1998 Pontiac Grand Prix Owner's Manual - Page 229

After you've loaded your trailer, weigh the trailer and then the tongue, separately, see if the weights are to proper. If they aren't, you may be to get them right able simply by moving someitems around in the trailer. Total Weight on Your Vehicle's Tires Be sureyour vehicle's tiresare inflated to the upper limit for cold tires. You'll find these numbers on the Tire-Loading Informationlabel, found on the inside of the trunk lid, or see "Loading Your Vehicle" in the Index. Then besure you don't go over theGVW limit for your vehicle, includingthe weight of the trailer tongue. Will you have to make any holesin the body of your vehicle when you install a trailer hitch?If you do, then be sure seal the holes later when you remove to the hitch. If you don't seal them, deadly carbon monoxide (CO) from your exhaust can get your into vehicle (see "Carbon Monoxide" the Index). Dirt in 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 trailerso that the tongue will not to the road drop if it becomes separated from the hitch. Instructions about safety chains may provided by the hitch be Hitches manufacturer orby the trailer manufacturer. Follow the manufacturer's recommendationfor attaching safety It's important to have the correct hitch equipment. chains anddo not attach them the bumper. Always to Crosswinds, large trucks going by and rough roads are leave just enough slackso you can turn with your rig. a few reasons why you'll need the right hitch. Here are And, never allow safety chains drag on the ground. to some rules to follow: 0 Your vehicle may have nonmetallic, composite bumpers. The bumpers on your vehicle are not intended for hitches. Do not attach rental hitches or other bumper-type hitchesto them. Use onlya frame-mounted hitch that does not attach to the bumper. 4-36