Tongue Weight

Trailer tongue weight is an important value to measure, because it affects the Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW). This weight includes the curb weight of the vehicle, any cargo you may carry in it, and the people who will ride in the vehicle. When you tow a trailer, you must add the tongue weight to the GVW, because your vehicle will also carry this weight.

Trailer tongue weight should be no more than 10% of the total loaded trailer weight, within the maximum allowable trailer tongue weight. After you have loaded the trailer, weigh the trailer, then the tongue weight separately, to check whether the weights are correct. If not, you can correct them by moving some items within the trailer.

WARNING! Trailer

• Never load a trailer so that it is heavier at the rear than at the front. The front should carry approximately 60% of the total trailer load; the rear should carry approximately 40% of the total trailer load.
• Never exceed the maximum trailer weight or the towing equipment capacity. Improper loading may damage your vehicle and/or personal belongings. Check weight and loading at a commercial scale or at a police station equipped with scales.
• An improperly loaded trailer can cause loss of vehicle control.

✽ NOTICE

Engine power decreases as altitude increases. From 1000 m above sea level and every 1000 m thereafter, 10% of the vehicle/trailer weight (trailer tongue weight + gross vehicle weight) must be subtracted.