Trailer And Tongue Weight - Dodge Durango Owner's Manual

If the gross trailer weight is 3,500 lbs (1 587 kg) or more,
it is mandatory to use a weight-distributing hitch to
ensure stable handling of your vehicle.
NOTE: Vehicles not factory equipped with trailer tow
package are limited to 3,500 lbs (350 lbs tongue weight).

Trailer And Tongue Weight

Always load a trailer with 60% to 65% of the weight in
the front of the trailer. This places 10% to 15% of the
Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) on the tow hitch of your
vehicle. Loads balanced over the wheels, or heavier in the
rear, can cause the trailer to sway severely side-to-side
which will cause loss of control of vehicle and trailer.
Failure to load trailers heavier in front is the cause of
many trailer collisions.
Consider the following items when computing the
weight on the front/rear axles of the vehicle:
• The trailer tongue weight of the trailer.
• The weight of any other type of cargo or equipment
put in or on your vehicle.
• The weight of the driver and all passengers.
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