Chevrolet 2002 Avalanche Owner's Manual download pdf (Page 277)

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Trailer Brakes

If your trailer weighs more than 2,000 lbs. (900 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.

Your trailer brake system can tap into the vehicle’s

hydraulic brake system only if:

The trailer parts can withstand 3,000 psi

(20 650 kPa) of pressure.

The trailer’s brake system will use less than

0.02 cubic inch (0.3 cc) of fluid from your vehicle’s

master cylinder. Otherwise, both braking systems

won’t work well. You could even lose your brakes.

If everything checks out this far, make the brake tap at

the port on the master cylinder that sends the fluid to

the rear brakes. But don’t use copper tubing for this.

If you do, it will bend and finally break off. Use steel

brake tubing.

Driving with a Trailer

Towing a trailer requires a certain amount of experience.

Before setting out for the open road, you’ll want to get

to know your rig. Acquaint yourself with the feel of

handling and braking with the added weight of the

trailer. And always keep in mind that the vehicle you

are driving is now a good deal longer and not nearly

as responsive as your vehicle is by itself.

Before you start, check the trailer hitch and platform

(and attachments), safety chains, electrical connector,

lamps, tires and mirror adjustment. If the trailer has

electric brakes, start your vehicle and trailer moving

and then apply the trailer brake controller by hand to

be sure the brakes are working. This lets you check

your electrical connection at the same time.

During your trip, check occasionally to be sure that the

load is secure, and that the lamps and any trailer brakes

are still working.

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Chevrolet 2002 Avalanche Owner's Manual Page 277