Total Weight On Your Vehicle's Tires; Safety Chains - GMC 1996 Sonoma Owner's Manual

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
Certificationmire label on the driver's door edge,
above the door latch 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, your bumper could
be damaged in sharp turns. Make sure you have
ample room when turning to avoid contact between
the
trailer and the bumper.
If you'll be pulling a trailer that, when loaded, will
weigh more than 2,000 lbs. (900 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.
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If your vehicle has
the bumper delete option, do not
bolt any type of hitch to the close-out panel. The
close-out panel will not support a hitch.
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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