4-53HitchesIt’s important to have the correct hitch equipment.Crosswinds, large trucks going by and rough roadsare a few reasons why you’ll need the right hitch.Here are some rules to follow: If you’ll be pulling a trailer that, when loaded, willweigh more than 5,000 lbs. (2 270 kg), be sure to usea properly mounted, weight- distributing hitch andsway control of the proper size. This equipment isvery important for proper vehicle loading and goodhandling when you’re driving.Safety ChainsYou should always attach chains between your vehicleand your trailer. Cross the safety chains under the tongueof the 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.Always leave just enough slack so you can turn with yourrig. Never allow safety chains to drag on the ground.Trailer BrakesIf your trailer weighs more than 2,000 lbs. (900 kg)loaded, then it needs its own brakes -- and they must beadequate. Be sure to read and follow the instructions forthe trailer brakes so you’ll be able to install, adjust andmaintain them properly.Your trailer brake system can tap into the vehicle’shydraulic brake system only if: The trailer parts can withstand 3,000 psi(20 650 kPa) of pressure. The trailer’s brake system will use less than0.02 cubic inch (0.3 cc) of fluid from your vehicle’smaster cylinder. Otherwise, both braking systemswon’t work well. You could even lose your brakes.If everything checks out this far, make the brake tap atthe port on the master cylinder that sends the fluid tothe rear brakes. But don’t use copper tubing for this.If you do, it will bend and finally break off. Use steelbrake tubing.
