2005 Dodge Durango Owner's Manual - Page 274

274 STARTING AND OPERATING • 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 maximum allowable 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% 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. Trailer sway control and equalizing hitch are required for tongue weights above 350 lbs. (159 kg). Also, there are maximum tongue weight ratings that are not to be exceeded, as follows: • Class IV (the receiver hitch type) 1200 lbs (544 kg)