Hyundai Tucson: If You Decide to Pull a Trailer / Tongue load

The tongue load is extremely important when setting up your trailer for towing with your vehicle. Excessive tongue load reduces front tire traction and steering control. For example, too little tongue load can make the trailer unstable, causing the trailer to sway because the weight of the trailer is shifted to the rear.

The tongue load measured at the hitch when fully loaded should be within 10- 15% of the total weight of the trailer.

Be sure to check the load of your vehicle and trailer before driving. Check if the total load is within limits at a public scale. In addition, measure the tongue load with an appropriate scale or tongue gauge.

If a public scale is not available, estimate the weight of your cargo load and add the value to the weight of your trailer (as specified by the trailer manufacturer). Refer to the trailer's manual for additional information.

Never exceed the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) for your vehicle.

How to Weigh the Trailer Loads at a Public Scale

Fully load the vehicle and trailer before going to the public scale. You and passengers should remain in the vehicle when performing the measurement.

1. Measure the front gross axle weight.
2. Measure the gross vehicle weight.
3. Measure the rear gross axle weight.
4. Measure the gross combined weight (vehicle and trailer).
5. Measure the hitched trailer weight.
6. Measure the unhitched trailer weight.

To calculate the tongue load, subtract (5) from (6).

After you have loaded your trailer, weigh the trailer and then the tongue separately, to see if the weights are proper. If not, you can correct them simply by moving some items around in the trailer.

WARNING

To prevent serious injury or death:

• Never load a trailer with more weight in the rear than in the front. The front must be loaded with approximately 60% of the total trailer load. The rear must be loaded with approximately 40% of the total trailer load.
• Never exceed the maximum weight limits of the trailer or trailer towing equipment. Check weights and loading at a commercial scale or highway patrol office equipped with scales.