2003 Cadillac DeVille Owner's Manual - Page 268

If you're using a weight-carrying hitch or a weight-distributing hitch, the trailer tongue (A) should weigh 10 - 15 percent of the teta! !caded trailer weight (B). After you've loaded your trailer, weigh the trailer and then the tongue, separately, to see if the weights are proper. If they aren't, you may be able to get them right simply by moving some items around in the trailer. 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 page 2-38. 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. Follow the manufacturer's recommendation forattaching safety chains and do not attach them to the bumper. Always leave just enough slack so you canturn with your rig. And, never allow safety chains to dragon the ground. Total Weight on Your Vehicle's Tires Be sure your vehicle's tires are inflated to the upper limit for cold tires. You'llfind these numbers onthe Tire-Loading Informationlabel at therear edge of the driver's side rear door see Loading Your Vehicle on or page 4-32. Then be sure you don't over the GVW limit go for your vehicle, including weight of the trailer tongue. the Hitches It's important to have the correct hitch equipment. cmss\.~inds, !=lrCJe?rL!cks gelnCJ hy 2nd r""$-? r92ds 2!-e 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 noiattach to the bumper. 4-37