Before Driving Your Mazda; Trailer Hitch; Tow Loads:- Page 116

4-14

Before Driving Your Mazda

Towing

Form No. 8R21-EA-02G

▼

Trailer Hitch

Use only a hitch ball recommended by the trailer manufacturer that conforms to the gross 
trailer weight requirement.
When not towing a trailer, remove the trailer hitch (if detachable) to reduce the possibility 
of damage as a result of the vehicle being rear-ended.
When the trailer load is more than 907 kg (2,000 lb), use a frame-mounted weight-
distributing hitch.

Tow Loads:
Attempting to tow loads greater than those specified is dangerous as it may cause 
serious handling and performance problems that could result in personal injury or 
vehicle damage, or both. Always keep tow loads within specified limits in the Trailer 
Towing-Load Table.

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 
total 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.

Determining Total Trailer Weight and Tongue Load:
Attempting to tow loads without determining the total trailer weight and tongue load is 
dangerous. Trailer sway from crosswinds, rough roads or other causes could result in 
loss of control and a serious accident. Always have the total trailer weight and tongue 
load determined prior to departure.

The total trailer weight and tongue load can be determined by weighing the trailer on 
platform scales at a highway weight station or a trucking company.

WARNING

CAUTION

J16L_8R21-EA-02G.book  Page 14  Saturday, June 8, 2002  11:16 AM