1996 Oldsmobile Silhouette Owner's Manual - Page 207

hes It's important to have the correcthitch equipment. Crosswinds, large trucks going by and rough roads are a few reasons why you'll need the right hitch. Here are some rules to follow: The bumpers on your vehicle arenot intended for hitches. Do not attach rental hitchesor other bumper-type hitches to them. Useonly a frame-mounted hitch that does not attach to the bumper. If you'll be pulling a trailer that, when loaded, will weigh more than 2,000 lbs. (900 kg), be sureto use a properly mounted, weight-distributing hitch and sway control of the proper size. This equipment is very important for proper vehicle loading and good handling when you're driving. 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 laterwhen 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. 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 the tongue will not drop to the road if it becomes separated from thehitch. Instructions about safety chains may be provided by the hitch manufacturer or by the trailer manufacturer. Follow the manufacturer's recommendation for attaching safety chains and do not attach them to the bumper. Always leave just enough slack so you can turn with your rig. And, never allow safety chains to drag on the ground. Tra I! -- rake:_ If your trailer weighs more than 1,000 lbs. (450 kg) loaded, then it needs its own brakes -- and they must be adequate. Be sureto read and follow the instructions for the trailer brakes so you'll be able to install, adjust and maintain them properly. Because you have anti-lock brakes, do not try to tap into your vehicle's brake system. If you do, both brake systems won't work well, or at all.