2009 Cadillac STS-V Owner's Manual - Page 323

Total Weight on the Vehicle's Tires Be sure the vehicle's tires are inflated to the upper limit for cold tires. These numbers can be found on the Certification label or see Loading the Vehicle on page 4-24. Make sure not to go over the GVW limit for the vehicle, or the GAWR, including the weight of the trailer tongue. Safety Chains Always attach chains between the vehicle and the trailer. Cross the safety chains under the tongue of the trailer to help prevent the tongue from contacting 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 just enough slack so the rig can turn. Never allow safety chains to drag on the ground. Hitches It is important to have the correct hitch equipment. Crosswinds, large trucks going by and rough roads are a few reasons why the right hitch is needed. Trailer Brakes Does the trailer have its own brakes? Be sure to read and follow the instructions for the trailer brakes so they are installed, adjusted and maintained properly. Because the vehicle has StabiliTrak®, do not try to tap into the vehicle's hydraulic brake system. If you do, both brake systems will not work well, or at all. • The rear bumper on the 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 not attach to the bumper. • Will any holes be made in the body of the vehicle when the trailer hitch is installed? If so, be sure to seal the holes when the hitch is removed. If they are not sealed, deadly carbon monoxide (CO) from the engine's exhaust can get into the vehicle. See Engine Exhaust on page 2-36. Sealing the holes will also prevent dirt and water from entering the vehicle. Trailer Wiring Harness All of the electrical circuits required for the trailer lighting system can be accessed at the driver side rear lamp connector. This connector is located under the carpet on the rear corner of the trunk compartment. 4-35