1994 Oldsmobile Bravada Owner's Manual - Page 140

Your Driving andthe Road Hitches It's important to have the correct hitch equipment. Crosswinds, largetrucks going by,and rough roads are a few reasons why you'll need right hitch. the Here aresome rulesto follow: If you'll be pulling a trailer that, when loaded, will weigh morethan 2,000 pounds (900 kg), be sure touse a properly mounted, weight-distributing hitch and sway control of the proper size. Thisequipment is very important for proper vehicle loading good and handling when you're driving. Will you have to make any holes in the body of your vehiclewhen 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 yourexhaust can get into your vehicle (seeCarbon Monoxide in the Index). Dirt and water can, too. The bumpers on your vehicleare not intended for hitches. Do not attach rental hitches or other bumper-type hitches to them. Use only a framemounted hitch that does not attach to the bumper. If your vehiclehas a deadweight hitch and a tailgate-mounted spare tire, and your trailer has a winch or tongue jack, you could have interference between them. Don't tap intoyour vehicle'sbrake 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 won't 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 port on the master cylinder that sends fluid to therear brakes. Butdon'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 chains between your vehicle and your trailer. Cross the safety chains under the tongue of the trailer so that thetongue will not drop to theroad if it becomes separated from the hitch. Instructions about safety chains may be providedby the hitch manufacturer or by the trailer manufacturer. Follow the manufacturer's recommendation for attaching safety chains. Always leave just enough slack so you can turnwith your rig. And, never allow safety chains to drag on theground. Driving with a Trailer Towing a trailer requires a certain amount of experience. Beforesetting 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 youare driving is now a good Trailer Brakes If your trailer weighs more than 1,000 pounds (450 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 ableto install, adjust and maintain them properly. . 134