Is 1,800 lbs of Tongue Weight Too Much for a GVWR of 12,000 lbs
Question:
Is 1800lbs tongue weight too much on a 12000lb GVW trailer USING A 1 ton tow vehicle
asked by: Jim
Helpful Expert Reply:
When a trailer is loaded properly it will have a tongue weight (TW) that is 10-15% of the total weight of the trailer. Since 1,800 lbs is exactly 15% of 12,000 lbs you haven't overloaded the TW on your trailer.
The best percentage of TW for a trailer is 13% which would be 1,560 lbs for your application. If you are able to move some cargo around you can use a TW scale like part # e99044 to figure out how you need to load the trailer to achieve 13% TW.
A 1 ton pickup should be able to tow a trailer weighing in at 12,000 lbs when it is loaded. You should be able to verify the towing weight capacity in your owner's manual or if you let me know the year/make/model of your pickup I can look it up for you.
If you feel like your truck is having problems with the trailer then you likely need a weight distribution (WD) system if you aren't already using one. For a loaded trailer TW of 1,800 lbs I recommend using the Blue Ox SwayPro # BXW2000 which has a TW range of 1,500 lbs - 2,000 lbs. You will just need a 2" ball like part # 40038 or a 2-5/16" ball like part # 63840.
Products Referenced in This Question
2" Hitch Ball - 1" Diameter x 2-1/4" Long Shank - Chrome - 12,000 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Standard Ball
- Chrome-Plated Steel
- 2 Inch Diameter Ball
- 2-1/4 Inch Shank Length
- 1 Inch Diameter Shank
- 12000 lbs GTW
- Class III
- CURT
more information >
2-5/16" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-3/4" Long Shank - Chrome - 20,000 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Standard Ball
- Chrome-Plated Steel
- 2-5/16 Inch Diameter Ball
- 2-3/4 Inch Shank Length
- 1-1/4 Inch Diameter Shank
- 20000 lbs GTW
- Class IV
- Class V
- Draw-Tite
more information >
etrailer Tongue Weight Scale for Campers and Utility Trailers - 2,000-lb Capacity
- Tongue Weight Scale
- Analog Scale
- 2000 lbs
- etrailer
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Blue Ox SwayPro Weight Distribution w/ Sway Control - Clamp On - 20,000 lbs GTW, 2,000 lbs TW
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- WD With Sway Control
- Severe Sway
- Includes Shank
- Electric Brake Compatible
- Surge Brake Compatible
- Fits 2-1/2 Inch Hitch
- Allows Backing Up
- 1600 lbs
- 1700 lbs
- 1800 lbs
- 1900 lbs
- Blue Ox
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: etrailer Tongue Weight Scale for Campers and Utility Trailers - 2,000-lb Capacity
- Video: Review of Equal-i-zer Socket Pin Weight Distribution System - 90-03-9212
- Video: etrailer Campers and Utility Trailers Tongue Weight Scale Review
- Video: Review of etrailer Tools - Hitch Tools - Measuring Devices - e99044
- Shop: Blue Ox SwayPro Weight Distribution w/ Sway Control - Clamp On - 20,000 lbs GTW, 2,000 lbs TW
- Q&A: Weight Distribution Recommendation for Reflection 315RLTS Travel Trailer
- Shop: Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System w/ 4-Point Sway Control - 16,000 lbs GTW, 1,600 lbs TW
- Shop: Commercial Grade Battery Box for Group 4D Batteries - Vented
- Shop: Commercial Grade Battery Box for Group 8D Batteries - Vented
- Shop: Replacement Socket Pin for Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution Systems - Qty 1
- Shop: Thin Walled Socket for Equal-i-zer Hitches
- Video: NOCO Battery Boxes - Marine Battery Box - 329-HM484 Review
- Video: Equal-i-zer Thin Walled Socket Review
- Video: NOCO Commercial Grade Battery Box Review
- Article: 7 Common Questions Everyone Has About Trailer Tires
- Shop: RV Camera
- Video: NOCO Group 24 to Group 31 Battery Box with Strap Review
- Q&A: Weight Distribution System for Trailer with Tongue Weight 1,800 lbs
- Shop: Vehicle Sway Bars
- Q&A: Recommended Leaf Springs for 4,400 lb Axle Based on Axle Position and Hanger Locations
- Search Results: scale
- Q&A: Can Larger Shank Be Used with Fastway Weight Distribution Hitch
- Article: 5 Things to Know About Weight Distribution Hitches
- Article: Determining Trailer Tongue Weight
- Article: How to Choose a Trailer Hitch Coupler
- Article: Trailer Couplers
- Shop: Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Search Results: rp58393