Weight of the Trailer TongueThe tongue load (A) of any trailer is an important weightto measure because it affects the total or gross weightof your vehicle. The Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)includes the curb weight of the vehicle, any cargo youmay carry in it, and the people who will be riding inthe vehicle. If you have a lot of options, equipment,passengers or cargo in your vehicle, it will reduce thetongue weight your vehicle can carry, which willalso reduce the trailer weight your vehicle can tow. Andif you will tow a trailer, you must add the tongue loadto the GVW because your vehicle will be carryingthat weight, too. See Loading Your Vehicle on page 4-47for more information about your vehicle’s maximumload capacity.The trailer tongue weight (A) should be 10 percent to15 percent of the total loaded trailer weight (B), up to amaximum of 600 lbs (272 kg) with a weight carryinghitch. The trailer tongue weight (A) should be 10 percentto 15 percent of the total loaded trailer weight (B), upto the maximum of 1,000 lbs (454 kg) with a weightdistributing hitch.Do not exceed the maximum allowable tongue weightfor your vehicle. Choose the shortest hitch extensionthat will position the hitch ball closest to the vehicle. Thiswill help reduce the effect of trailer tongue weight onthe rear axle.After you’ve loaded your trailer, weigh the trailer and thenthe tongue, separately, to see if the weights are proper.If they aren’t, you may be able to get them right simply bymoving some items around in the trailer.4-59
