Pontiac 1996 Grand Am Owner's Manual page 185

Hitches
Safety Chains
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:
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.
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.
i
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
p r n
with your rig.
And, never allow safety chains to drag on the ground.
Trailer Brakes
Does
your
trailer have its own brakes?
Be sure to read and follow
the instructions for
the
trailer
brakes so you'll be able to install, adjust and maintain
them properly. And because you have anti-lock brakes,
do not try to tap into your vehicle's brake
system. I f you
do, both brake systems won't work well, or at all.
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