2005 Pontiac Grand Am Owner's Manual - Page 204
2005 Pontiac Grand Am Manual
Page 204 highlights
You can ask your dealer for our trailering information or advice, or you can write us at: Pontiac-GMC Customer Assistance P.O. Box 33172 Detroit, MI 48232-5172 In Canada, write to: General Motors of Canada Limited Customer Communication Centre, 163-005 1908 Colonel Sam Drive Oshawa, Ontario L1H 8P7 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 people who will be riding in the vehicle. If you have a lot of options, equipment, passengers or cargo in your vehicle, it will reduce the tongue weight your vehicle can carry, which will also reduce the trailer weight your vehicle can tow. And if you tow a trailer, you must add the tongue load to the GVW because your vehicle will be carrying that weight, too. See Loading Your Vehicle on page 4-30 for more information about your vehicle's maximum load capacity. If you are using a weight-carrying hitch, the trailer tongue (A) should weigh 10-15 percent of the total loaded trailer weight (B). After you have loaded your trailer, weigh the trailer and then the tongue, separately, to see if the weights are proper. If they are not, you may be able to get them right simply by moving some items around in the trailer. Total Weight on Your Vehicle's Tires Be sure your vehicle's tires are inflated to the upper limit for cold tires. You will find these numbers on the Tire-Loading Information label at the rear edge of the driver's door or see Loading Your Vehicle on page 4-30. Then be sure you do not go over the GVW limit for your vehicle, including the weight of the trailer tongue. 4-40