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 your vehicle. The Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
includes the curb weight of the vehicle, any cargo you
may carry in it, and the people who will be riding in
the vehicle. And
if
you will tow a trailer, you must add
the tongue load
to
the GVW because your vehicle will be
carrying that weight,
too. See Loading
Your
Vehicle
on
page
4-48
for more information about your vehicle’s
maximum load capacity.
A
B
If you’re using a weight-carrying or a weight-distributing
hitch, the trailer tongue weight
(A)
should be
10
percent
to
15
percent of the total loaded trailer weight
(B).
Do not exceed the maximum allowable tongue weight
for your vehicle.
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
Certification label at the rear edge of the driver’s door or
see ”Tire Loading”. Then be sure you don’t go over
the GVW limit for your vehicle, including the weight of
the trailer tongue.
4-56
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