1994 Oldsmobile Achieva Owner's Manual - Page 147

may be provided by hitch the manufacturer or the trailer by manufacturer. Followthe manufacturer's recommendation for attaching safety so chains. Always leavejust enough slack you canturn with your rig. And, never allow safety chains drag on the ground. to Trailer Brakes Does your trailer have own brakes? its Be sure to read and follow the instructions for the trailer brakes so you'll be able install, adjust and to maintain them properly. And because you have anti-lockbrakes, do not try to If tap into your vehicle's brake system. you do, both brake systems won't work well, or at all. Before you start, check the trailer hitch and platform, safety chains, electrical connector, lights, tires and mirror adjustment. If the trailer has electric brakes, start your vehicleand 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 yourtrip, check occasionallyto be sure that theload is secure, that and the lights and any trailer brakes are still working. Backing Up Hold the bottom of the steering wheel with one hand. Then, to move the trailer to theleft, just move that hand to right, the left. To move the trailer to the move your hand to theright. Always back up slowly and, if possible, have someone guide you. Making Turns When you'returning with a trailer, make widerturns thannormal. Do this so your trailer won't strike soft shoulders, curbs, road signs,trees, or other objects. Avoid jerky orsudden maneuvers. Signal wellin advance. Following Distance Stay at least twiceas far behindthe vehicle ahead as you would when driving your vehicle without a trailer. This can help you avoidsituations that require heavy brakingand sudden turns. Driving with a Trailer Towing atrailer requires acertain amount of experience. Before setting out for the open road, you'll want to get to lmow your rig. Acquaint yourself with the feel of handling and bralung with the added weightof the trailer. And always keep in mind that the vehicle you are driving is now a good deal longerand not nearly so responsive as your vehicle is itself. by Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer When youtow a trailer, your vehicle has to have a differentturn signal flasher and extra wiring. The green arrowson Passing your instrument panel will flash You'll need more passingdistance up whenever you signal a turn orlane ahead when you're towinga trailer. change. Properly hookedup, thetrailer And, because you're a good deal longer, lights walso flash, telling l i other you'll needto go much farther beyond drivers you'reabout to turn,change the passed vehicle before you can return lanes or stop. to your lane. €45