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Total Weight on Your Vehicle’s
Tires
Be sure your vehicle’s tires are
inflated to the upper limit for cold
tires. You will find these numbers on
the Tire-Loading Information label.
See Loading the Vehicle on
page 8-30. Then be sure you do not
go over the GVW limit for your
vehicle, including the weight of the
trailer tongue.
Hitches
It is important to have the correct
hitch equipment. Crosswinds,
large trucks going by and rough
roads are a few reasons why
you will need the right hitch. Here
are some rules to follow:
• The rear bumper on your vehicle
is not intended for hitches. Do not
attach rental hitches or other
bumper-type hitches to it. Use
only a frame-mounted hitch that
does not attach to the bumper.
• 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 do not seal them, deadly
carbon monoxide (CO) from your
exhaust can get into your vehicle.
See Engine Exhaust on
page 8-14. Dirt and water can
also enter the vehicle.
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.
Trailer Brakes
Does your trailer have its own
brakes? Be sure to read and follow
the instructions for the trailer
brakes so you will be able to install,
adjust and maintain them properly.
Because you have anti-lock brakes,
do not tap into your vehicle’s brake
system. If you do, both brake
systems will not work well, or at all.
Trailer Wiring Harness
All of the electrical circuits required
for your trailer lighting system can be
accessed at the driver’s side rear
lamp connector. This connector is
located under the carpet on the rear
corner of the trunk compartment.
9-92 Vehicle Service and Care