2008 Buick LaCrosse Owner's Manual - Page 266

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. Driving with a Trailer Towing a trailer requires a certain amount of experience. Before setting out for the open road, get to know the rig. Acquaint yourself with the feel of handling and braking with the added weight of the trailer. And always keep in mind that the vehicle is now a good deal longer and not nearly as responsive as the vehicle is by itself. Before starting, check all trailer hitch parts and attachments, safety chains, electrical connector, lamps, tires, and mirror adjustment. If the trailer has electric brakes, start the vehicle and trailer moving and then apply the trailer brake controller by hand to be sure the brakes are working. This lets you check the electrical connection at the same time. During your trip, check occasionally to be sure that the load is secure, and that the lamps and any trailer brakes are still working. • If your vehicle has antilock brakes, do not try to tap into your vehicle's brake system. If you do, both brake systems will not work well, or at all. • Even if your vehicle does not have antilock brakes, do not tap into your vehicle's brake system if the trailer's brake system will use more than 0.02 cubic inch (0.3 cc) of fluid from your vehicle's master cylinder. If it does, both braking systems will not work well. You could even lose your brakes. • Will the trailer brake parts take 3,000 psi (20 650 kPa) of pressure? If not, the trailer brake system must not be used with your vehicle. • If everything checks out this far, then make the brake fluid tap at the upper rear master cylinder port. But do not use copper tubing for this. If you do, it will bend and break off. Use steel brake tubing. 4-32