Hitches
It’s important to have the correct hitch equipment.
Crosswinds, large trucks going by and rough roads are
a few reasons why you’ll need the right hitch. Here
are some rules to follow:
•The rear bumper on your vehicle is not intended
for hitches. Do not attach rental hitches or
other bumper-type hitches to it. Use only a
frame-mounted hitch that does not attach to
the bumper.
•Will you have to make any holes in the body of
your vehicle when you install a trailer hitch? If
you do, then be sure to seal the holes later when
you remove the hitch. If you don’t seal them, deadly
carbon monoxide (CO) from your exhaust can get
into your vehicle. See Engine Exhaust on page2-26
in the Index. Dirt and water can, too.
Safety Chains
You should always attach chains between your vehicle
and your trailer. Cross the safety chains under the
tongue of the trailer so that the tongue will not drop to
the road if it becomes separated from the hitch.
Instructions about safety chains may be provided by the
hitch manufacturer or by the trailer manufacturer.
Followthe manufacturer’s recommendation for attaching
safetychains and do not attach them to the bumper.
Alwaysleave just enough slack so you can turn with your
rig.And, never allow safety chains to drag on the ground.
Trailer Brakes
Doesyour trailer have its own brakes? Be sure to read
andfollow the instructions for the trailer brakes so you’ll
beable to install, adjust and maintain them properly.
•Ifyour vehicle has anti-lock brakes, do not try to tap
intoyour vehicle’s brake system. If you do, both
brakesystems won’t work well, or at all.
•Evenif your vehicle doesn’t have anti-lock brakes,
don’ttap into your vehicle’s brake system if the
trailer’sbrake system will use more than 0.02 cubic
inch(0.3 cc) of fluid from your vehicle’s master
cylinder.If it does, both braking systems won’t work
well.You could even lose your brakes.
•Willthe trailer brake parts take 3,000 psi
(20650 kPa) of pressure? If not, the trailer brake
systemmust not be used with your vehicle.
•Ifeverything checks out this far, then make the brake
fluidtap at the upper rear master cylinder port. But
don’tuse copper tubing for this. If you do, it will bend
andbreak off. Use steel brake tubing.
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