Kia Optima 2004 Owner's Manual page 160

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 trailer. And, never allow safety
chains to drag on the ground.
Trailer brakes
If your trailer weighs more than 750 kg
(1653 Ibs.) 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.
• Don't tap into your vehicle's brake
system.
CAUTION
Do not use a trailer with its own
brakes unless you are absolutely
certain that you have properly set up
the brake system. This is not a task for
amateurs. Use an experienced,
competent trailer shop for this work.
Driving with a trailer
Towing a trailer requires a certain
amount of experience. Before setting out
for the open road, you must get to know
your trailer. 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(s), lights, tires and mirror
adjustment. If the trailer has electric
brakes, start your vehicle and trailer
moving and then apply the trailer brake
controller by hand to be sure the brakes
are working. This lets you check your
electrical connection at the same time.
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