Stones RV & Home Center est. 1975

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1. Fill the vehicle with fuel.

2. Weigh the front axle and rear axle of the vehicle separately.

3. To determine carrying capacity of the front axle, subtract the actual weight on the front axle from the GAWR of the front axle as specified on the decal.

4. To determine carrying capacity of the rear axle, subtract the actual weight on the rear axle from the GAWR of the rear axle as specified on the decal. If the trailer hitch is not installed on the truck, add the weight of the hitch to the rear axle weight before calculation.

Example: GVWR 2,900 kg (6,394 lbs.)

Front

Specified GAWR 1,000 kg (2,205 lbs.)

Actual Weight - 700 kg (1,544 lbs.)

Usable Weight 300 kg (662 lbs.)

Rear

Specified GAWR 2,000 kg (4,410 lbs.)

Actual Weight - 300 kg (662 lbs.)

Usable Weight 1,700 kg (3,748 lbs.)

GVWR 2,900 kg (6,394 lbs.)

Actual Weight - 1000 kg (2,205 lbs.)

Tow vehicle load carrying capacity 1,900 kg (4,189 lbs.)

This means that a total weight of 1,900 kg (4,189) can be loaded into the truck or transferred from the trailer onto the truck provided the weight that is loaded or transferred does not exceed 300 kg (662 lbs.) to the front axle or 1,700 kg (3,748 lbs.) to the rear axle. This ensures the weight remains within the towing vehicle's GVWR.

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 There are a few things to consider.

For all but the very lightest of trailers, the hitch should be attached to the frame of the towing vehicle rather than the bumper.

The hitch must be rated for the GVWR or total weight of the trailer. The hitch must be attached securely to the towing vehicle. A truck bed liner cannot be installed between the hitch and the towing vehicle. Truck box and hitch contact areas must be free of compressible material.

For loaded trailers over 1,590 kg (3,500 lbs.), use a load equalizing hitch. This helps prevent the rear axle from becoming overloaded.

Goose neck and fifth wheel hitches allow better handling and should be used for larger trailers. When using a fifth wheel or goose neck hitch, or a ball hitch with a weight distribution attachment, the loaded trailer must not weigh more than twice the GVW of the towing vehicle. When using a ball hitch without a weight distribution attachment, the loaded trailer must not weigh more than the towing vehicle.

For ball-type hitches, the ball diameter should be:

Weight of trailer and load Ball diameter

a) up to 900 kg (2,000 lbs.) 47 mm (1 7/8 in.)

b) up to 2,270 kg (5,000 lbs.) 51.2 mm (2 in.)

c) up to 4,540 kg (10,000 lbs.) 58 mm (2 5/16 in.)

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For tow vehicle ratings visit www.trailerlife.com (see tow ratings)

Important information regarding hitch weight:

All vehicles have the manufacturer’s weight ratings for axle capacity posted on the vehicle. It is important not to exceed this rating when towing a fifth wheel or travel trailer. To determine the hitch weight that your vehicle can handle you must: A. Weigh the rear axle of your vehicle at a scale (with a full tank of fuel). B. Subtract that weight from the gross axle weight rating (GAWR) posted on your vehicle. The balance is the allowable amount of hitch weight (including passengers and cargo) your vehicle can handle.

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 If your trailer is rated over 1,360 kg (3,000 lbs.) it must have brakes on at least one axle if manufactured before 1985, and brakes on all axles if manufactured during or after 1985.

Some jurisdictions require brakes on trailers with a lower GVWR or all trailers regardless of weight. If you have a planned route, that jurisdiction should be contacted for brake information.

A motor home towing a motor vehicle must have operational brakes on the towed vehicle if the towed vehicle exceeds 40 per cent of the GVWR of the motor home with the towed motor vehicle weight not to exceed a maximum of 2,000 kg (4,409 lbs.).

Tongue or surge brakes may be used on trailers with electric brakes if the GVWR is 2,800 kg (6,160 lbs.) or less, and on trailers with non-electric brakes if the GVWR is 3,700 kg (8,140 lbs.) or less. For heavier loads, all trailer brakes must be controlled by the brake pedal of the towing vehicle.

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Electric brakes are not permitted on trailers manufactured after June 30, 1987, if:

the trailer has a single axle and the total weight of the trailer is more than 3,700 kg (8,200 lbs.);

the trailer has two or more axles and the total weight of the loaded trailer is more than 5,500 kg (12,100 lbs.)

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One of the most dangerous things that can happen when a trailer is being towed is accidental disconnection or break-away. This can cause a serious accident. To prevent break-aways, every trailer must have another means of attachment in addition to the main hitch. A safety chain or chains is one of the best forms of back-up protection. 

Chains must be attached to the tongue of the trailer, not to the coupler, and must be looped and crossed under the tongue. The chain should also be attached to the towing vehicle's frame or something firmly attached to the frame.

Another way to prevent break-away accidents is to have an automatic braking device that activates the brakes if the trailer separates from the towing vehicle. This is required on all trailers over 1,360 kg (3,000 lbs.). It slows the trailer and limits the distance it will travel on its own.

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Yes. New purchasers can extend their service contract up to 6 years with a 0 deductible on certain units.

Used purchasers (2001 & newer) 4-year extended service contract packages are available