Honda 2007 Civic Hatchback Owner's Manual page 349

Towing a Trailer
For example, if the trailer and its
load weigh 225 kg (500 lbs), the
trailer nose load should be 22.5 kg
(50 lbs). Adjust trailer's luggage to
change the trailer nose load. Start
by putting approximately
60 percent of the luggage toward
the front and 40 percent toward
the rear. With a trailer package of
more than 750 kg (1,653 lbs), you
may need to adjust the luggage
weight toward the rear. Never
load the trailer so the back is
heavier than the front. This takes
weight off your vehicle's rear axle
and reduces traction.
346
Driving
The maximum permissible weight
must not exceed the specified limit
as shown on page 488
The maximum permissible weight
is total weight of the vehicle,
driver, passengers, luggage and
towbar.
Please consider that the
installation of optionals (and trailer
nose load when towing a trailer)
will reduce the loading capacity.
Towing a load that is too heavy can
seriously affect your vehicle's
handling and performance. It can
also damage the engine and
drivetrain.
Checking Loads
The best way to confirm that vehicle
. and trailer weights are within limits
is to have them checked at a public
scale.
Using a suitable scale or a special
trailer nose load gauge, check the
total weight, the weight at each axle
and the trailer nose load the first
time you set up a towing combination
(a fully-loaded vehicle and trailer),
then recheck the loads whenever the
conditions change.