2003 Chevrolet Impala Owner's Manual - Page 250

Total Weight on Your Vehicle's Tires Be sure your vehicle's tires are inflated to the upper limit for cold tires. You'll find these numbers on the Tire Loading-Information label, located on the inside of the trunk lid, or see Loading Your Vehicle on page 4-32. Then be sure you don't go over the GVW limit for your vehicle, including the weight of 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 just enough 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 correct hitch 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 Does your trailer have its own brakes? Be sure to read and follow the instructions for the trailer brakes so you'll be able to install, adjust and maintain them properly. 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 not attach to the bumper. e '$!I!! ycL: h2ve :t z2ke 22y h::!es i:: !!.!e b x Y?c~ ~ ! 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 2-37 in the Index. Dirt and water can, too. I f your vehicle has anti-lock brakes, do not try to tap irriv your veilicie's brake sysien~. you do, uoiil iF brake systems won't work well, or at all. Even if your vehicle doesn't have anti-lock brakes, don't tap into your vehicle's brake system if the trailer's brake system will use more than 0.02 cubic inch (0.3 of f!Llid from yoLIr vehicle's master cc> cylinder. If it does, both braking systems won't work well. You could even lose your brakes. 4-37