Weight
of
the Trailer Tongue
The
tongue load
(A)
of any trailer is an important
weight to measure because it affects the total capacity
weight of your vehicle. The capacity weight 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 subtract the tongue
load from your vehicle’s capacity weight because your
vehicle will be carrying that weight, too. See “Loading
Your Vehicle” in the Index for more information about
your vehicle’s maximum load capacity;
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 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.
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
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.
4-35
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