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You can tow trailers to 2,000 pounds (900 kg) with a step bumper hitch, but
if 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.
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
If your trailer weighs more than 1,000 pounds (450 kg) loaded, then it needs
its own brakes
-
and they must be adequate. Be sure to read and follow the
instructions for the trailer bE---:s so you'll be able to install, adjust and
maintain them properly.
Your trailer brakes system can tap into vehicle's hydraulic brake system
except:
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 ~ ~ )
of fluid from your vehicle's master
cylinder. If it does, both braking systems won't work well. You could even
lose your brakes.
Will the trailer parts take 3,000 psi (20 650 P a ) 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 port on
the master cylinder that sends fluid to the rear brakes. 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
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