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Always use safety chains when you
tow a trailer. Make sure the chains
are secured to the trailer and towbar,
and that they cross under the trailer
nose and can catch the trailer if it
becomes unhitched. Leave enough
slack to allow the trailer to turn
corners easily, but do not let the
chains drag on the ground.
If you are thinking of getting a trailer
that has brakes, be sure they are
electronically actuated. Do not
attempt to tap into your vehicle’s
hydraulic system. No matter how
successful it may seem, any attempt
to attach trailer brakes to your
vehicle’s hydraulic system will lower
braking effectiveness and create a
potential hazard.
See your trailer dealer or rental
agency for more information on
installing electric brakes.
Any towbar used on your vehicle
must be properly bolted to the
underbody.
Refer to page
for the towbar
mounting points.
Towing can require a variety of
equipment, depending on the size of
your trailer, how it will be used, how
much load you are towing, and
where you tow.
Discuss your needs with your trailer
sales or rental agency, and follow the
guidelines in this section. Also make
sure that all equipment is properly
installed and maintained, and that it
meets the country’s regulations
where you are driving.
The best way to confirm that vehicle
and trailer weights are within limits
is to have them checked at a public
scale.
Using a suitable scale or a special
trailer nose load gauge, check the
total weight, the weight at each axle
and the trailer nose load the first
time you set up a towing combination
(a fully-loaded vehicle and trailer),
then recheck the loads whenever the
conditions change.
587
Saf ety Chains
Trailer Brakes
Towbars
Towing Equipment and
Accessories
Checking Loads
Towing a Trailer
Driving
434
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