1995 Chevrolet S10 Pickup Owner's Manual - Page 178

A B If you're using a "dead-weight" hitch, the trailer tongue (A) should weigh 10% of the total loaded trailer weight (B). If you have a "weight-distributing" hitch, the trailer tongue (A) should weigh 12% of the total loaded trailer weight (B). After you've loaded your trailer, weigh the trailer and then the tongue, separately, to seeif the weights are proper. If they aren't, you may be ableto get them right simply by moving some items around the trailer. in Total Weight on Your Vehicle's Tires Be sureyour vehicle's tires are inflated to the limit for coldtires. You'll find these numberson the Certification label on the driver's door lockpillar or see "Tire Loading" in the Index. Then be sure don't go over the you GVW limit for your vehicle, including theweight of the trailer tongue. Hitches It's important to have thecorrect hitch equipment. Crosswinds, large trucks few reasons why you'll need the right hitch. going by, and rough roads are a Here are some rules to follow: If you use a step bumper hitch, and your trailer tongue has a V-shaped foot, yourbumper could be damaged in sharp turns. Check thedistance from the front edge the footto the middleof the hitch ball socket. If of the distance is less than 12 inches, take the foot off the trailer tongue. If you'll be pulling atrailer that, when loaded, will weigh more than 2,000 pounds (900 kg), be sure to use a properly mounted, weight-distributing hitchand sway control of the propersize. This equipment is very important for proper vehicle loading good and handling when you're driving. If your vehicle has the bumper delete option, do not bolt any type of hitch to the close-out panel. The close-out panel will not support a hitch. 4-45