KIA Magentis 2008 - Manual (Page 216)

Driving tips
14 5
Weight of the trailer tongue
The tongue load of any trailer is an
important weight to measure because it
affects the total gross vehicle weight
(GVW) of your vehicle since that is the
trailer weight pushing down on the hitch
on your vehicle. The rest of the trailer
weight is sitting on the trailer’s wheels.
The trailer tongue should weigh a maxi-
mum of 10% of the total loaded trailer
weight. After you've loaded the trailer, go
to a Weigh Station and weigh the trailer
and then the tongue, separately, to see if
the weights are proper. If they aren’t, you
may be able to correct them simply by
moving some items around in the trailer.
WARNING - Trailer balance
• Never load a trailer with more
weight in the rear than in the
front. The front should be loaded
with approximately 60% of the
total trailer load; the rear should
be loaded with approximately
40% of the total trailer load.
• Never exceed the maximum
weight limits of the trailer or trail-
er towing equipment. Improper
loading can result in excessive
personal injury. Check weights
and loading at a commercial
scale or highway patrol office
equipped with scales.
• An improperly loaded trailer can
cause loss of vehicle control.
WARNING - Vehicle weight
The gross axle weight rating
(GAWR) and the gross vehicle
weight rating (GVWR) for your vehi-
cle are on the manufacturer's label
attached to the driver's door.
Exceeding these ratings can cause
an accident or vehicle damage. You
can calculate the weight of your
load by weighing the items (and
people) before putting them in the
vehicle. Be careful not to overload
your vehicle.
OVERLOADING