2003 Chevrolet Tahoe Owner's Manual - Page 345

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 2-40 Dirt and water can, too. Trailer Brakes If your trailer weighs more than 2,000 Ibs. (900 kg) loaded, then it needs its own brakes - and they must be adequate. Be sure to read and follow the instructions for the trailer brakes so you'll be able to install, adjust and maintain them properly. If your vehicle is equipped with Stabilitrak@, your trailer cannot tap into the vehicle's hydraulic brake system. Your trailer brake system can tap into the vehicle's hydraulic brake system only if: The trailer parts can withstand 3,000 psi (20 650 kPa) of pressure. The trailer's brake system will use less than 0.02 cubic inches (0.3 cc) of fluid from your vehicle's master cylinder. Otherwise, both braking systems won't work well. You could even lose your brakes. If everything checks out this far, make the brake tap at the port on the master cylinder that sends the fluid to the rear brakes. But don't use copper tubing for this. If you do, it will bend and finally break off. Use steel brake tubing. Safety Chains You should always attach safety chains between your vehicle and your 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. If you are towing a trailer up to 5,000 Ibs (2 270 kg) with a factory-installed step bumper, you may attach the safety chains to the attaching points on the bumper. If you are towing a trailer up to your vehicle's trailer rating limit, you may attach the safety chains to the attaching point on the hitch platform. If you are towing with an aftermarket hitch, following the trailer or hitch manufacturer's recommendation for attaching safety chain. Always leave just enough slack so you can turn with your rig. Never allow safety chains to drag on the ground. 4-66