2001 Cadillac Catera Owners Manual - Files

Weight of the Trailer TongueThe tongue load (A) of any trailer is an importantweight to measure because it affects the total or grossweight of your vehicle. The Gross Vehicle Weight(GVW) includes the curb weight of the vehicle, anycargo you may carry in it, and the people who will beriding in the vehicle. And if you tow a trailer, you mustadd the tongue load to the GVW because your vehiclewill be carrying that weight, too. See “Loading YourVehicle” in the Index for more information about yourvehicle’s maximum load capacity.If you’re using a weight-carrying hitch, the trailertongue (A) should weigh 10 percent of the total loadedtrailer weight (B). If you have a weight-distributinghitch, the trailer tongue (A) should weigh 12 percent ofthe total loaded trailer weight (B).After you’ve loaded your trailer, weigh the trailer andthen the tongue, separately, to see if the weights areproper. If they aren’t, you may be able to get them rightsimply by moving some items around in the trailer.Total Weight on Your Vehicle’s TiresBe sure your vehicle’s tires are inflated to the upper limitfor cold tires. You’ll find these numbers on theTire-Loading Information label at the rear edge of thedriver’s door or see “Loading Your Vehicle” in the Index.Then be sure you don’t go over the GVW limit for yourvehicle, including the weight of the trailer tongue.4-34