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Since tongue weight is usually at least 10 percent
of total loaded trailer weight, you can expect
that the largest trailer your vehicle can properly
handle is 6,000 lbs (2 721 kg).
It is important that you make sure your vehicle
does not exceed any of its ratings — GCWR,
GVWR, RGAWR, Maximum Trailer Rating
or Tongue Weight. The only way to be sure you
are not exceeding any of these ratings is to weigh
your vehicle and trailer.
Total Weight on Your Vehicle’s Tires
Be sure your vehicle’s tires are inflated to the
upper limit for cold tires. You will find these
numbers on the Tire and Loading Information
label. See Loading Your Vehicle on page 279.
Then be sure you don’t go over the GVW limit for
your vehicle or the Gross Axle Weight Rating
(GAWR), 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 will need the
right hitch. Here are some rules to follow:
• The rear bumper on your vehicle is not
intended for hitches. Do not attach rental
hitches or other bumper-type hitches to it.
Use only a frame-mounted hitch that does not
attach to the bumper.
• 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 123. Dirt and
water can, too.
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