Operating Guide

34
The numbers quoted are for example purposes only
and should be tailored to the specic trailer.
For questions regarding the actual percent of tongue
weight for the trailer, check with the manufacturer
for specics.
^ WARNING
Improper tongue weight (load distribution)
can result in loss of control of the trailer,
leading to death or serious injury.
Make certain that tongue weight is within
the allowable range.
Be sure to:
• Distribute the load evenly, right and left.
• Keep the center of gravity low.
• Distribute the load front-to-rear to provide
proper tongue weight (see chart).
4.5.1 checkIng tongue weIght
To check the tongue weight, the tow vehicle and trailer
must be on level ground, as they will be when the trailer
is being towed.
Take the trailer to a truck stop or grain elevator where
there is a “certied” scale. Place the tow vehicle only
onto the scale and get the weight. This weight must be
less than your tow vehicle’s GVWR.
Pull the trailer onto the scale and uncouple it from the
tow vehicle, leaving just the trailer on the scale. Get a
ticket which lists the total trailer weight. Re-connect the
trailer to your tow vehicle and the drive the tow vehicle
wheels off the scale, just leaving the trailer axles on
the scale. Get a “ticket”, which lists the trailer’s axle
weight. Simply subtract the axle weight from the total
weight to determine the hitch weight.
While you are at the scale, you should weigh the entire
combination vehicle. This result should be less than
the Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) for your
towing vehicle. Some scales allow you to get individual
axle weights also. If this is possible, get the tow vehicles
front and rear axle weights to make sure they are in the
same proportion as the tow vehicle alone, and that the
rear axle is not overloaded.
4.6 adjuSt hItch heIght (If equIpped)
The height of the hitch on the trailer must be adjusted
so that the trailer, when loaded to rated capacity, is
level while connected to the tow vehicle. A level trailer
allows equal weight distribution on the axles.
Your dealer or a trailer service center can perform this
adjustment or you can use the following steps to adjust
the hitch height yourself.
If the trailer is not equipped with an adjustable hitch,
an offset ball mount may be available from your hitch
manufacturer.
^ WARNING
Improper hitch height adjustment can
result in overloaded tires, blowout and
loss of control, leading to death or serious
injury.
Adjust the hitch height so that the loaded
trailer is level.
1. Connect trailer to tow vehicle and load the trailer to
rated capacity See Loading And Unloading.
2. Park the tow vehicle and trailer on a rm level
surface.
3. Stand away from the trailer and visually verify if the
trailer is level front-to-rear. If the front of the trailer
is higher than the rear, the hitch must be raised.
If the front of the trailer is lower than the rear, the
hitch must be lowered.
4. Uncouple trailer from tow vehicle. See Coupling
And Uncoupling.
5. Remove the lock nuts and bolts (1) on hitch. Discard
lock nuts. Inspect bolts for damage and replace if
necessary. Contact your dealer for the correct size
and grade of bolts.
^ WARNING
Used lock nuts are prone to loosen,
resulting in the hitch separating from the
trailer, which can lead to death or serious
injury.
NEVER re-use a lock nut.
Use new lock nuts each time the hitch
height is adjusted.
Contact your dealer for the proper grade
and size of lock nut.
Coupling To Tow Vehicle