If your trailer’s holding tank(s) are located behind the axles, the weight of the full tank(s)
will reduce the hitch weight. Trailer sway and other handling difficulties can be the result
of the hitch weight being too light.
If you are dry camping and cannot immediately empty the tank(s), use caution when
towing. Maintain lower speeds for better control of the trailer until you reach the nearest
dumping station.
WEIGHING INSTRUCTIONS
To properly weigh your recreation vehicle, it should first be weighed, including the tongue
weight, while detached from the tow vehicle. This actual overall weight must be less than
or equal to the GVWR for safe operation. If the overall weight is greater than the GVWR,
some contents must be removed until maximum GVWR limitations are achieved. Once the
actual overall weight is determined and the recreation vehicle is within GVWR limits, the
following weights should be determined:
1. The weight of complete recreation vehicle, while attached, but excluding the tow
vehicle. This will result in the actual weight which is exerted on all of the recreation
vehicle tires. This weight may be subtracted from the overall recreation vehicle
weight (above) to determine actual "tongue" weight.
2. With the recreation vehicle still attached to the tow vehicle, each wheel position
should then be weighed separately to be sure each tire is not overloaded.
TO DETERMINE THE WHEEL POSITION WEIGHT:
=
Pull the recreation vehicle onto the scale so that only one tire is on the scale. Record
the weight. Your trailer must remain as level as possible on the scale (even though
an axle or side is not physically on the scale). Obviously, to obtain the side-to-side
weights, there must be enough space on either side of the scale to accommodate the
recreation vehicle being partially off the scale.
=
To calculate the opposite side of the vehicle wheel position weight, subtract the first
side's weight from the weight determined in step #1.
If there is a difference in the weights on one side of the vehicle as compared to weights on
the other side, components (tires, wheels, brakes, springs, etc.) on the heavier side could be
overloaded, even though the total axle load is within the GVWR. It is important to
redistribute the load to avoid component failure, as well as to improve the handling
characteristics of the vehicle.
EQUIPMENT
The compatibility of your tow vehicle to the load you are towing is of utmost priority for
safety during your travel. There are many resources available to become educated about
tow vehicles and what you will need. Make sure that you understand what it will take to tow
your trailer, and that your tow vehicle matches those needs. If you are unsure of your
particular needs, consult with your independent, authorized dealer or hitch professionals
for assistance.
The following sections are designed as review topics that you need to understand for a safe
and enjoyable traveling experience. They are not intended as a replacement for consulting
your independent, authorized dealer and hitch professionals.
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Talon Sport Utility Trailer and Fifth-Wheel Sport Utility Trailer
Before You Travel...
