1996 Buick Century Owner's Manual

HitchesIt’s important to have the correct hitch equipment.Crosswinds, large trucks going by and rough roads area few reasons why you’ll need the right hitch. Here aresome rules to follow:00Will you have to make any holes in the body of yourvehicle when you install a trailer hitch? If you do,then be sure to seal the holes later when you removethe hitch. If you don’t seal them, deadly carbonmonoxide (CO) from your exhaust can get into yourvehicle (see“Carbon Monoxide” in the Index). Dirtand water can, too.The bumpers on your vehicle are not intendedfor hitches. Do not attach rental hitches orother bumper-type hitches to them. Use onlya frame-mounted hitch that does not attach tothe bumper.Safety ChainsYou should always attach chains between your vehicleand your trailer. Cross the safety chains under the tongueof the trailer so that the tongue will not drop to the roadif it becomes separated from the hitch. Instructionsabout safety chains may be provided by the hitchmanufacturer or by the trailer manufacturer. Follow themanufacturer’s recommendation for attaching safetychains and do not attach them to the bumper. Alwaysleave just enough slack so you can turn with your rig.And, never allow safety chains to drag on the ground.Trailer BrakesDoes your trailer have its own brakes? Be sure to readand follow the instructions for the trailer brakes soyou’ll be able to install, adjust and maintain themproperly. Because you have anti-lock brakes, do not tryto tap into your vehicle’s brake system. If you do, bothbrake systems won’t work well, or at all.4-33