4-8
4.3 TONGUE/HITCH WEIGHTS
The weight of the trailer is carried on the axles and the tongue or hitch. It is the responsibility of the owner
to load the trailer in a way that will give the proper weight and loading distribution of the trailer/tow vehicle
combination. Always weigh the vehicle to be certain of the weight distribution and that no axle capacities
are exceeded. Improperly loaded or overloaded axles will adversely affect handling characteristics and
result in poor stability. Reposition heavy items low and in the centre of the trailer. Light objects can be
stored in cabinets, closets and drawers. Always secure luggage or similar cargo when placed in the trailer
to prevent it from moving and causing damage when travelling. Your tow vehicle owners manual will have
specific information regarding the maximum trailer weight that can be towed within the vehicle's safe
operating parameters.
The best handling characteristics are obtained when the trailers are loaded according to the following
tongue/hitch weight ratios:
TOPAZ
Standard Trailer: 10% to 15%
Fifth Wheel Trailer: 15% to 25%
Follow these steps when determining vehicle weight information:
1. Load trailer for travel (cargo, supplies, water, LP Gas, etc.).
2. Drive the entire vehicle including trailer onto scale and weigh.
3. Drive foward until front wheels are off scale. Weigh.
4. Drive forward until tow unit is off scale. Weigh.
5. Back trailer onto scale and unhook. Weigh trailer.
6. Drive tow vehicle onto scale. Weigh.
7. Weigh truck rear axle.
________ Total Weight
________ Total Less Front Axle Weight
________ Trailer Gross Axle Weight
________ Trailer Gross Vehicle Weight
________ Truck Gross Vehicle Weight
________ Truck Rear Axle Weight
8. This provides the user with all the weights required to determine and calculate ratios and capacities.
Follow this procedure to insure compliance:
a. Record truck and trailer gross and axle
capacities (from Vehicle Decals).
b. Calculate hitch/tongue weight ratio
(#5 - #4)/ #5 = Ratio x 100 = % or (Gross
Trailer Weight - Gross Trailer Axle Weight)
x 100/Gross Trailer Weight = %.
c. Reload trailer as required to comply with
hitch/tongue weight ratio.
d. Verify compliance with truck and trailer
gross vehicle weights and axle gross
capacities.
e. Unload or reload as required. Do not
exceed specifications.
To Next Page
Loading...
