34
The numbers quoted are for example purposes only
and should be tailored to the specifi c trailer.
For questions regarding the actual percent of tongue
weight for the trailer, check with the manufacturer
for specifi 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 “certifi 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 fi 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.
Coupling To Tow Vehicle
Summary of Contents for Utility Trailer
Page 14: ...14 Safety ...
Page 52: ...52 ...
