitch and connecting the wiring harness, check your brake lights and signal flashers. Cross your safety chains below the trailer tongue before attaching them to the frame of the vehicle or the sides of the receiver. The chains should have slack in them, but should not touch the ground.
Before hitting the road, go over your intended route, making note of any sharp turns, narrow streets, dangerous intersections or construction. If you can detour around an obstacle, do it. Taking a little extra time to get there is a small price to pay for a safe and stress-free trip.
When you are trailering, think through every start, turn, lane change and stop you will make on your trip. From the moment you put your vehicle in gear, until you back into your parking spot, consider every move you will make with the trailer.
If your vehicle has an automatic transmission with positions 1, 2, 3 and D, put the gearshift in the No. 3 position--not drive. That will prevent your vehicle from going into overdrive, which can damage your transmission. Every vehicle is different, and your owner's manual will have towing specifications, including weight limits and gear recommendations.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, you should shift to a lower gear to reduce your speed, and apply the brakes lightly to slow your vehicle gradually. When going downhill, apply your brakes at intervals to avoid overheating.
When changing lanes, signal far in advance, making sure you have more than enough room for the trailer to clear any traffic in the lane you are entering.
Making turns is one of the biggest challenges you will face when pulling a trailer. The key is to go slow and wide. On right turns, stay to the left as you enter the intersection. To prevent drivers from coming up on your right, move left just enough to block half of the right lane. As you proceed through the turn, watch the passenger-side wheels of your trailer to be sure you do not go over the curb.
Left-hand turns are easier, because you usually do not have any obstructions with which to contend. You still should make wide turns to avoid hitting any cars that are stopped in the intersection to your left. Again, watch your mirror to be sure you clear any obstructions (including traffic).
When possible, have another person assist you with maneuvering your trailer. An adult can help guide you as you back your trailer into a space.
When backing your trailer into a space, place one hand at the six-o'clock position on your steering wheel. To turn left, move your hand to the left. The opposite applies for turning right. Again, the key is to take your time. If you have to pull up and start over, it's no big deal. Backing a trailer takes practice, and even experienced drivers have difficulty at times.
Before removing your trailer from the vehicle, block the trailer wheels to prevent it from rolling.
Practice maneuvering your trailer in a vacant parking lot before going on vacation. It's a great way to improve your skill without a carload of kids or the pressure of heavy traffic. A set of cones will help you learn how to judge your turns.
