Weight of the Trailer

How heavy can a trailer safely be? It should never weigh more than 454 kg (1,000 lbs). But even that can be too heavy.

It depends on how the rig is used. For example, speed, altitude, road grades, outside temperature, and how much the vehicle is used to pull a trailer are all important. It can depend on any special equipment on the vehicle, and the amount of tongue weight the vehicle can carry. See “Weight of the Trailer Tongue” later in this section for more information.

Maximum trailer weight is calculated assuming only the driver is in the tow vehicle and it has all the required trailering equipment. The weight of additional optional equipment, passengers, and cargo in the tow vehicle must be subtracted from the maximum trailer weight.

Ask your dealer for trailering information or advice, or write us at our Customer Assistance Offices. See Customer Assistance Offices  for more information.

    See also:

    Weight Distributing Hitches and WeightCarrying Hitches
    When using a weight-distributing hitch, the hitch must be adjusted so the distance (A) remains the same both before and after coupling the trailer to the tow vehicle. If you use a step-bumper hi ...

    Front Fog Lamp Light
    For vehicles with front fog lamps, this light comes on when the front fog lamps are in use. The light goes out when the front fog lamps are turned off. See Front Fog Lamps  for more inform ...

    Delayed Exit Lighting
    If it is dark enough outside when you remove the key from the ignition, the interior lamps will turn on and stay on for about 25 seconds. This will give you time to find the door pull handle or ...