1998 Buick Regal Owner's Manual - Page 220

Weight of the Trailer Tongue The tongue load (A) of any trailer is an important weight to measure because it affects the total or gross weight of your vehicle. The Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) includes the curb weight of the vehicle, any cargo you may carry in it, and the peoplewho will be riding in the vehicle. And if youtow a trailer, you must add the tongue load to the GVW 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 using a weight-carrying hitch, the trailer tongue (A) should weigh 10 percent of the total loaded trailer weight (B). If you have a weight-distributing hitch, thetrailer tongue (A) should weigh 12 percent of the total loaded 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 to get them right simply by moving some items around in the trailer. Total Weight on Your Vehicle'sTires Be sure your vehicle's tires are inflated to upper the limit for cold tires. You'll find thesenumbers on the Tire-Loading Information label (found inside the trunk lid) or see "Loading Your Vehicle" in the Index. Then be sure you don't go over the GVW limit foryour vehicle, including the weight of the trailer tongue. A B 4-36