1996 Mercury Sable Owner's Manual - Page 242
1996 Mercury Sable Manual
Page 242 highlights
Connecting the safety chains Always attach the trailer's safety chains to your vehicle. They help protect your trailer if the hitch breaks. To connect the trailer's safety chains: 1. Cross the chains under the trailer tongue and attach them to your vehicle's frame or hook retainers. Never attach the safety chains to your vehicle's bumper. The bumper is not designed to bear the weight of a trailer. Make sure that you leave enough slack in the chains to allow you to turn corners. 2. If you use a rental trailer, follow the instructions that the rental agency gives you. Connecting the trailer's brakes Electric brakes and manual, automatic, or surge-type hydraulic brakes are safe if you install them properly and adjust them according to the manufacturer's instructions. Be sure that your trailer's brakes meet local and federal regulations. RWARNING Do not connect a trailer's hydraulic brake system directly to your vehicle's brake system. If you do, your vehicle may not have enough braking power and your chances of having a collision greatly increase. 215