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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
Certification 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.
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