Safety ChainsYou should always attach chains between yourvehicle and your trailer. Cross the safetychains under the tongue of the trailer so that thetongue will not drop to the road if it becomesseparated from the hitch. Instructions about safetychains may be provided by the hitch manufactureror by the trailer manufacturer. Follow themanufacturer’s recommendation for attachingsafety chains and do not attach them to thebumper. Always leave just enough slack so youcan turn with your rig. And, never allow safetychains to drag on the ground.Trailer BrakesIf you tow more than 1,000 lbs (450 kg), use trailerbrakes. Because your vehicle has anti-lockbrakes, don’t try to tap into your vehicle’s hydraulicbrake system. If you do, both brake systemswon’t work well, or at all.Be sure to read and follow the instructions for thetrailer brakes so you’ll be able to install, adjustand maintain them properly.Driving with a TrailerTowing a trailer requires a certain amount ofexperience. Before setting out for the open road,you’ll want to get to know your rig. Acquaintyourself with the feel of handling and braking withthe added weight of the trailer. And alwayskeep in mind that the vehicle you are driving isnow a good deal longer and not nearly asresponsive as your vehicle is by itself.Before you start, check all trailer hitch parts andattachments, safety chains, electrical connector,lamps, tires and mirror adjustment. If the trailer haselectric brakes, start your vehicle and trailermoving and then apply the trailer brake controllerby hand to be sure the brakes are working.This lets you check your electrical connection atthe same time.During your trip, check occasionally to be surethat the load is secure, and that the lamps and anytrailer brakes are still working.338
