1995 Pontiac Sunfire Owner's Manual - Page 173

Safety Chains You should always attach chains between your vehicle and your trailer. Cross the safety chains under tongue the of the trailer so that the tongue will not drop to the road the if it becomes separated from hitch. Instructions about safety chains may be provided by the hitch manufacturer or by the trailermanufacturer. Follow the manufacturer's recommendation for attaching safety chains and do not attach them to the bumper. Always leave just enough slackso you can turn with your rig. And, never allow safety chains to drag on theground. Driving with aTrailer 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 andbraking 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. Before you start, check the trailer hitch and platform (and attachments), safety chains, electrical connector, lamps, tiresand mirror adjustment. If the trailer has electric brakes, start your vehicle and trailer moving and then apply the trailer brake controller by hand to be sure the brakes areworking. This lets you check your electrical connection at the same time. During yourtrip, check occasionally to be sure that the load is secure, and that the lamps and any trailer brakes are still working. Trailer Brakes Does your trailer have its own brakes? Be sureread to and fallow the instructions for the trailer brakes so you'll be able to install, adjust and maintain them properly. Becauseyou 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. Following Distance Stay at least twice as far behind the vehicle ahead as you would when driving your vehicle without a trailer. This can help you avoid situations that require heavy braking and suddenturns. 4-36