Owner`s manual
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 to the limit for cold tires. You’ll find
these numbers
on
the Certification label on
the
driver’s door lock pillar or
see “Tire Loading”
in
the
Index. Then be sure you don’t go over the
GVW
limit for your vehicle.
Hitches
It’s important to have
the
correct hitch equipment. Crosswinds, large trucks
going by, and rough roads are
a
few reasons why you’ll need the right hitch.
Here are some rules
to
follow:
If you’ll be pulling
a
trailer that, when loaded, will weigh more than
2,000
pounds
(900
kg), be sure
to
use
a
properly mounted,
weight-distributing hitch and sway control of the proper size. This
equipment is very important for proper vehicle loading and good
handling when you’re driving.
0
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.
If your vehicle has
a
deadweight hitch and
a
endgate-mounted spare tire,
and your trailer has
a
winch or tongue jack, you could have interference
between them.
Safety Chains
You should always attach chains between your vehicle and your trailer.
Cross
the
safety chains under the tongue
of
the
trailer
so
that the tongue will
not drop
to
the road if
it
becomes separated from the hitch. Instructions
about safety chains may be provided by the hitch manufacturer
or
by the
trailer manufacturer. Follow
the
manufacturer’s recommendation for
attaching safety chains. Always leave just enough slack
so
you can turn with
your rig. And, never allow safety chains
to
drag
on
the ground.
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