9-58 Driving and OperatingVehicle SeriesHitch Type Maximum TongueWeight1500 Weight Carrying 272 kg (600 lbs)1500 Weight Distributing 453 kg (1,000 lbs)Do not exceed the maximumallowable tongue weight for thevehicle. Choose the shortest hitchextension that will position the hitchball closest to the vehicle. This willhelp reduce the effect of trailertongue weight on the rear axle.Trailer rating may be limited by thevehicle's ability to carry tongueweight. Tongue or kingpin weightcannot cause the vehicle to exceedthe GVWR (Gross Vehicle WeightRating) or the RGAWR (Rear GrossAxle Weight Rating). See “TotalWeight on the Vehicle's Tires” laterin this section for more information.After loading the trailer, weigh thetrailer and then the tongue,separately, to see if the weights areproper. If they are not, adjustmentsmight be made by moving someitems around in the trailer.Total Weight on the Vehicle'sTiresBe sure the vehicle's tires areinflated to the inflation pressuresfound on the Certification label onthe driver door or see Vehicle LoadLimits on page 9‑14 for moreinformation. Make sure not toexceed the GVWR limit for thevehicle, or the RGAWR, with the towvehicle and trailer fully loaded forthe trip including the weight of thetrailer tongue. If using a weightdistributing hitch, make sure not toexceed the RGAWR before applyingthe weight distribution spring bars.Weight of the TraileringCombinationIt is important that the combinationof the tow vehicle and trailer doesnot exceed any of its weight ratings— GCWR, GVWR, RGAWR, TrailerWeight Rating or Tongue Weight.The only way to be sure it is notexceeding any of these ratings is toweigh the tow vehicle and trailercombination, fully loaded for the trip,getting individual weights for each ofthese items.Towing EquipmentHitchesThe correct hitch equipment helpsmaintain combination control. Manytrailers can be towed with a weightcarrying hitch which simply featuresa coupler latched to the hitch ball,or a tow eye latched to a pintlehook. Other trailers may require aweight distributing hitch that usesspring bars to distribute the trailertongue weight among the twovehicle and trailer axles. See
