Driving

TM 5-4930-233-14

TM 4930-14/1

Driving

CAUTION

Sudden stops may cause the drawbar to bend or buckle.

When trailer is attached always start and stop the towing vehicle slowly and gradually. Do this whether

or not the trailer is loaded.

Never exceed the maximum speed of 50 mph (80 kph) on highways and 10 mph (16 kph) for cross

country use.

When driving the towing vehicle and trailer, overall length of the unit must be kept in mind when

turning and passing other vehicles. Because the unit is hinged in the middle, turning and backing are

also affected.

Heavier payloads will increase stopping distance and decrease off road

maneuverability.

When turning corners, allow for the fact that the trailer wheels turn inside the turning radius of the

towing vehicle. To make a right turn at a road intersection, drive the towing vehicle part way into the

intersection and then cut sharply to the right. This will allow for the turning radius of the trailer and

keep it off the cub.

Always back the towing vehicle slowly and gradually. Whenever possible, the assistant driver or

another person will act as a ground guide to assist and direct the driver.

When backing, the rear of the trailer will move in the opposite direction in which the towing vehicle is

turned. When the towing vehicle is turned to the right, the rear of the trailer will go left. When the

towing vehicle has turned and backing in a straight line is required, turn the towing vehicle in the

direction the trailer is moving. This will slowly bring the towing vehicle and trailer into a straight line.

In normal operation the brakes of the towing vehicle and trailer are applied at the same time when the

driver steps on the brake pedal. Brake pressure must be applied gradually and smoothly. With some

towing vehicles the trailer brakes can be applied separately by using a brake control (refer to towing

vehicle operator's manual). On steep grades or slippery surfaces, the trailer brakes should be applied

before the towing vehicle brakes, if possible. This will reduce the possibility of jackknifing the trailer.

When the towing vehicle and trailer are to be left unattended, set the towing vehicle parking brake, turn

off the engine and set the chock blocks.

After towing

Lower front jack leg (15).

Position two chock blocks (16) behind wheels.

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