Buick 1994 Skylark Owner's Manual page 173

Weight of the Trailer Tongue
The tongue load (A) of any trailer is an important
weight to measure because it affects the total capacity
weight of your vehicle. The capacity weight includes the
curb weight of the vehicle, any cargo you may carry in
it, and the people who will be riding in the vehicle. And
if you will tow a trailer, you must subtract the tongue
load from your vehicle's capacity weight because your
vehicle will be carrying that weight, too. See "Loading
Your Vehicle" in the Index for more information about
your vehicle's maximum load capacity.
A B
The trailer tongue (A) should weigh 10% of the total
loaded trailer weight
(B).
If you're using a "dead-weight" hitch, .the trailer tongue
(A) should weigh 10% of the total loaded trailer weight
(B). If you have a "weight-distributing" hitch, the trailer
tongue (A) should weigh 12% of the total loaded trailer
weight (B).
After you've loaded your trailer, weigh the trailer and
then the tongue, separately, to see if the weights are
proper. If they aren't, you may be able to get them right
simply by moving some items around in the trailer.
Total Weight on Your Vehicle's Tires
Be sure your vehicle's tires are inflated to the limit for
cold,tires. You'll find these numbers on the Certification
label at the rear edge of the driver's door or see
"Loading Your Vehicle" in the Index. Then be sure you
don't go over the GVW limit for your vehicle.
Hitches
It's important to have the correct hitch equipment.
Crosswinds, large trucks going by, and rough roads are a
few reasons why you'll need the right hitch. Here are
some rules to follow:
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