Trailer Brakes; Safety Chains - GMC 2001 Sonoma Owner's Manual

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If you'll be pulling a trailer that, when loaded, will
weigh more than 3,500 lbs. (1 589 kg), be sure to use
a properly mounted, weight
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
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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 to help prevent the tongue from contacting 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. For trailers up to 3,500 lbs.
(1 589 kg) you may attach the safety chains to the
attaching points on the bumper. For heavier trailers, follow
the trailer or hitch manufacturer's recommendation for
attaching safety chains. Always leave just enough slack so
you can turn with your rig. Never allow safety chains to
drag on the ground.
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distributing hitch and
-
out panel. The

Trailer Brakes

If your trailer weighs more than 1,000 lbs. (450 kg)
loaded, then it needs its own brakes
be adequate. Be sure to read and follow the instructions
for the trailer brakes so you'll be able to install, adjust
and maintain them properly.
Your trailer's brake system can tap into the vehicle's
hydraulic brake system only if:
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The trailer parts can withstand 3,000 psi
(20 650 kPa) of pressure.
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The trailer's brake system will use less than
0.02 cubic inch (0.3 cc) of fluid from your vehicle's
master cylinder. Otherwise, both braking systems
won't work well. You could even lose your brakes.
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.
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and they must
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