Total Weight on Your Vehicle’s Tires
Be sure your vehicle’s tires are inflated to the
upper limit for cold tires. You will find these
numbers on the Tire-Loading Information label.
See Loading Your Vehicle on page 307. Then
be sure you do not go over the GVW limit for your
vehicle, including the weight of the trailer tongue.
Hitches
It is important to have the correct hitch equipment.
Crosswinds, large trucks going by and rough
roads are a few reasons why you will need the
right hitch. Here are some rules to follow:
• The rear bumper on your vehicle is not
intended for hitches. Do not attach rental
hitches or other bumper-type hitches to it.
Use only a frame-mounted hitch that does
not attach to the bumper.
• 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 do
not seal them, deadly carbon monoxide (CO)
from your exhaust can get into your vehicle.
See Engine Exhaust on page 127. Dirt
and water can also enter the vehicle.
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 and do
not attach them to the bumper. Always leave just
enough slack so 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 sure
to read and follow the instructions for the trailer
brakes so you will 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 will not work well, or at all.
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