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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
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
recommended pressure 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, including the weight of the trailer
tongue.
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