1996 Buick Regal Owner's Manual - Page 184

Total Weight on Your Vehicle's Tires Be sure your vehicle's tires are inflated to the recommended pressure for cold tires. You'll find these numbers on the Tire-Loading Information label (found inside the trunk lid)or see "Loading Your Vehicle" in the Index. Then be sure you don'tgo over the GVW limit for your vehicle, including the weightof the trailer tongue. 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 and do not attach them to the bumper. Always leave justenough slack so you can turn with your rig. And, never allow safety chains to drag on the ground. Hitches It's important to have the correcthitch 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: 0 Trailer Brakes If your trailer weighs more than 1,000 lbs. (450 kg) loaded, then it needs its own brakes -- and they must be adequate. Be sure toread 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. 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 theholes 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. The bumpers on your vehicle are not intended for hitches. Do not attach rental hitches or other bumper-type hitches to them. Use only a frame-mounted hitch that does not attach to the bumper. 0 4-32