Total Weight on Your Vehicle’s TiresBe sure your vehicle’s tires are inflated to the upperlimit for cold tires. You’ll find these numbers onthe Tire-Loading Information label. SeeLoading YourVehicle on page 4-33. Then be sure you don’t goover the GVW limit for your vehicle, including the weightof the trailer tongue.HitchesIt’s important to have the correct hitch equipment.Crosswinds, large trucks going by and rough roadsare a few reasons why you’ll need the right hitch.Here are some rules to follow:• The rear bumper on your vehicle is not intendedfor hitches. Do not attach rental hitches orother bumper-type hitches to it. Use only aframe-mounted hitch that does not attach to thebumper.• Will you have to make any holes in the body ofyour vehicle when you install a trailer hitch?If you do, then be sure to seal the holes later whenyou remove the hitch. If you don’t seal them,deadly carbon monoxide (CO) from your exhaustcan get into your vehicle. SeeEngine Exhauston page 2-38. Dirt and water can, too.Safety ChainsYou should always attach chains between your vehicleand your trailer. Cross the safety chains under thetongue of the trailer so that the tongue will not dropto the road if it becomes separated from the hitch.Instructions about safety chains may be provided bythe hitch manufacturer or by the trailer manufacturer.Follow the manufacturer’s recommendation for attachingsafety chains and do not attach them to the bumper.Always leave just enough slack so you can turnwith your rig. And, never allow safety chains to dragon the ground.Trailer BrakesBecause your vehicle has anti-lock brakes, don’t try totap 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 the instructions for the trailerbrakes so you’ll be able to install, adjust and maintainthem properly.4-41
