Safety Chains; Trailer Brakes - Pontiac 2006 Torrent Owner's Manual

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 Certification/Tire Label at the rear edge of the
driver's door, or see Loading Your Vehicle on page 4-31.
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:
•
If you will be pulling a trailer that, when loaded,
will weigh more than 2,000 lbs (900 kg), be sure
to use a properly mounted, weight-carrying
hitch and sway control of the proper size. This
equipment is very important for proper vehicle
loading and good handling when you're driving.
•
Will you have to make any holes in the body of
your vehicle when you install a trailer hitch?
If you do, remember to seal the holes 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 2-25. 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 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. 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.
Never allow safety chains to drag on the ground.

Trailer Brakes

If your trailer weighs more than 1,000 lbs (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 brakes so you will be able to install, adjust
and maintain them properly.
Because your vehicle may have anti-lock brakes,
do not try to tap into your vehicle's brake system.
If you do, both brake systems will not work well,
or at all.
4-41