Weight of the Trailer TongueThe tongue load (A) of any trailer is an important weightto measure because it affects the total o r gross weight ofyour vehicle. The Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) includesthe curb weight of the vehicle, any cargo you may carry init, and the people who will be riding in the vehicle. If youhave a lot of options, equipment, passengers or cargo inyour vehicle, it will reduce the tongue weight your vehiclecan carry, which will also reduce the trailer weight yourvehicle can tow. And if you will tow a trailer, you must addthe tongue load to the GVW because your vehicle will becarrying that weight, too. See Loading Your Vehicle onpage 4-47 Loading Your Vehicle for more informationabout your vehicle’s maximum load 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 andthen the tongue, separately, to see if the weightsare proper. If they aren’t, you may be able to get themright simply by moving some items around in thetrailer.Total Weight on Your Vehicle’s TiresBe sure your vehicle’s tires are inflated to the upper limitfor cold tires. You’ll find these numbers on theCertification label at the rear edge of the driver’s door orsee Loading Your Vehicle on page 4-47. Then besure you don’t go over the GVW limit for your vehicle,or the GAWR, including the weight of the trailer tongue.If you use a weight distributing hitch, make sure youdon’t go over the rear axle limit before you applythe weight distribution spring bars.4-57
