1996 Chevrolet Cavalier Owner's Manual - Page 198

Weight of the Trailer Tongue The tongue load(A) of any traileris an important weight to measure because it affects the total capacity weight of your vehicle. The capacity weight includes the curb weight of the vehicle, any cargo you may carry in it, and the people who willbe riding in the vehicle. And if you will tow a trailer, you must subtract the tongue load from your vehicle's capacity weight because your vehicle will be carrying that weight, too. "Loading See Your Vehicle''in the Indexfor more information about your vehicle's maximum load capacity. If you're using a weight-carrying 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% the total loaded of trailer weight (B). After you've loaded your trailer, weigh the trailer and then the tongue, separately, see if the weights are to proper. If they aren't, you may be able get them right to simply by moving some items around in the trailer. Total Weight on Your Vehicle's Tires Be sure your vehicle's tires are inflated the to recommended pressure for cold tires. You'll find these numbers on the Certificationlabel at the rearedge of the driver's door see "LoadingYour Vehicle"in the or Index. Thenbe sure you don't go over theGVW limit for your vehicle, including the weight the of trailer tongue. A 4-36