Repair 7

The Tongue Weight

The tongue weight is the downward force that the tongue of the trailer applies to the hitch of the tow vehicle. This will affect the height of your trailer hitch, and it should be 10 to 15 percent of the total trailer weight.

Gross Towing Weight

Gross towing weight is the weight of a fully loaded trailer. Distributing the weight on the trailer will adjust the tongue weight and height of the trailer hitch. Sixty percent of the load should be on the trailer floor in front of the axle.

Bottom Line

Trailer hitch height from the ground should be around 15 to 18 inches. This can be adjusted with the tongue weight and gross towing weight. The tongue weight must be in balance for a safe towing vehicle.

Towing capability can be an added and often unexpected perk when it comes to vehicles. The 2003 Chevy Astro was a mini van that came in both passenger and cargo versions, and both models came with a factory hitch and respectable towing capacity. The Astro van served well at towing a utility trailer for work tasks or a boat for weekend family adventures. While mini vans were big sellers in the late 1980s and early 1990s, they became less so with the introduction of the SUV.

Cargo Van Towing Capacity

Although the Astro cargo van has only the front two seats, its engine provides more capacity than the passenger van. The cargo van is available in a two-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive version. The two-wheel-drive cargo van has a towing capacity of 5,800 pounds, and the all-wheel-drive is capable of towing 5,600 pounds.

Passenger Van Towing Capacity

The Astro passenger van has more available seating, but the tow capacity is less than the cargo. The two-wheel-drive passenger van has a towing capacity of 5,400 pounds, while all-wheel-drive passenger version is capable of pulling 5,100 pounds.

Tongue Weight

Both the cargo and passenger versions of the Astro can have a safe tongue weight of 500 pounds. It is possible to gain an additional 10 to 15 percent of capacity and tongue weight by installing an aftermarket hitch assembly known as a weight-distributing hitch.

Safety

Whenever a vehicle is towing something behind it, safety is a priority. Make sure all lights are in working order, and have someone help to check turn signals, brake lights and reverse lights. It is never advisable to go over the speed limit with a trailer. Take care through corners, and avoid sudden directional changes. Braking will require more time and distance than without something in tow, so plan your stops accordingly.