2002 Honda Accord Owner's Manual - Page 231

Towing a Trailer Checking Loads The best way to confirm that vehicle and trailer weights are within limits is to have them checked at a public scale. Using a suitable scale or a special tongue load gauge, check the tongue load the first time you set up a towing combination (a fully-loaded vehicle and trailer), then recheck the tongue load whenever the conditions change. Towing Equipment and Accessories Towing can require a variety of equipment, depending on the size of your trailer, how it will be used, and how much load you are towing. Discuss your needs with your trailer sales or rental agency, and follow the guidelines in the rest of this section. Also make sure that all equipment is properly installed and that it meets federal, state, province, and local regulations. Hitches Safety Chains Always use safety chains. Make sure they are secured to both the trailer and hitch, and that they cross under the tongue so they can catch the trailer if it becomes unhitched. Leave enough slack to allow the trailer to turn corners easily, but do not let the chains drag on the ground. Trailer Brakes Honda recommends that any trailer having a total weight of 1,000 lbs (450 kg) or more be equipped with its own electric or surge-type brakes. If you choose electric brakes, be sure they are electronically actuated. Do not attempt to tap into your vehicle's hydraulic system. No matter how successful it may seem, any attempt to attach trailer brakes to your vehicle's hydraulic system will lower braking effectiveness and create a potential hazard. Any hitch used on your vehicle must be properly bolted to the underbody. Driving 229