Safety Chains; Trailer Brakes - Chevrolet 2002 Camaro 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'll find these numbers on the
-
Tire Loading Information label at the rear edge of the
driver's door or see "Loading Your Vehicle" 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:
D
The rear bumper on your vehicle is not intended
for hitches. Do not attach rental hitches or other
-
bumper type hitches to it. Use only a frame
hitch that does not attach to the bumper.
D
Will you have to make any holes in the body of
your vehicle when you install a trailer hitch?
If you do, then be sure to seal the holes later
when you remove the hitch. If you don't seal them,
deadly carbon monoxide (CO) from your exhaust
can get into your vehicle. See "Carbon Monoxide"
in the Index. 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 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.

Trailer Brakes

If your trailer weighs more than 1,000 lbs. (450 kg)
loaded, then it needs its own brakes
-
mounted
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. Because you have
-
anti lock brakes, do not try to tap into your vehicle's
brake system. If you do, both brake systems won't
work well, or at all.
--
and they must
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