Service manual
e
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
“Carbon Monoxide’’ in the Index). Dirt and water can, too.
e
Don’t let the steel in a hitch contact the aluminum
on
your bumper.
If
you do, the two will corrode. You can use something like paint or
plastic tape to separate the steel and aluminum. The same steel to
aluminum problem can happen with fasteners, 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. Follow the manufacturer’s
recommendation
for
attaching safety chains. Always leave just enough
slack
so
you can turn with your rig. And, never allow safety chains to drag
on the ground.
Trailer
Brakes
Does your trailer have its own brakes? Be sure to read and follow the
instructions for the trailer brakes
so
you’ll be able to install, adjust and
maintain them properly. Because you have anti-lock brakes, do not try to
tap into your vehicle’s brake system.
If
you do, both brake systems won’t
work well,
or
at all.
Driving
with
a Trailer
Towing
a
trailer requires a certain amount of experience. Before setting
out for the open road,’you’ll want to get to know your rig. Acquaint
yourself with the feel
of
handling and braking with the added weight
of
the trailer. And always keep in mind that the vehicle you are driving is
now
a
good
deal longer and not nearly
so
responsive as your vehicle is
by
itself.
Before you start, check the trailer hitch and platform, safety chains,
electrical connector, lights, tires and mirror adjustment. If the trailer has
L
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