8-58 Driving and OperatingTowing EquipmentHitchesIt is important to have the correcthitch equipment. Crosswinds, largetrucks going by and rough roads area few reasons why the right hitch isneeded.. The rear bumper on the vehicleis not intended for hitches. Donot attach rental hitches or otherbumper-type hitches to it. Useonly a frame-mounted hitch thatdoes not attach to the bumper.. Will any holes be made in thebody of the vehicle when thetrailer hitch is installed? If thereare, then be sure to seal theholes later when the hitch isremoved. If the holes are notsealed, dirt, water, and deadlycarbon monoxide (CO) from theexhaust can get into the vehicle.See Engine Exhaust onpage 8‑22.Hitch CoverThe vehicle may have a hitch cover.To remove the hitch cover:1. Turn the fasteners on thelower tabs 90 degreescounterclockwise.2. Lift the lower edge of the coverabout 45 degrees.3. Pull the cover downward todisengage the upperattachments.To reinstall the hitch cover:1. Hold the cover at a 45 degreeangle to the vehicle and pushthe upper tabs in the hitch coverinto the slots in the fascia.2. Move the bottom of the coverforward until the lower tabs lineup with the lower fascia slots.3. Snap the hitch cover into placeby pushing the upper cornersforward.4. Turn the fasteners on the lowertabs 90 degrees clockwise tolock the cover in place.Safety ChainsAlways attach chains between thevehicle and the trailer. Cross thesafety chains under the tongue ofthe trailer to help prevent the tonguefrom contacting the road if itbecomes separated from the hitch.Always leave just enough slack sothe rig can turn. Never allow safetychains to drag on the ground.
