If you’ll be pulling a trailer that, when loaded, willweigh more than 5,000 lbs (2 270 kg) be sure to use aproperly mounted weight-distributing hitch and swaycontrol of the proper size. This equipment is veryimportant for proper vehicle loading and good handlingwhen driving. You should always use a sway controlif your trailer will weigh more than these limits. You canask a hitch dealer about sway controls.Safety ChainsYou should always attach chains between your vehicleand your trailer. Cross the safety chains under thetongue of the trailer to help prevent the tongue fromcontacting the road if it becomes separated fromthe hitch. Always leave just enough slack so you canturn with your rig. Never allow safety chains to drag onthe ground.Trailer BrakesIf your trailer weighs more than 2,000 lbs (900 kg)loaded, then it needs its own brakes – and they mustbe adequate. Be sure to read and follow the instructionsfor the trailer brakes so you’ll be able to install, adjustand maintain them properly.Since your vehicle is equipped with StabiliTrak®, yourtrailer brake system cannot tap into the vehicle’shydraulic brake system.Driving with a TrailerTowing a trailer requires a certain amount of experience.Before setting out for the open road, you’ll want to getto know your rig. Acquaint yourself with the feel ofhandling and braking with the added weight of the trailer.And always keep in mind that the vehicle you aredriving is now 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 has electricbrakes, start your vehicle and trailer moving and thenapply the trailer brake controller by hand to be surethe brakes are working. This lets you check yourelectrical connection at the same time.During your trip, check occasionally to be sure thatthe load is secure, and that the lamps and any trailerbrakes are still working.Following DistanceStay at least twice as far behind the vehicle ahead asyou would when driving your vehicle without a trailer.This can help you avoid situations that requireheavy braking and sudden turns.4-57
