Protecting Your Mazda
4-25
Maximum permissible trailer load
The maximum permissible trailer load is
determined by subtracting the towing
vehicle weight (including trailer hitch,
vehicle passengers, and load) from the
maximum GCWR in the load table.
High-altitude operation
In a high-altitude operating environ-
ment, a gasoline engine loses power at a
rate of 3% to 4% per 1,000 ft; (304 m) of
elevation. In these conditions, a reduc-
tion in gross vehicle weight and gross
combined weight is recommended.
NOTE
For high-altitude operation, reduce
GCW by 2% per 1,000 ft (304 m) of
elevation.
t
Tongue load
Trailer tongue load is part of the passen-
ger and cargo load.
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Weight limits
NOTE
The total trailer weight and tongue
load can be determined by weighing
the trailer on platform scales at a
highway weigh station or a trucking
company. Avoiding overloading will
help to prevent the danger of trailer
sway from crosswinds, rough roads,
or other causes.
WARNING
Trailer Loading:
Loading the trailer with more
weight in the rear than in the front
is dangerous. Doing so could cause
you to lose control. The trailer
tongue load must be 10%-15% of
the trailer load (sum of the weights
of the trailer and cargo). Try to load
the trailer with the weight about
60% toward the front and 40%
toward the rear.