1997 Cadillac DeVille Owner's Manual - Page 236

Weight of the Trailer Tongue The tongue load (A) of any trailer is 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, anycargo you may carry in it, and the people who willbe riding in the vehicle. And if you will towa trailer, you must subtract thetongue load from your vehicle's capacity weight because your vehicle will be carrying that weight, too. "Loading See Your Vehicle" inthe 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, the trailertongue (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 the weights are if proper. If they aren't, youmay be able to get them right simply by moving some items around the trailer. in Total Weight on Your Vehicle's Tires Be sure your vehicle's tires inflated to the are upper limit for cold tires. You'll find these numbers on the Tire-Loading Information label at the rear of the edge driver's door or see "Loading Your Vehicle" in the Index. Then be sure you don't over theGVW go limit for your vehicle, including the weight the of trailer tongue. A B 4-35