HitchesIt is important to have the correct hitch equipment.Crosswinds, large trucks going by and rough roads area few reasons why the right hitch is needed. Here aresome rules to follow:. The rear bumper on the 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 tothe bumper.. Will any holes be made in the body of the vehiclewhen the trailer hitch is installed? If there are, thenbe sure to seal the holes later when the hitch isremoved. If the holes are not sealed, dirt, water,and deadly carbon monoxide (CO) from theexhaust can get into the vehicle. See EngineExhaust on page 3‑34 for more information.Safety ChainsAlways attach chains between the vehicle and thetrailer. Cross the safety chains under the tongue of thetrailer to help prevent the tongue from contacting theroad if it becomes separated from the hitch. Instructionsabout safety chains may be provided by the hitchmanufacturer or by the trailer manufacturer. Follow themanufacturer's recommendation for attaching safetychains and do not attach them to the bumper. Alwaysleave just enough slack so the rig can turn. Never allowsafety chains to drag on the ground.Trailer BrakesBecause the vehicle has StabiliTrak ® , do not tap intothe vehicle's hydraulic brake system. If you do, bothbrake systems will not work well, or at all.Be sure to read and follow the instructions for the trailerbrakes so they are installed, adjusted and maintainedproperly.5-29InformationProvidedby:
