Hitches
Safety Chains
It’s important to have the correct hitch equipment.
Crosswinds, large trucks going by and rough roads
are
a
€ew reasons why you’ll need the right hitch. Here are
some rules to follow:
I
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. Use only a
frame-mounted hitch that
does
not attach to
the bumper.
-.
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
If
your trailer weighs more than
1,000
lbs.
(450
kg)
loaded,
then
it
needs
its
own
brakes
--
and
they
must
be
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.
To Next Page
Loading...
