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After you’ve loaded your trailer, weigh the trailer
and
then the tongue, separately, to see
if
the weights are
proper.
If
they aren’t,
you
may be able to get them right
simply by moving some items around in the trailer.
Total
Weight
on
Your Vehicle’s Tires
Be sure
your
vehicle’s
tires
are inflated to the recommended
pressure for cold tires.
You’ll
find these numbers on the
Certification label at the rear edge of the
driver’s
ddor or
see
“Loading Your Vehicle’’
in
the Index. Then &‘sure you
don’t go over the
GVW
limit for your vehicle, including the
weight
of
the trailer tongue.
Hitches
It’s important to have the correct hitch equipment.
Crosswinds, large trucks going by, and rough roads
are
a
few reasons why you’ll need the right hitch. Here are
some rules to follow:
Will you have to make any holes in the body
of
your
vehicle when you install a trailer hitch?
If
you do,
then be sure to seal the holes later when you remove
the hitch.
If
you don’t seal them, deadly carbon
monoxide (CO) from your exhaust can get into your
vehicle (see “Carbon Monoxide” in the Index). Dirt
and water can,
too.
0
The bumpers on your vehicle are not intended, for
hitches.
Do
not attach rental hitches or other
bumper-type’hitches to them. Use only
a
frame-mounted hitch-thatdoes not attach
to
the
bumper.
.I.^
!?:
1
Safety
Chains
You
should always attach chains between your vehicle..
and your trailer. Cross the s,afety chains under the tongue
of the trailer
so
that the tongue will not drop to
the
road
if
it becomes separated from’the hitch. Instructions
about, safety ‘chains may be provided by the hitch
,:”
manufacturer or by the trailer manufacturer. Follow the
,.
manufacturer’s recommendation. for attaching safety
chains and do not attach them to the bumper.
Always
leave just enough slack so you can
turn
with your
rig.
And, never allow safety chains to drag on the ground.
Trailer
Brakes
Does your trailer have its
own.
brakes? Be sure to read
and follow the instructions for the trailer brakes
so
you’ll be able to install, adjust and maintain them
properly. Because you have anti-lock brakes, do not
try
to tap into your vehicle’s brake system. If you do, both
brake systems won’t work well, or at all.