Towing A Trailer - Honda 1994 Accord Wagon Reference Owner's Manual

Towing a Trailer

For example, if the trailer and
its load weigh 500 Ib (225 kg),
the tongue load should be
50 Ib (22.5 kg). Adjust the
trailer's cargo to change the
tongue load. Start by putting
approximately 60% of the cargo
toward the front and 40%
toward the rear. Never load the
trailer so the back is heavier
than the front. This takes
weight off your car's rear axle
and reduces traction.
The combined weight of the
car, all passengers and their
luggage, and tongue load must
not exceed the Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating. The GVWR is
printed on the Certification
label attached to the driver's
doorjamb (see page 196).
Driving
The combined weight of the
car, all passengers and their
luggage, and tongue load also
must not exceed the Gross Axle
Weight Rating. The GAWR is
also shown on the Certification
label. It tells you the maximum
load for the front and rear
axles. It is possible that your
towing package does not
exceed the GVWR but does
exceed the GAWR. Improper
trailer loading, and/or too
much luggage in the trunk can
overload the rear axle.
Redistribute the load, and
check the axle weights again.
Improperly loading your car
and trailer can seriously affect
its steering and braking
performance, causing a crash
in which you can be seriously
injured.
Check the loading of your car
and trailer carefully before
starting to drive.
The best way to confirm that your
total towing package is within
these specifications is to get it
weighed. Load the car and trailer
as you normally would while
towing, and take them to a public
scale. Have them check the total
weight and the weight at each
axle, and then compare them to
the specifications.