Driving With A Trailer - Saab 9-7x Owner's Manual

when driving. Always use a sway control if the trailer will
weigh more than these limits. You can ask a hitch
dealer about sway controls.
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 1,500 lbs (680 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'll be able
to install, adjust and maintain them properly.
Since your vehicle is equipped with StabiliTrak
trailer brakes cannot tap into the vehicle's hydraulic
brake system.
4-36

Driving with a Trailer

CAUTION:
{
If you have a rear-most window open and
you pull a trailer with your vehicle, carbon
monoxide (CO) could come into your vehicle.
You cannot see or smell CO. It can cause
unconsciousness or death. See Engine
Exhaust on page 2-31. To maximize your safety
when towing a trailer:
•
Have your exhaust system inspected for
leaks, and make necessary repairs before
starting on your trip.
•
Keep the rear-most windows closed.
•
If exhaust does come into your vehicle
through a window in the rear or another
opening, drive with your front, main
heating or cooling system on and with the
fan on any speed. This will bring fresh,
outside air into your vehicle. Do not use
®
, your
the climate control setting for maximum air
because it only recirculates the air inside
your vehicle. See Dual Automatic Climate
Control System on page 3-20.