2003 Chevrolet Avalanche Owner's Manual - Page 327

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 "Carbon Monoxide" in the Index. Dirt and water can, too. 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 inch (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. Your vehicle is not equipped with Stabilitrak@. If everything checks out this far, make the brake tap at the port on the master cylinder that sends thefluid to the rear brakes. But don't use coppertubing for this. If you do, it will bend and finally break off. Use steel brake tubing. Safety Chains You should always attach 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. Always leave just enough slack so you can turn with your rig. Never allow safety chains to drag on the ground. 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. Driving with a Trailer Towing a trailer requires a certain amount of experience. Before setting out for the open road, you'll want to get to know your 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 you are driving is now a good deal longer and not nearly as responsive as your vehicle is by itself. 4-64