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ESSENTIAL TOWING
CHECKS
Follow these guidelines for safe
towing:
• Do not tow a trailer until you drive
your vehicle at least 1000 miles
(1600 kilometers).
• Consult your local motor vehicle
laws for towing a trailer.
• See the instructions included with
towing accessories for the proper
installation and adjustment
specifications.
• Service your vehicle more
frequently if you tow a trailer. See
your scheduled maintenance
information.
• If you use a rental trailer, follow the
instructions the rental agency gives
you.
You can find information on load
specification terms found on the tire
label and Safety Compliance label as
well as instructions on calculating
your vehicle's load in the Load
Carrying chapter. See Load Limit
(page 224).
Remember to account for the trailer
tongue weight as part of your vehicle
load when calculating the total
vehicle weight.
Hitches
Do not use a hitch that either clamps
onto the bumper or attaches to the
axle.
Distribute the trailer load so 10-15%
of the total trailer weight is on the
tongue.
Safety Chains
Note: Never attach safety chains to
the bumper.
Always connect the safety chains to
the hook retainers of your vehicle
hitch.
To connect the safety chains, cross
them under the trailer tongue and
allow enough slack for turning tight
corners. Do not allow the chains to
drag on the ground.
Trailer Brakes
WARNING
Do not connect a trailer's
hydraulic brake system directly
to your vehicle's brake system. Your
vehicle may not have enough braking
power and your chances of having a
collision greatly increase.
Electric brakes and manual,
automatic or surge-type trailer brakes
are safe if you install them properly
and adjust them to the
manufacturer's specifications. The
trailer brakes must meet local and
federal regulations.
The rating for the tow vehicle's
braking system operation is at the
gross vehicle weight rating, not the
gross combined weight rating.
234
Towing
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