Safety and Towing Tips
For a step by step guide to towing and towing safety, view our Safety and Towing Tips article.
It is important that your cargo is always secured when towing. All recreation vehicles should be tied down at the front and at the rear.
Refer to your tow vehicle’s owner manual to identify the specifications for towing.
Refer to the trailer coupler. It will indicate the ball diameter needed and the weight rating of the coupler. The weight rating of the hitch ball should be equal to or greater than the GVWR of your trailer.
The GVWR is listed on the trailer’s Manufacturer Statement of Origin as well as the VIN tag.
It is recommended that 7-10% of the total weight (weight of the trailer plus weight of the cargo on the trailer) be on the tongue. For example, if the gross weight of the trailer and cargo is 2,000 lbs, then the tongue weight should not be less than 140 lbs and should not be greater than 200 lbs.
Fishtailing is usually caused by improper tongue weight on the tow vehicle hitch ball. Fishtailing can cause the tow vehicle to lose control and result in serious injury or property damage. You will need to adjust the tongue weight to correct this problem. Make sure the tow vehicle can handle the extra weight.
The hitch ball on your tow vehicle should be 17″-21″ off the ground at the centerline of the ball.
