2005 Dodge Dakota Owner Manual - Page 259

STARTING AND OPERATING 259 Tongue Weight is the weight placed on the vehicle's trailer hitch by the trailer. Always load a trailer with 60% to 65% of the weight in the front of the trailer. This places 10% to 15% of the GTW on the tow hitch of your vehicle. Also, there are maximum tongue weight ratings that are not to be exceeded, as follows: • Class IV (the receiver hitch type) 1100 lbs (500 kg) Gross Combined Vehicle Weight Rating (GCWR) The Gross Combined Vehicle Weight Rating (GCWR) is the MAXIMUM allowable weight of the towing vehicle, including passengers and cargo, and the weight of the loaded trailer. Calculate the maximum trailer weight (MTW) by subtracting the towing vehicle's weight, including passengers, and cargo from GCWR. Trailer Towing-Hitches: With a Class IV Hitch, you can tow a trailer with a Gross Trailer Weight of up to 7, 000 lbs. (3175 kg.) depending on your vehicle equipment. The Trailer Tow Package includes the platform hitch receiver, and a 7 lead wiring harness mounted on the hitch. Tongue weight must be equal to at least 10% of GTW, but no more that 15% of GTW. 5 Trailer sway control and equalizing hitch are required for tongue weights above 350 lbs. (159 kg).