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The bumpers
00
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 that does not
attach to the bumper.
Safety Chains
You should always attach chains between
your vehicle and your trailer. Cross the
safety 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. 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.
And:
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If
your vehicle has 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.
Even if your vehicle doesn’t have
anti-lock brakes, don’t tap into your
vehicle’s brake system if the trailer’s
brake system will use more than
0.02
cubic inch
(0.3
cc)
of
fluid from your
vehicle’s master cylinder. If it does,
both braking systems won’t work
weii. You could
even
lose your brakes.
Will the trailer brake parts take
3,000
psi
(20
650
kPa) of pressure? If not,
the trailer brake system must not be
used with your vehicle.
If everything checks out this far, then
make the brake fluid tap at the upper
rear master cylinder port. But don’t
use copper tubing for this. If you do, it
will bend and finally break
off.
Use
steel brake tubing.
Driving with a Trailer
Towing a trailer requires a certain amount
of experience. Before setting out for the
open road, you’ll want to get to know
your rig. Acquaint yourself with the feel
of handling and braking with the added
weight of the trailer. And always keep in
mind that the vehicle you are driving is
now a good deal longer and not nearly
so
responsive as your vehicle is by itself.
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 vehicle and 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 your trip, check occasionally to be
sure that the load is secure, and that the
lights and any trailer brakes are still
working.
Foilowing Distance
Stay at least twice as far behind the
vehicle.ahead as you would when driving
your vehicle without a trailer. This can
help you avoid situations that require
heavy braking and sudden turns.
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