1996 Pontiac Firebird Owner's Manual - Page 195

Weight of the Trailer T0ngu.e The tongue load (A) of any trailer is animportant 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 will be riding in the vehcle. And if you will towa trailer, you must subtract the tongue load from your vehicle's capacity weight because your vehicle will be carrying that weight, too. See "Loading Your Vehicle" in the Index for more information about your vehicle's maximum load capacity. - If you're usinga weight-carrying hitch, the trailer of tongue (A) should weigh 10%. the total loaded trailer weight (B). If you have a weight-distributing hitch, the trailer tongue (A)-should weigh 12% of the totalloaded trailer weight (B). After you've loaded your trailer, weigh the trailer and then the tongue, separately, to see if the weights are proper. If they aren't, you may be able toget them right simply by moving some items around in thetrailer. Total Weighton Your Vehicle's,Tires Be sureyour vehicle's tires are inflated'tothe recommended pressure for coldtires. You'll find these numbers on the Certification label at the rear edge of the driver's door 'orsee "Loading Your Vehicle" in the Index. Then be sure you don't go over the GVW limit for your vehicle, including the weight of the trailer tongue. A B