Driving and Operating 339
Vehicle Series Trailer Weight
Weight-Distributing Hitch
Usage Hitch Distribution
1500 Up to 3175 kg (7,000 lb) Optional Refer to trailer
manufacturer’s
recommendation
1500 Over 3175 kg (7,000 lb) Required 50%
2500/3500 Up to 8165 kg (18,000 lb) Optional Refer to trailer
manufacturer’s
recommendation
1. Front of Vehicle
2. Body to Ground Distance
When using a weight-distributing
hitch, measure distance (2) before
coupling the trailer to the hitch ball.
Measure the height again after the
trailer is coupled and adjust the
spring bars so the distance (2) is as
close as possible to halfway
between the two measurements.
Fifth-Wheel and Gooseneck
Trailering
Fifth-wheel and gooseneck trailers
can be used with many pickup
models. These trailers place a
larger percentage of the weight
(kingpin weight) on the tow vehicle
than conventional trailers. Make
sure this weight does not cause the
vehicle to exceed GAWR or GVWR.
Fifth-wheel or gooseneck kingpin
weight should be 15 to 25% of the
trailer weight up to the maximum
amount specified in the trailering
chart for the vehicle. See “Weight of
the Trailer” under Trailer Towing
0 324.
The hitch should be located in the
pickup bed so that its centerline is
over or slightly in front of the rear
axle. Take care that it is not so far
forward that it will contact the back
of the cab in sharp turns. This is
especially important for short box
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