1994 Pontiac Firebird Owner's Manual - Page 148

Hitches It's important to have the correct hitch equipment. Crosswinds, large trucks going by, and rough roadsare a few reasons why you'll need the right hitch. Here are some rulesto follow: 0 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 into your vehicle(see "Carbon Monoxide" in the Index). Dirt and water too. can, 0 The bumpers on your vehicle are not intended for hitches. Do not attach rental hitches or other bumper-type hitches to them. Use only a frame-mounted hitch that does not attach to the bumper. Before you start, check the trailer hitch and platform, safetychains, electrical connector, lights, tires and mirror adjustment. If the trailer has electric brakes, start your vehicle and trailer moving and then apply trailer brake the controller by hand to be sure the brakes are working. This lets you check your Trailer Brakes electrical connection at the same time. If your trailer weighs more than1,000 During your trip, check occasionally to pounds (450 kg) loaded, then it needs its own brakes-and they must beadequate. be sure that the load is secure,.and that Be sure to read and follow the instructions the lights and any trailer brakes are still working. for the trailer brakes so you'll be able to install, adjust and maintain them properly. Because you have anti-lock brakes, do not Following Distance try to tap into your vehicle's brake Stay at least twiceas far behind the system. If YOU do, both brake systems vehicle ahead as you would when driving won't work well, or at all. your vehicle without a trailer.,,Thiscan help you avoid situations that'.require Driving with a Trailer heavy braking and sudden turns. Towing a trailer requires a certain amount of experience. Before setting out for the Passing open road, you'll want to get to know You'll need more passingdistance up Safety Chains your rig. Acquaint yourself with the feel ahead when you're towing a trailer. And, You should always attach chains between of handling and braking with added the because you're a gooddeal longer, you'll your vehicle and your trailer. Cross the weight of the trailer. And always keep in need to go much farther beyond the safety chains under the tongue the of mind that 'the vehicle youare driving is passed vehicle before you return to can trailer so that the tongue will not drop to now a good deal longer and not nearlyas your lane. the road if it becomes separated from the responsive as your vehicle is by itself. 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 turn with your rig. And, never allow safety chains to drag on the ground. , 1 . 147 ...