All vehicles are manufactured with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) to designate the maximum amount of weight the vehicle is allowed to carry. To calculate correct tire pressures, as well as help to insure a long life and safe operation of the trailer, always maintain proper weight ratings for the travel trailer and tow vehicle.

The tow vehicle should be rated to pull the trailer fully loaded. Attempting to tow a trailer with the incorrectly sized vehicle will generate excess heat in the engine and risk damage to the automatic transmission of the tow vehicle. If it is necessary to acquire a larger tow vehicle for the trailer, carefully read the vehicle operations manual for towing recommendations and restrictions.

Options and accessories add weight to vehicles. You can determine added weight of options by contacting suppliers direct for specifications of each item.

Weigh the trailer with full water and propane, as well as all cargo. Scales large enough to accommodate travel trailers and tow vehicles are generally available at many truck centers and may charge a modest fee. For ease of weighing, utilize a segmented scale designed for separate axle weights to minimize vehicle positioning.

It may be helpful to have an assistant stand outside the vehicle to help guide you onto the scales. Pull forward until the trailer is centered on the scale, and unhitch the trailer before weighing. Remove the tow vehicle and weigh the trailer. If the total weight of the trailer exceeds the GVWR, it will be necessary to remove enough cargo to bring the vehicle into the designated weight range. If individual axle scales are available, weigh each wheel position to confirm even weight distribution of fluids and cargo.

Next, attach the travel trailer to the tow vehicle and reposition the vehicle to obtain a hitch weight. Receivers and tow balls are weight rated to protect the tow vehicle. Excess weight on the hitch will affect handling, produce sway and accelerate tire wear.

Consult the tire manufacturer’s pressure inflation chart for the recommended tire pressure based on trailer weight. Inspect tire pressures daily when tires are cool, and add air as needed. Remember to maintain the travel trailer spare tire with proper air pressure, and replace a spare tire as necessary, to assure a working spare is available should the trailer experience a flat tire situation.