Oldsmobile 2001 Silhouette - Manual (Page 292)

4-35
Hitches
It’s important to have the correct hitch equipment.
Crosswinds, large trucks going by and rough roads
are a few reasons why you’ll need the right hitch.
Here are some rules to follow:
D 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.
D If you’ll be pulling a trailer that, when loaded, will
weigh more than 2,000 lbs. (900 kg), be sure to use
a properly mounted, weight
- carrying hitch and sway
control of the proper size. This equipment is very
important for proper vehicle loading and good
handling when you’re driving.
D Will you have to make any holes in the body of
your vehicle when you install a trailer hitch?
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. See “Carbon Monoxide”
in the Index. Dirt 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 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.
Because you have anti - lock brakes, do not try to tap
into your vehicle’s brake system. If you do, both brake
systems won’t work well, or at all.