e
e
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.
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 weight of the
trailer. And always keep in mind that the vehicle you are
driving is now a good deal longer and not nearly
so
responsive as your vehicle is by itself.
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 allow 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
192
~-
Before you start, check the trailer hitch and platform,
safety chains, electrical connector, lights, tires
and
mirror adjustment.
If
the trailer has electric brakes, start
your vehicle and trailer moving and then apply the
trailer brake controller by hand to be sure the brakes are
working. This lets you check your electrical connection
at the same time.
During your trip, check occasionally
to
be sure that the
load is secure, and that the lights and any trailer brakes
are still working.
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