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Weight-Distributing Hitch
A weight-distributing system works by applying lever-
age 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 pro-
vides 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
contributes positively to tow vehicle and trailer stability.
Trailer sway control and a weight distributing (load
equalizing) 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 Rating (GAWR) requirements.
WARNING!
•An improperly adjusted Weight Distributing Hitch
system may reduce handling, stability, braking
performance, and could result in a collision.
• Weight Distributing Systems may not be compat-
ible with Surge Brake Couplers. Consult with your
hitch and trailer manufacturer or a reputable Rec-
reational Vehicle dealer for additional information.
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Trailer Hitch Classification
The following chart provides the industry standard for
the maximum trailer weight a given trailer hitch class cantow and should be used to assist you in selecting the
correct trailer hitch for your intended towing condition.
Trailer Hitch Classification Definitions
Class Max. Trailer Hitch Industry Standards
Class I - Light Duty 2,000 lbs (907 kg)
Class II - Medium Duty 3,500 lbs (1 587 kg)
Class III - Heavy Duty 5,000 lbs (2 267 kg)
Class IV - Extra Heavy Duty 10,000 lbs (4 535 kg)
Refer to the “Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings)” chart for the Maximum Gross Trailer
Weight (GTW) towable for your given drivetrain.
All trailer hitches should be professionally installed on your vehicle.
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Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings)
The following chart provides the maximum trailer weight ratings towable for your given drivetrain.
Engine/
Transmission Trailer Tow
Package GCWR (Gross
Combined
Weight Rating) Frontal AreaMax. GTW
(Gross Trailer Weight) Max. Tongue
Weight
3.6L/Automatic Yes 8,600 lbs
(3 900 kg) 40 sq ft
(3.72 sq m) 3,600 lbs
(1 632 kg)* 360 lbs (163 kg)
No 6,500 lbs
(2 948 kg) 40 sq ft
(3.72 sq m) 1500 lbs
(680 kg)* 149 lbs (67 kg)
* For vehicles equipped with Fold-in-Floor seating, the Gross Trailer Weight must be reduced by 100 lbs (45 kg). Refer to local laws for maximum trailer towing speeds.
NOTE: The trailer tongue weight must be considered as
part of the combined weight of occupants and cargo, and
should never exceed the weight referenced on the Tire
and Loading Information placard. Refer to “Tires” in
“Maintaining And Caring For Your Vehicle” for further
information.
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Vehicle Loading Chart
Follow these steps to determine the total weight the
vehicle can carry.
1. Determine the cargo capacity of your vehicle.•Load Capacity = GVWR – Curb (weight of vehicle
full fluids NO Occupants).
2. Determine occupant count. •For calculation purposes, average weight of an occu-
pant is 150 lb (68 kg). EXAMPLE:
•
GVWR = 6005 lbs (2723 kg)
• CURB = 4500 lbs (2041 kg)
• Load Capacity = GVWR – CURB = 6005 lbs (2723 kg)
- 4500 lbs (2041 kg) = 1505 lbs (682 kg)
4 Occupants (at 150 lbs [68 kg]) + Max Trailer =
• 1505 lbs (682 kg) – 600 lbs (272 kg) (4 x 150 lbs [68 kg])
– 360 lbs (163 kg) (10% of 3600 lbs [1632 kg]) = 545 lbs
(247 kg) of cargo in vehicle
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Number Of Persons / Weight Of OccupantsMax Cargo No
Trailer Tongue Load,
Max Trailer Max Cargo
With Max
Trailer 360 lb
(136 kg) Tongue Load
2 People / 300 lbs (136) kg 1205 lbs (546 kg)1205 lbs
(546 kg) –
360 lbs (136 kg) = 845 lbs(383 kg) 845 lbs (383 kg)
4 people / 600 lbs (272 kg) 955 lbs (433 kg)955 lbs (433 kg)
– 360 lbs
(136 kg) =
545 lbs (247 kg) 545 lbs (247 kg)
7 people / 1050 lbs (476 kg) 455 lbs (206 kg)455 lbs (206 kg)
– 360 lbs
(163 kg) =
95 lbs (43 kg) 95 lbs (43 kg)
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•Make sure loading does not exceed GAWR of front or
rear axles.
• GAWR are found on sticker in Drier Side Door Jam.
Trailer And Tongue Weight
Never exceed the maximum tongue weight stamped on
your bumper or trailer hitch. Consider the following items when computing the
weight on the rear axle of the vehicle:
•
The 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 dealer-installed options must
be considered as part of the total load on your vehicle.
Refer to the “Tire And Loading Information” placard for
the maximum combined weight of occupants and cargo
for your vehicle.
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WARNING!(Continued)
cause a loss of control, poor performance or dam-
age to brakes, axle, engine, transmission, steering,
suspension, chassis structure or tires.
• Safety chains must always be used between your
vehicle and trailer. Always connect the chains to
the hook retainers of the vehicle hitch. Cross the
chains under the trailer tongue and allow enough
slack for turning corners.
• Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a
grade. When parking, apply the parking brake on
the tow vehicle. Put the tow vehicle transmission in
PARK. For four-wheel drive vehicles, make sure
the transfer case is not in NEUTRAL. Always,
block or chockthe trailer wheels.
• GCWR must not be exceeded.
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•Total weight must be distributed between the tow
vehicle and the trailer such that the following four
ratings are not exceeded:
1. GVWR
2. GTW
3. GAWR
4. Tongue weight rating for the trailer hitch uti-
lized.
Towing Requirements — Tires
• Do not attempt to tow a trailer while using a compact
spare tire.
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Tire And Loading Information PlacardThis placard tells you important information about the:
1. Number of people that can be carried in the vehicle.
2. Total weight your vehicle can carry.
3. Tire size designed for your vehicle.
4. Cold tire inflation pressures for the front, rear, and
spare tires.
Loading
The vehicle maximum load on the tire must not exceed
the load carrying capacity of the tire on your vehicle. You
will not exceed the tire’s load carrying capacity if you
adhere to the loading conditions, tire size, and cold tire
inflation pressures specified on the Tire and Loading
Information placard in “Vehicle Loading” in the “Starting
And Operating” section of this manual.
Tire And Loading Information Placard8
MAINTAINING AND CARING FOR YOUR VEHICLE 645