It is important that the vehicle does not exceed any of itsratings — GCWR, GVWR, RGAWR, Maximum TrailerRating or Tongue Weight. The only way to be sure it isnot exceeding any of these ratings is to weigh the vehicleand trailer.Total Weight on the Vehicle’s TiresBe sure the vehicle’s tires are inflated to the upper limitfor cold tires. These numbers can be found on theCertification label or see Loading the Vehicle onpage 4-30 for more information. Make sure not to goover the GVW limit for the vehicle, or the GAWR,including the weight of the trailer tongue. If using aweight distributing hitch, make sure not to go over therear axle limit before applying the weight distributionspring bars.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.• The rear bumper on the vehicle is not intendedfor hitches. Do not attach rental hitches or otherbumper-type hitches to it. Use only a frame-mountedhitch that does not attach to the bumper.• Will any holes be made in the body of the vehiclewhen the trailer hitch is installed? If so, be sure toseal the holes when the hitch is removed. If theyare not sealed, deadly carbon monoxide (CO) fromthe engine’s exhaust can get into the vehicle.See Engine Exhaust on page 2-36. Sealing theholes will also prevent dirt and water from enteringthe vehicle.Safety ChainsAlways attach chains between the vehicle and thetrailer. Cross the safety chains under the tongue ofthe trailer to help prevent the tongue from contactingthe 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 forattaching safety chains and do not attach them tothe bumper. Always leave just enough slack so therig can turn. Never allow safety chains to drag onthe ground.4-44
