1996 Buick Century Owner's Manual

Weight of the Trailer TongueThe tongue load (A) of any trailer is an importantweight to measure because it affects the total capacityweight of your vehicle. The capacity weight includes thecurb weight of the vehicle, any cargo you may carry init, and the people who will be riding in the vehicle. Andif you will tow a trailer, you must subtract the tongueload from your vehicle’s capacity weight because yourvehicle will be carrying that weight, too. See “LoadingYour Vehicle” in the Index for more information aboutyour vehicle’s maximum load capacity.If you’re using a weight-carrying hitch, the trailertongue (A) should weigh 10% of the total loaded trailerweight (€3). If you have a weight-distributing hitch, thetrailer tongue (A) should weigh 12% of the total loadedtrailer 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 therecommended pressure for cold tires. You’ll find thesenumbers on the Certification label at the rear edge ofthe driver’s door or see “Loading Your Vehicle” inthe Index. Then be sure you don’t go over the GVWlimit for your vehicle, including the weight of thetrailer tongue.A4-32