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302 DRIVING AND OPERATING
Safe trailering requires monitoring the weight, speed, altitude, road grades,
outside temperature, the dimensions of the front of the trailer, and how
frequently the vehicle is used to pull a trailer. Take into consideration any
special equipment on the vehicle, and the amount of tongue weight the
vehicle can carry. See “Weight of the Trailer Tongue” later in this section
for more information.
Trailer weight rating (TWR) is
calculated assuming the tow vehicle
has the driver, a front seat passenger, and all required trailering equipment.
Weight of additional optional
equipment, passengers, and cargo in the tow vehicle must be subtracted
from the trailer weight rating.
Ask your dealer for trailering
information or advice, or write us at our Customer Assistance Offices. See Customer Assistance Offices 0 419.
Weight of the Trailer Tongue
The tongue weight load (1) of any
trailer is very important because it is also part of the vehicle weight. The
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) includes
the curb weight of the vehicle, any
cargo carried in it, and the people who will be riding in the vehicle, as well as trailer tongue weight. Vehicle options, equipment, passengers, and cargo in
the vehicle reduce the amount of
tongue weight the vehicle can carry, which will also reduce the trailer
weight the vehicle can tow. See Vehicle Load Limits 0 211.
In general, trailer tongue weight (1) should be 10% of the loaded trailer
weight (2). Some specific trailer types, such as boat trailers, fall outside of
this range. Refer to the trailer owner’s
manual for the recommended trailer
tongue weight. In all cases, do not exceed the maximum loads for the vehicle series and hitch type.
After loading the trailer, weigh the trailer and then the tongue,
separately, to see if the weights are proper. If they are not, adjustments
might be made by moving some items around in the trailer.
Total Weight on Your Vehicle's Tires
Be sure the vehicle's tires are inflated to the upper limit for cold tires. These
numbers can be found on the Tire and Loading Information label. See Vehicle Load Limits 0 211. Make sure not to go over the GVW limit for the vehicle,
including the weight of the trailer tongue.
Towing Equipment
Hitches
Use the correct hitch equipment. See your dealer or a hitch dealer for
assistance.
