HitchesIt is important to have the correct hitch equipment.Crosswinds, large trucks going by and rough roads area few reasons why you will 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 aframe-mounted hitch that does not attach to thebumper.• Will you have to make any holes in the body ofyour vehicle when you install a trailer hitch? Ifyou do, then be sure to seal the holes later whenyou remove the hitch. If you do not seal them,deadly carbon monoxide (CO) from your exhaustcan get into your vehicle. See Engine Exhauston page 2-35. Dirt and water can, too.Safety ChainsYou should always attach chains between your vehicleand your trailer. Cross the safety chains under thetongue of the trailer so that the tongue will not drop tothe road if it becomes separated from the hitch.Instructions about safety chains may be provided by thehitch manufacturer or by the trailer manufacturer.Follow the manufacturer’s recommendation for attachingsafety chains and do not attach them to the bumper.Always leave just enough slack so you can turnwith your rig. And, never allow safety chains to drag onthe ground.Trailer BrakesBecause you have anti-lock brakes, do not try to tapinto your vehicle’s hydraulic brake system. If youdo, both brake systems will not work well, or at all. Ifyou tow more than 1,000 lbs (450 kg), use trailer brakes.Be sure to follow the instructions that come with thetrailer or from the brake manufacturer.Be sure to read and follow the instructions for the trailerbrakes so you will be able to maintain them properly.4-40
