Gross Combination Weight Rating
(GCWR)
The GCWR is the total permissible
weight of your vehicle and trailer
when weighed in combination.
NOTE:
The GCWR rating includes a 68 kg
allowance for the presence of a
driver.
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
The GAWR is the maximum capacity
of the front and rear axles. Distribute
the load over the front and rear axles
evenly. Make sure that you do not
exceed either front or rear GAWR.
Refer to “Vehicle Loading/Vehicle
Certification Label” in “Starting and
Operating” for further information.WARNING!
It is important that you do not ex-
ceed the maximum front or rear
GAWR. A dangerous driving condi-
tion can result if either rating is ex-
ceeded. You could lose control of the
vehicle and have a collision.Tongue Weight (TW)
The tongue weight is the downward
force exerted on the hitch ball by the
trailer. In most cases, it should not be
more than 5% of the trailer load. You
must consider this as part of the load
on your vehicle.
Frontal Area
The frontal area is the maximum
height multiplied by the maximum
width of the front of a trailer.
Trailer Sway Control
The trailer sway control is a telescop-
ing link that can be installed between
the hitch receiver and the trailer
tongue that typically provides adjust-
able friction associated with the tele-
scoping motion to dampen any un-
wanted trailer swaying motions while
traveling.
Weight-Carrying Hitch
A weight-carrying hitch supports the
trailer tongue weight, just as if it were
luggage located at a hitch ball or some
other connecting point of the vehicle.
These kinds of hitches are the most
popular on the market today and they are commonly used to tow small- and
medium-sized trailers.
Weight-Distributing Hitch
A weight-distributing system works
by applying leverage through spring
(load) bars. They are typically used
for heavier loads to distribute trailer
tongue weight to the tow
vehicle's
front axle and the trailer axle(s).
When used in accordance with the
manufacturer's directions, it provides
for a more level ride, offering more
consistent steering and brake control
thereby enhancing towing safety. The
addition of a friction / hydraulic sway
control also dampens sway caused by
traffic and crosswinds and contrib-
utes positively to tow vehicle and
trailer stability. Trailer sway control
and a weight distributing (load equal-
izing) hitch are recommended for
heavier Tongue Weights (TW) and
may be required depending on vehicle
and trailer configuration / loading to
comply with Gross Axle Weight Rat-
ing (GAWR) requirements.
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Proper tire inflation pressures areessential to the safe and satisfac-
tory operation of your vehicle. Re-
fer to “Tires – General Informa-
tion” in “Starting and Operating”
for information on tire pressures
and for proper tire inflation proce-
dures.
Check the trailer tires for proper tire inflation pressures before
trailer usage.
Check for signs of tire wear or vis-
ible tire damage before towing a
trailer. Refer to “Tires – General
Information” in “Starting and Op-
erating” for information on tread
wear indicators and for the proper
inspection procedure.
When replacing tires, refer to “Tires – General Information” in
“Starting and Operating” for infor -
mation on replacement tires and
for the proper tire replacement pro-
cedures. Replacing tires with a
higher load carrying capacity will
not increase the vehicle's GVWR
and GAWR limits. Towing Requirements – Trailer
Brakes
Do
notinterconnect the hydraulic
brake system or vacuum system of
your vehicle with that of the trailer.
This could cause inadequate brak-
ing and possible personal injury.
An electronically actuated trailer brake controller is required when
towing a trailer with electronically
actuated brakes. When towing a
trailer equipped with a hydraulic
surge actuated brake system, an
electronic brake controller is not
required.
Trailer brakes are recommended for trailers over 454 kg and r e-
quired for trailers in excess of
907 kg.
CAUTION!
If the trailer weighs more than
454 kg loaded, it should have its
own brakes, and they should be of
adequate capacity. Failure to do this
could lead to accelerated brake lin-
ing wear, higher brake pedal effort,
and longer stopping distances.
WARNING!
Do not connect trailer brakes to your vehicle's hydraulic brake
lines. It can overload your brake
system and cause it to fail. You
might not have brakes when you
need them and could have an col-
lision.
Towing any trailer will increase
your stopping distance. When
towing, you should allow for ad-
ditional space between your ve-
hicle and the vehicle in front of
you. Failure to do so could result
in a collision.
Towing Requirements – Trailer
Lights And Wiring
Whenever you pull a trailer, regard-
less of the trailer size, stoplights and
turn signals on the trailer are required
for motoring safety.
The Trailer Tow Package may include
a 7-pin or a 13-pin wiring harness.
Use a factory approved trailer harness
and connector.
NOTE:
Do not cut or splice wiring into the
vehicles wiring harness. 233
