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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 limit for cold tires. You’ll find
these numbers on the Certification label at the rear edge of the driver’s door
or see “Tire Loading”
in
the Index. Then be 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:
If you
use
a step bumper hitch, and your trailer tongue has a V-shaped
foot, your bumper could be damaged in sharp turns. Check the distance
from the front edge
of
the foot
to
the middle of
the
hitch ball socket.
If
the distance is less than 12 inches, take the foot
off
the trailer tongue.
0
If you’ll be pulling a trailer with a utility model that, when loaded, will
weigh more then
3,000
pounds (2
250
kg) be sure
to
use
a
properly
mounted, weight-distributing hitch and sway control of the proper size.
This equipment is very important for proper vehicle loading and good
handling when you’re driving.
If you’ll be pulling
a
trailer with
a
Suburban that, when loaded, will
weigh more than
4,000
pounds (1
8
14
kg) be sure
to
use a properly
mounted, weight-distributing hitch and sway control
of
the proper size.
This equipment is very important for proper vehicle loading and good
handling when you’re driving.
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.
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 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.
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