Safety chains, Trailer brakes – GMC 2007 Savana User Manual

Page 277

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If you’ll be pulling a trailer that, when loaded, will
weigh more than 5,000 lbs (2 270 kg), be sure to
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. You should
always use a sway control if your trailer will weigh
more than these limits. You can ask a hitch dealer
about sway controls.

Will you have to make any holes in the body of
your vehicle when you install a trailer hitch?

If you’re using the wiring provided with the
factory-installed trailering package, you should not
need to make any holes in the body of your vehicle.
However, if you have an aftermarket hitch installed,
you may need to make holes in the body.

If you do, then be sure to 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 as well as dirt and water.
See “Carbon Monoxide” under Engine Exhaust
on page 132.

Safety Chains

You should always attach chains between your
vehicle and your trailer. Cross the safety chains
under the tongue of the trailer to help prevent the
tongue from contacting 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 the
bumper. Always leave just enough slack so you can
turn with your rig. Never allow safety chains to drag
on the ground.

Trailer Brakes

If your trailer weighs more than 1,000 lbs (450 kg)
loaded, then it needs its own brakes – and they
must be adequate. Be sure to read and follow the
instructions for the trailer brakes so you’ll be
able to install, adjust and maintain them properly.

Since your vehicle is equipped with StabiliTrak

®

,

your trailer brake system cannot tap into the
vehicle’s hydraulic brake system.

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