254 Driving and Operatingdistributing hitch, make sure not toexceed the RGAWR before applyingthe weight distribution spring bars.Weight of the TraileringCombinationIt is important that the combinationof the tow vehicle and trailer doesnot exceed any of its weight ratings— GCWR, GVWR, RGAWR, TrailerWeight Rating or Tongue Weight.The only way to be sure it is notexceeding any of these ratings is toweigh the tow vehicle and trailercombination, fully loaded for the trip,getting individual weights for each ofthese items.Towing EquipmentHitchesThe correct hitch equipment helpsmaintain combination control. Mostsmall-to-medium trailers can betowed with a weight-carrying hitchwhich simply features a couplerlatched to the hitch ball. Largertrailers may require aweight-distributing hitch that usesspring bars to distribute the trailertongue weight among the twovehicle and trailer axles. See“Weight of the Trailer Tongue” inTrailer Towing 0 251 for rating limitswith various hitch types.Consider using sway controls withany trailer. Ask a traileringprofessional about sway controls orrefer to the trailer manufacturer'srecommendations and instructions.Weight-Distributing HitchAdjustment1. Front of Vehicle2. Body to Ground DistanceWhen using a weight-distributinghitch, the spring bars should beadjusted so the distance (2) is thesame after coupling the trailer to thetow vehicle and adjusting the hitch.Safety ChainsAlways attach chains between thevehicle and the trailer. Cross thesafety chains under the tongue ofthe trailer to help prevent the tonguefrom contacting the road if itbecomes separated from the hitch.Instructions about safety chainsmay be provided by the hitchmanufacturer or by the trailermanufacturer. If the trailer beingtowed weighs up to 2 271 kg(5,000 lb) with a factory-installedstep bumper, safety chains may beattached to the attaching points onthe bumper, otherwise, safetychains should be attached to holeson the trailer hitch platform. Alwaysleave just enough slack so thecombination can turn. Never allowsafety chains to drag on the ground.
