Determining Tear Trailer Tongue Weight

Question:

I have a 5X 10foot tear trailer that weighs 600 lbs. What should the tongue weight be? thx

asked by: Jerr S

Expert Reply:

The total tongue weight is the tongue weight of your fully-loaded-ready-to-tow trailer added to the weight of any cargo you place behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle. The tongue weight listed the trailer's spec sheet is always going to be its dry tongue weight because the loaded tongue weight varies depending on how much is loaded and how it's loaded. Tongue weight should be about 10% to 15% of the total weight of the trailer or gross trailer weight.

To determine your trailer tongue weight, you can use a scale like the etrailer tongue weight scale # e99044. You can also use one of the other methods outlined in our help article titled, "Determining Trailer Tongue Weight."

A weight distribution system can be helpful if your using a smaller tow vehicle or anticipate sway being a problem. Getting a system that is too small will be useless, but getting a system that is too big will result in a stiff, uncomfortable experience. Based on the weights you mentioned I recommend a weight distribution system like the Fastway e2, part # FA92-00-0800. This is designed for tongue weight up to 800-lbs and the system has a 2-point sway control built in.

Included are video resources with more information.

expert reply by: Patrick R