Weight of the Trailer Tongue
The tongue load (A) of any trailer is an important weight
to measure because it affects the total or gross weight
of the vehicle. The Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
includes the curb weight of the vehicle, any cargo
in it, and the people who will be riding in the vehicle.
If there are a lot of options, equipment, passengers or
cargo in the vehicle, it will reduce the tongue weight
the vehicle can carry, which will also reduce the trailer
weight the vehicle can tow. And if you tow a trailer,
you must add the tongue load to the GVW because the
vehicle will be carrying that weight, too. See Loading
Your Vehicle on page 4-21 for more information
about the vehicle’s maximum load capacity.
When using a weight-carrying hitch, the trailer tongue (A)
should weigh 10 percent to 15 percent of the total loaded
trailer weight (B).
After the trailer is loaded, weigh the trailer and the
tongue, separately, to see if the weights are proper.
The correct weight could be achieved simply by moving
some items around in the trailer.
Total Weight on Your Vehicle’s Tires
Be sure the vehicle’s tires are inflated to the upper limit
for cold tires. These numbers can be found on the
Tire-Loading Information label. See Loading Your Vehicle
on page 4-21. Be sure not to go over the GVW limit for
the vehicle, or the GAWR, including the weight of the
trailer tongue. If a weight distribution hitch is used, make
sure not to go over the rear axle limit before applying the
weight distribution spring bars.
4-30
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