Kia Optima 2004 Owner's Manual page 159

Weight of the trailer tongue
The tongue load of any trailer is an
important weight to measure because it
affects the total gross vehicle weight
(GVW) of your vehicle. This 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
add the tongue load to the GVW because
your vehicle will also be carrying that
weight.
The trailer tongue should weigh a
maximum of 10% of the total loaded
trailer weight. 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 correct them simply by
moving some items around in the trailer.
5-16
DRIVING TIPS
CAUTION
• Never load a trailer with more
weight in the rear than in the front.
The front should be loaded with
approximately 60% of the total
trailer load; the rear should be
loaded with approximately 40% of
the total trailer load.
• Never exceed the maximum weight
limits of the trailer or trailer towing
equipment. Improper loading can
result in damage to your vehicle
and/or personal injury. Check
weights and loading
commercial scale or highway patrol
office equipped with scales.
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:
• Will you have to make any holes in
the body of your vehicle when you
install a trailer hitch? If you do, then
be sure to seal the holes later when
you remove the hitch.
If you don't seal them, deadly carbon
monoxide (CO) from your exhaust
can get into your vehicle, as well as
at a
dirt and water.
• The bumpers on your vehicle are not
intended for hitches. Do not attach
rental hitches or other bumper-type
hitches to them. Use only a frame-
mounted hitch that does not attach to
the bumper.