A
B
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’re using
a
weight-distributing
hitch, the trailer tongue
(A)
should weigh
I2
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
CertificatiodTire label
on
the
driver’s door edge, above
the door latch, or see “Tire Loading”
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:
If you’ll be pulling a trailer that, when loaded, will
weigh more than
3,500
Ibs.
(1
589
kg), be sure
to
use
a
properly mounted, weight-distributing hitch and
sway control
of
the proper size. This equipment
is
very important for proper vehicle loading and good
handling when you’re driving.
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.
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