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Towing a Trailer
Estimating Loads
The best way to confirm that all
loads are within limits is to check
them at a public scale.
To help ensure a safe drive to a scale,
or if you cannot get to a public scale
to check the weights of your rig, we
recommended that you estimate
your total trailer weight and tongue
load as described below.
Total Trailer Weight
To estimate your total trailer weight,
add the weight of the trailer (as
quoted by the trailer manufacturer)
together with everything in or on the
trailer. Then refer to the tables on
page
249
to confirm that you do not
exceed the limit for your conditions.
250
Driving
Tongue Load
To estimate tongue load:
1.
Park the vehicle on level ground.
2.
Measure from the ground to the
bottom of the trailer hitch. Write
this number down.
3.
Connect the fully loaded trailer to
the hitch.
4.
Measure again from the ground to
the same spot on the bottom of the
hitch.
5.
Subtract the result from Step 4
from the result in Step 2 and refer
to the chart (Fig. 1).
Fig. 1
If the difference is:
1 = 150 lbs (68 kg)
''
1¾ = 250 lbs (114 kg)
''
2½ = 350 lbs (160 kg)
''
3 = 450 lbs (204 kg)
''
3¼ = over 450 lbs (205 kg)
''
If the difference is more than
3¼ , you have too much tongue
''
load at the rear. Move or
remove cargo from the trailer
and the vehicle, and measure
again.
If the estimated total trailer weight
and tongue load do not exceed the
limits for your towing situation (see
page
249
), carefully drive your
trailer to a public scale. Be sure your
vehicle and trailer are fully loaded,
with all occupants and cargo you
plan to take on the road.
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