Total Weight on Your Vehicle’s TiresBe sure your vehicle’s tires are inflated to the upper limitfor cold tires. You’ll find these numbers on theCertification/Tire label. SeeLoading Your Vehicle onpage 4-48. Then be sure you don’t go over theGVW limit for your vehicle, including the weight of thetrailer tongue.HitchesIt’s important to have the correct hitch equipment.Crosswinds, large trucks going by and rough roads area few reasons why you’ll need the right hitch. Hereare some rules to follow:• The rear bumper on your vehicle is not intended forhitches. Do not attach rental hitches or otherbumper-type hitches to it. Use only a frame-mountedhitch that does not attach to the bumper.• Will you have to make any holes in the body of yourvehicle when you install a trailer hitch? If you do, thenbe sure to seal the holes later when you remove thehitch. If you don’t seal them, deadly carbonmonoxide (CO) from your exhaust can get into yourvehicle. SeeEngine Exhaust on page 2-32. Dirt andwater can, too.Safety ChainsYou should always attach chains between your vehicleand your trailer. Cross the safety chains under the tongueof the trailer so that the tongue will not drop to the road ifit becomes separated from the hitch. Instructions aboutsafety chains may be provided by the hitch manufactureror by the trailer manufacturer. Follow the manufacturer’srecommendation for attaching safety chains and do notattach them to the bumper. Always leave just enoughslack so you can turn with your rig. And, never allowsafety chains to drag on the ground.Trailer BrakesBecause your vehicle has anti-lock brakes, don’t try totap into your vehicle’s hydraulic brake system. If you do,both brake systems won’t work well, or at all. If youtwo more than 1,000 lbs. (450 kg), use trailer brakes.Be sure to read and follow the instructions for the trailerbrakes so you’ll be able to install, adjust and maintainthem properly.4-57
