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Your Driving and the Road
If
Mu
Do Decide to Pulla Tmiler
(COW.)
Total Weight on Your Vehicle's Tires
Be sure your vehicle's tires are inflated
to the 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 the
Index under Ere
h a d i n g ) . Then be sure you don't go
over the
GVW
limit for your vehicle.
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:
If you'll be pulling a trailer that, when
loaded, will weigh more than
2,000 pounds
(900
kg), be sure to use
a properly mounted, weight-
distributing hitch and sway control of
the proper size. This equipment is
very important for proper vehicle
loading and good handling when
you're driving.
1 8 0
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
the Index under Carbon Monoxide in
Eihaust.) Dirt and water can, too.
The bumpers on your vehicle are not
intended for hitches. Do not attach
rental hitches or other bumper-type
hitches to them. Use only a frame-
mounted hitch that does not attach to
the bumper.
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 rig. And, neve
allow safety chains to drag.on the gro
Trailer Brakes
If your trailer weighs more than
1 , O O O
pounds
(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'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.
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