Total Weight
on
Your Vehicle’s Tires
Be sure your vehicle’s tires are inflated
to
the upper
limit for cold tires. You’ll find these numbers on the
Tire-Loading Information 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:
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.
0
If
you’ll
be
pulling a trailer that, when loaded, will
weigh more than
2,000
lbs.
(900
kg), be sure
to
use a
properly mounted, weight-distributing hitch and
sway control
of
the proper size. This equipment is
very important for proper vehicle loading and good
handling when you’re driving.
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.
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.
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