1998 Oldsmobile Achieva Owner's Manual - Page 184

Total Weight on Your Vehicle's Tires Be sureyour vehicle's tires are inflated to theupper limit for cold tires. You'll find thesenumbers on the Certification labelat the rear edgeof the driver's door or see "Loading Your Vehicle" in the Index. Then be sure you don't go over the GVW limit foryour vehicle, including the weight of the trailer tongue. 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 the hitch. 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 thebumper. Always leave justenough slack so you can turn with your rig. And, never allow safety chains to drag the ground. on Hitches It's important tohave the correct hitch equipment. Crosswinds, large trucks going by and rough roads are a few reasonswhy you'll need the right hitch. Here are some rules to follow: The rear bumper on your vehicle is not intended for hitches. Do not attach rental hitches or other bumper-type hitches to it.Use only a frame-mounted hitch that doesnot attach to thebumper. 0 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 maintain and them properly. And because you have anti-lock brakes, do not try to tap intoyour vehicle's brake system. If you do, both brake systems won't work well, or at all. Will you have to make any holes in the body of your vehicle when you install a trailer hitch?If you do, then be sureto seal the holes later when you remove the hitch. If you don't seal them,deadly carbon monoxide (CO) from your exhaust can get intoyour vehicle (see "Carbon Monoxide" in the Index). Dirt and water can, too. 4-36