Total Weight on
Your
khicle’s Tires
Be sure your vehicle’s
tires
are inflated to the recommended pressure for
cold tires. You’ll find these numbers on the Certification label
at
the rear
edge
of
the driver’s door or see “Loading Your Vehicle”
in
the Index.
Then be sure
you
don’t go over the
GVW
limit
for your vehicle, including
the
weight
of
the trailer tongue.
Hitches
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:
0
Will you have to
makc
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
whcn
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.
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 thc 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 manufacturcr’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
Because you have anti-lock brakes, don’t
try
to tap into your vehicle’s
hydraulic brake system.
If
you
do,
both
brake
systems won’t
work
well, or
at
all.
Be
sure to read
and
follow thc instructions
for
the trailer brakes
so
you’ll
be
able
to install, adjust
and
maintain them properly.
4-36
To Next Page
Loading...
