242 Driving and Operating
See “Weight-Distributing Hitch Adjustment”
under Towing Equipment 0 244 to
determine if equalizer bars are required to
obtain the maximum trailer weight rating.
See “Trailer Brakes” under Towing
Equipment 0 244 to determine if brakes are
required based on the trailer weight.
The only way to be sure the weight is not
exceeding any of these ratings is to weigh
the tow vehicle and trailer combination,
fully loaded for the trip, getting individual
weights for each of these items.
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Warning
You and others could be seriously injured
or killed if the trailer is too heavy or the
trailer brakes are inadequate for the load.
The vehicle may be damaged, and the
repairs would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty.
Only tow a trailer if all the steps in this
section have been followed. Ask your
dealer for advice and information about
towing a trailer.
Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR)
GCWR is the total allowable weight of the
completely loaded vehicle and trailer
including any fuel, passengers, cargo,
equipment, and accessories. Do not exceed
the GCWR for your vehicle.
To check that the weight of the vehicle and
trailer are within the GCWR for the vehicle:
1. Start with the curb weight from the
Trailering Information Label.
2. Add the weight of the trailer loaded with
cargo and ready for the trip.
3. Add the weight of all passengers.
4. Add the weight of all cargo in the
vehicle.
5. Add the weight of hitch hardware such
as a draw bar, ball, load equalizer bars,
or sway bars.
6. Add the weight of any accessories or
aftermarket equipment added to the
vehicle.
The resulting weight cannot exceed the
GCWR value shown on the Trailering
Information Label.
The gross combined weight can also be
confirmed by weighing the truck and trailer
on a public scale. The truck and trailer
should be loaded for the trip with
passengers and cargo.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
For information about the vehicle's
maximum load capacity, see Vehicle Load
Limits 0 184. When calculating the GVWR
with a trailer attached, the trailer tongue
weight must be included as part of the
weight the vehicle is carrying.
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