How to Calculate Trailer Tongue Weight

How to Calculate Trailer Tongue Weight

7lb weight image by Edsweb from Fotolia.com

Traveling on the road with a trailer and a tow vehicle can be a challenging task. Not only do you have to properly load the vehicle, but you also have to be aware of turns, stopping and vehicle speeds. Before you head out on the road, calculate the trailer tongue weight for your vehicle. Doing so could prevent a road accident. Swaying can occur if tongue weight is higher than the tongue weight rating of the tow vehicle.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:
  • Public scale
Step 1
Weigh the trailer at a public scale or obtain the gross trailer weight (GTW) in your owner's manual.
Step 2
Multiply the GTW by 10 percent and then by 15 percent. These numbers represent the tongue weight range for your trailer.
Step 3
Load the trailer within the allowable weight range for the trailer tongue. Load from front to rear and left to right. Secure items so they do not shift back and forth during travel.

Tips & Warnings

 
You can also have your hitch inspected by a qualified hitch installation company. There, a specialist can calculate the maximum tongue weight, which is typically 10 percent of the hitch's rated capacity.
 
Never brake suddenly when towing a vehicle.

Article Written By Charlie Gaston

Charlie Gaston has written numerous instructional articles on topics ranging from business to communications and estate planning. Gaston holds a bachelor's degree in international business and a master's degree in communications. She is fluent in Spanish and has extensive travel experience.

Write for Trails.com
  • Editor's Pick

    Backcountry Camping Tips

    Backcountry Camping Tips

    You've already tried car and RV camping. You've camped at commercial campsites that had a convenient restroom and water supply. Now, you want to explore the road less traveled. Backcountry camping, also known as primitive camping, is a wonderful way to explore the remote...

    More Backcountry Camping...
  • Popular Article

    Beach Camping Near Pismo Beach, California

    Beach Camping Near Pismo Beach, California

    Pismo State Beach, California, has many attractions and activities including camping, swimming, hiking and wildlife viewing. Birdwatching is one of the primary activities in the area. The park also has the largest over-wintering colony of monarch butterflies in the natio...

    More Beach Camping...
  • Featured Video

    Common Sense Hiking Tips

    Common Sense Hiking Tips

    The first and most fundamental thing is never hike alone. There are too many situations, especially as an unexperienced hiker, where you may find yourself without anyone to help you. So the buddy system works and applies very much in hiking.

    More Camping Basics...

Outdoor Gear & Equipment

ALL NEW Trails Gear Store powered by:

Trail Finder

US Map

Search by Keyword