Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings); Trailer And Tongue Weight - Dodge Dakota 2011 Owner's Manual

322 STARTING AND OPERATING
Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer Weight
Ratings)
NOTE: For additional trailer towing information in-
cluding maximum trailer and tongue weight rating for
your vehicle, refer to the following website addresses:
• http:// www.dodge.com/bodybuilder
• http:// www.dodge.ca (Canada)

Trailer And Tongue Weight

Always load a trailer with 60% to 65% of the weight in
the front of the trailer. This places 10% to 15% of the
Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) on the tow hitch of your
vehicle. Loads balanced over the wheels or heavier in the
rear can cause the trailer to sway severely side to side
which will cause loss of control of vehicle and trailer.
Failure to load trailers heavier in front is the cause of
many trailer collisions.
Consider the following items when computing the
weight on the rear axle of the vehicle:
• The tongue weight of the trailer.
• The weight of any other type of cargo or equipment
put in or on your vehicle.
• The weight of the driver and all passengers.