1994 Oldsmobile Silhouette Owner's Manual - Page 155

Hifches It's importantto have the correct hitch equipment. Crosswinds,large trucks going by, and rough roads are few a I reasons why you'llneed the right hitch. Here are some rules to follow: If you'll be pulling a trailer that, when loaded, will weighmore than 2,000 I I pounds (900 kg), be sure to use a hitch, the trailer tongue should (A) properly mounted, weight-distributing Weight of the Trailer Tongue weigh 12% of the total loaded trailer hitch and sway control of the proper The tongue load(A) of any trailer is an size. This equipmentis very important weight (B). important weight to measure because it for propervehicle loading and good After you've loaded your trailer, weigh affects the total or gross weight of your handling whenyou're driving. the trailer andthen thetongue, vehicle. The gross vehicle weight separately, to see if the weights are (GVW) includes the curb weight of the Will you have to make any holes in proper. If they aren't,you may be able vehicle, any cargo you may carry in it, the body of your vehicle when you and thepeople who will be riding in the to get them right simply by moving install a trailer hitch?If you do, then some items around in the trailer. vehicle. And if you will tow a trailer, be sure to the holes later when seal you must addthe tongue loadto the you remove the hitch. If you don't Total Weighton Your Vehicle's Tires seal them, deadly carbon monoxide GVW because your vehicle will be Be sure yourvehicle's tires areinflated carrying that weight, too.See Loading (CO) from your exhaust canget into to thelimit for cold tires. You'll find Your Vehicle in theIndex for more your vehicle (see Engine Exhaust in these numbers on theCertification/Tire information aboutyour vehicle's the Index). Dirt and water can, too. label at therear edge of the driver's maximum load capacity. The bumperson your vehicle are not door or see Tire Loadingin the Index. intended for hitches. not attach Do I If you're using a "dead-weight''hitch, Then be sure you don't go overthe 1 the trailer tongue (A) should weigh rental hitches or other bumper-type GVW limit for your vehicle. i 10% of the total loaded trailer weight ' (B). If you have a "weight-distributing" I 153