Saturn VUE 2008 Owner's Manual page 239

JOBNAME: 1st Edition PAGE: 45 SESS: 2 OUTPUT: Tue Jul 24 09:46:13 2007
the GVW limit for your vehicle or the Gross Axle Weight
Rating (GAWR), 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 107. 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
2008 - Saturn VUE Owner Manual (July 23, 2007)
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
Since your vehicle is equipped with Stabilitrak
trailer brakes cannot tap into your vehicle's hydraulic
brake system.
Be sure to read and follow the instructions for the trailer
brakes, so you will be able to install, adjust and
maintain them properly.
Driving with a Trailer
Towing a trailer requires a certain amount of experience.
Before setting out for the open road, you will 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 as
responsive as your vehicle is by itself.
Before you start, check all trailer hitch parts and
attachments, safety chains, electrical connector, lamps,
tires and mirror adjustment. If the trailer has electric
brakes, start your vehicle and trailer moving and then
®
, your
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