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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 td the
recommended pressure for cold tires. You'll fiid 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.
Hitches
and sway control of the proper size. This equipment
is very important for proper vehicle loading and
good handling when you're driving.
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 (see "Carbon Monoxide" in the Index). Dirt
and water can, too.
@
The bumpers on your vehicle are not intended for
hitches. Do not attach rental hitches or other
bumper-type bitches to them. Use only a
frame-mounted hitch that does not attach to the bumper.
Using A Dead Weight Trailer Hitch
(Recommended for loaded trailers weighing less than
3,000 lbs.)
It's important to have the correct hitch equipment.
The trailer tongue should weigh
10% of the total
Crosswinds, large trucks going by, and rough roads are a trailer load (maximum
300 lbs.) or as specified by
few reasons why you'll need the right hitch. Here are
the trailer manufacturer to minimize sway.
some rubs to
follow:
Trailers
that
weigh
more
than
1,000 pounds (454 kg)
@
If you'll be pulling a trailer that,
whe.n loaded, will should be equipped with trailer brakes.
weigh more than 2,000 pounds (900 kg), be sure to
Consider using sway control if your loaded trailer
use a properly mounted, weight-distributing hitch
will weigh 3,000 pounds (1 362 kg) or more.
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