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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 recommendition for attaching safety
chains and do not attach them to the bumper. Always
leave just enough slack's0 you can turn with your
rig.
And, never allow safety chains to drag
on
the ground.
Trailer Brakes
Does your trailer have its own brakes? Be m e to
read and follow the instructions for the trailer brakes
so you'll be able to install, adjust and maintain
them properly.
0
0
If your vehicle has anti-lock brakes, do not
t r y
to tap
into your vehicle's brake system. If you do, both
brake systems won't work well,
or
a t
all.
Even if your vehicle doesn't have anti-lock brakes,
don't tap into your vehicle's brake system if the
trailer's brake system will use more than 0.02 cubic
inch (0.3 cc) of fluid from your vehicle's master
cylinder. If it does, both braking systems won't work
well. You could even lose your brakes.
0
Will the trailer brake parts take 3,000 psi (20 650 P a )
of pressure? If not, the trailer brake system must not be
used with
your
vehicle.
0
If everything checks out this far, then make the brake
fluid tap at the upper rear master cylinder
port.
But
don't use copper tubing for this. If you do, it will
bend and break off. Use steel brake tubing.
Driving with a Trailer
Towing a trailer requires a certain amount of experience.
Before setting out for the open road, you'll want to get
to know your rig. 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 ~lolw a good deal longer and not nearly as
responsive as your vehicle
i s
by itself.
Before you start, check the trailer hitch and platform
(and attachments), safety chains, electrical connector,
lamps,
tires
and mirror adjustment.
I%
the trailer
has
electric brakes, start your vehicle and trailer moving and
then apply the traiEer brake controller by hand to be sure
the brakes are working.
This lets you check your
electrical connection at the Same time.
During your hip, check occasionally to be sure that the
load is secure, and that the lamps and any trailer brakes
are
still working.
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