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
(8).
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
Certificationflire Label at the rear edge of the driver’s
door, or see
Loading
Your
Vehicle on page
4-35.
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
2,000
Ibs.
(900
kg), be sure
to
use a properly mounted, weight-carrying hitch and
4-40
sway control
of
the proper size. This equipment
is
very important for proper vehicle loading and
good handling when you’re driving.
0
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
Engine Exhaust
on page
2-34.
Dirt and water can,
too.
Safety Chains
You should always attach chains between your vehicle
and your trailer. Cross the safety chains under the
tongue of the trailer
to
help prevent the tongue from
contacting the road
if
it becomes separated from
the hitch. Instructions about safety chains may be
provided by the hitch manufacturer or
by
the trailer
manufacturer. Follow the manufacturer’s
recommendation for attaching safety chains and do not
attach them
to
the bumper. Always leave just enough
slack
so
you can turn with your rig. Never allow
safety chains
to
drag on the ground.
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