Trailer Towing Equipment

Hitch Ball

It is important to use the correct towing equipment. Crosswinds, large trucks passing by, and uneven road surfaces are some of the reasons you need the correct hitch. Observe the following guidelines:

• Is it necessary to drill holes in the vehicle body when installing a trailer hitch? If you do, be sure to seal the holes later when you remove the hitch. If you do not seal them, carbon monoxide (CO) from the exhaust gases can enter your vehicle, as well as dirt and water.
• Your vehicle's bumpers are not designed for towing. Do not attach rental hitches or other bumper-type hitches to them. Use only a frame-mounted trailer hitch that does not attach to the bumper.
• A HYUNDAI trailer hitch can be purchased from an authorized HYUNDAI dealer.

Safety Chains

Always attach safety chains between the vehicle and the trailer. Cross the safety chains under the trailer tongue so that the tongue does not drop to the road if it separates from the hitch.

Safety chain instructions may be provided by the hitch manufacturer or the trailer manufacturer. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for installing safety chains. Always leave enough slack to allow turning with the trailer. Never allow the safety chains to drag on the ground.

Trailer Brakes

If your trailer is equipped with a trailer brake system, make sure it complies with federal and/or local regulations, and that it is properly installed and correctly operated.

If your trailer weighs more than the maximum trailer weight without trailer brakes, it requires its own brakes, and they must be adequate.

Be sure to read and follow the trailer brake instructions so that you know how to install, adjust, and maintain them correctly. Be careful not to touch your vehicle's brake system.

WARNING

Do not use a trailer with its own brakes unless you are absolutely sure that you have adjusted the brake system correctly. Use an experienced, competent trailer shop for this work.