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.
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 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.
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:
The bumpers on your vehicle are
not
intended for
hitches. Do not attach rental hitches or other
bumper-type hitches to them. Wse only a
frame-mounted hitch that does not attach to the
bumper.
Will
you
have
to
make
any
holes in
the
body of your
vehicle when you install a trailer hitch?
If
YSU
do,
then
be
sure to seal
the
holes
later
when
you remove
the
hitch.
If
you don’t
seal
them, deadly
carbon
monoxide
(CQ)
from
your exhaust can get
into
your
vehicle (see “Carbon Monoxide” in the Index).
Dirt
and
water
can,
too.
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