2004 Dodge Dakota Owner's Manual - Page 197

STARTING AND OPERATING 197 Wheel style trailer, this range of loading on the King Pin should be between 15% and 25%.) Loads balanced over the wheels or biased toward heavier in the rear can cause the trailer to sway severely side to side which will cause loss of control of vehicle and trailer. Failure to load trailers heavier in front is the cause of many trailer accidents. • Do not interconnect the hydraulic brake system of your vehicle with that of the trailer. This could cause inadequate braking and possible personal injury. • Trailer brakes are recommended for trailers over 1,000 lbs. (454 kg) and required for trailers in excess of 2,000 lbs. (907 kg). • Use an approved trailer harness and connector. If a hitch is ordered, the proper wiring will be provided. • When hauling cargo or towing a trailer, do not overload your vehicle or trailer. Overloading can cause a loss of control, poor performance or damage to brakes, axle, engine, transmission, steering, suspension, chassis structure or tires. • Make certain that the load is secured in the trailer and will not shift during travel. When trailering cargo that cannot be fully secured, dynamic load shifts can occur that may be difficult for the driver to control. • All trailer hitches should be professionally installed on your vehicle. • Safety chains must always be used between your vehicle and trailer. • Connect trailer lighting and brakes using factory harnesses only. Do not cut or splice any wiring to the brake circuits. Trailer and Tongue Weight Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) means the weight of the trailer plus the weight of all cargo and equipment loaded on the trailer when in actual underway towing condition. The recommended way to measure GTW is to put your fully loaded trailer on a vehicle scale. The entire weight of the trailer must be supported by the scale. Tongue Weight is the weight placed on the vehicle's trailer hitch by the trailer. Always load a trailer with 60% 5