After you’ve loaded your trailer, weigh the trailer and
then the tongue, separately,
to
see
if
the weights
are proper.
If
they aren’t, you may be able to get them
right simply by moving some items around in the
trailer.
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
Tires on page
5-59.
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:
If you make holes in the body of your vehicle, be
sure
to
seal them when you remove the trailering
equipment.
If
you don’t seal them, dirt, water,
and even deadly carbon monoxide
(CO)
from your
exhaust can get into your vehicle. See
Engine
Exhaust
on
page
2-30.
Your vehicle is readily designed
to
accept a trailer hitch.
The frame rail ends already have holes and weld
nuts in place to accept the four bolts needed to attach
the hitch bar.
To help simplify setting up your trailer lights, there is a
trailer wiring connector located behind the left rear
trim panel.
If
needed, your dealer can provide help in
removing the trim panel and accessing this wiring
connector.
Your vehicle’s trailer wiring has separate turn signal and
brake light circuits, which means
you
will
most likely
need
to
purchase a converter
to
operate conventional
trailer lights.
Safety Chains
You should always attach chains between your vehicle
and your trailer. Cross the safety chains under the
tongue of the trailer
to
help prevent the tongue from
contacting 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. Never allow
safety chains
to
drag on the ground.
4-52
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