1994 Chevrolet Astro Owner's Manual - Page 180

Total Weight on Your Vehicle's Tires Be sure your vehicle's tiresare inflated to thelimit for cold tires. You'll find these numbers on the Certification label the rear edge of the driver's door at or see"Tire Loading"in the Index. Then be sure you don't go overthe GVW limit for your vehicle. Hitches It's important to have the correct hitch equipment.Crosswinds, large trucks going by, and rough roads are few reasons why you'll need the righthitch. a Here are some rules to follow: 0 If you'll be pulling a trailer that, when loaded, will weigh more than 2,000 pounds (900 kg), be sure to use a properly mounted, weight-distributing hitch and swaycontrol of the proper size. This equipment is very important for proper vehicle loading and good handling when you're driving. install a trailer hitch? If you do, then be sure to seal the holes later when you remove the hitch. you don't seal them, deadly carbon If monoxide (CO) from your exhaust can get into your vehicle(see "Carbon Monoxide" in the Index). Dirt and water too. can, e Will you have to make any holes in the body your vehicle when you of Safety Chains You should always attachchains between your vehicle and your trailer, Cross the safety chains under the tongueof the trailer so that the tonguewill not drop to the road if it becomes separated from the hitch. Instructions about safety chains may be providedby the hitch manufactureror by the trailer manufacturer. Follow the manufacturer's recommendation for attaching safety chains. Always leave just enough slackso you can turn with your rig. And, never allow safety chains to drag on the ground. Trailer Brakes If your trailer weighs more than1,000 pounds (450 kg) loaded, then it needs its own brakes- and they must beadequate. Be sure to read and followthe instructions for the trailer brakes so you'll be able toinstall, adjust and maintain them properly. Your trailer brake systemcan tap into your vehicles's hydraulic brake system, except: 0 Don't tap into your vehicle's brake system the trailer's brake system if will use more than0.02 cubic inch ( 0 . 3 ~of )fluid from your vehicle's ~ master cylinder.If it does, both braking systems won't work well.You could even lose your brakes. 4-26