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. Never exceed the maximum tongue weight stamped on your trailer hitch.
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.
NOTE: Remember that everything put into or on the trailer adds to the load on your vehicle. Also, additional factory-installed options, or authorized dealer-installed options, must be considered as part of the total load on your vehicle. Refer to “Tire Safety Information/Tire and Loading Information Placard” in “Starting and Operating” for further information.
See also:
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle
If the vehicle becomes stuck in snow, sand or mud, it can
often be moved by a rocking motion. Move the shift lever
rhythmically between DRIVE and REVERSE while applying
slight pressure to the ac ...
Emergency Tow Hooks — If Equipped
If your vehicle is equipped with tow hooks, they are mounted in the front and
the rear.
NOTE: For off-road recovery, it is recommended to use both of the front tow
hooks to minimize the risk of d ...
Retractable Cargo Area Cover — If Equipped
NOTE: The purpose of this cover is for privacy, not to
secure loads. It will not prevent cargo from shifting or
protect passengers from loose cargo.
To cover the cargo area:
1. Grasp the cover ...