How to Determine Gross Trailer Weight and Tongue Weight Towing with a 2009 Scion xB
Question:
purchased the croft 3,500lb hitch, 300lb tongue weight and wiring. installed easy but have a question. it is rated 3,500lb and I want to tow a small camper. how do I apply the rating to my situation. weight of camper or tongue weight. I know there is a formula. this is my third purchase from etrailer. You guys are awesome!
asked by: Charles C
Expert Reply:
The first thing you are going to want to do is consult the owners manual for your 2009 Scion xB to determine its capacities. They are likely not the same as the hitch. Whichever is lower, the hitch or the vehicle, is the rating you need to go by.
To determine the gross trailer weight you will need to look at the sticker or plate on the trailer tongue. It should list a dry weight and a gross trailer weight. The gross trailer weight is the most that trailer can weigh including itself and anything loaded in/on it such as cargo, fuel, water, and batteries.
If you take the dry weight and then add to that the weight of everything you add to the trailer that will be its gross weight.
There should also be listed a tongue weight or hitch weight. This is most likely a dry tongue weight. The tongue weight is going to increase as you add more weight to the trailer. Typically tongue weight is 10 to 15 percent of the gross trailer weight. There are ways that you can measure tongue weight at home. I have included a link to our article that explains the different ways of determining tongue weight.
You will need to make sure that the trailer gross weight when loaded and ready to tow and its tongue weight are within the capacities of the hitch or vehicle, whichever is lower.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class II - 1-1/4"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class II
- 350 lbs TW
- 3500 lbs GTW
- 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Concealed Cross Tube
- CURT
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Shop: Air Lift Ride Control Air Helper Springs - Rear Axle
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Shop: Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class II - 1-1/4"
- Shop: Air Lift Union Tee for 1/4" Air Lines
- Q&A: Choosing Firestone Ride-Rite Air Helper Springs Part # F2384 for 2010 GMC Canyon
- Shop: RockyMounts MonoRail Solo Bike Rack for 1 Bike - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Wheel Mount
- Shop: Firestone Ride-Rite Air Helper Springs - Double Convoluted - Rear Axle
- Shop: Air Lift SlamAir Air Helper Springs for Lowered Trucks - Rear Axle
- Search Results: 44649
- Video: Choosing the Right Trailer Wiring
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class
- Shop: 7- and 4-Pole Trailer Connector Socket w/ Mounting Bracket - Vehicle End
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Video: Choosing the Right Brake Controller
- Q&A: Recommended Lithium Battery Compatible Power Converter For Parallax 7355
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Search Results: 68149
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Video: Brake Buddy Classic 3 Portable Supplemental Braking System Installation - 2009 Jeep Wrangler Unlimit
- Q&A: Replacement Hub Needed for Lippert 122093 Hub on 5,200 lbs Axle
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Search Results: 25580
- Video: Roadmaster Automatic Battery Disconnect Installation - 2020 GMC Sierra 1500
- Shop: Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Article: Trailer Tire Sizing
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a 4-Way and 7-Way Trailer Connector
- Search Results: dust cap
- Search Results: dust caps