Advertisement
Here are some rules to follow:
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 "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.
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, never
a Jlow safety chains to drag on the ground.
Trailer Brakes
If your trailer weighs more than 1,000
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.
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
Advertisement
