If
you’re using a weight-carrying hitch, the trailer
tongue (A) should weigh
10
percent of the total loaded
trailer weight
(B).
If
you have a weight-distributing
hitch, the trailer tongue (A) should weigh 12 percent
of
the total loaded trailer weight
(B).
After you’ve loaded your trailer, weigh the trailer and
then the tongue, separately, to see if the weights are
proper. If they aren’t, you may be able
to
get them right
simply
by
moving some items around in the trailer.
Total Weight
on
Your
Vehicle’s Tires
Be sure your vehicle’s tires
are
inflated to the upper limit
for cold tires.
You’ll
find these numbers on the Tire
Loading Information label located at
the
rear edge
of
the
driver’s door or see “Loading Your Vehicle” in the Index.
Then be sure you don’t go over the
GVW
limit for your
vehicle, including the weight
of
the trailer tongue.
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:
0
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.
0
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.
4-36
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