What Exactly Is tongue weight?

Tongue weight, also known as hitch weight, can be defined as the weight that applies to the tow vehicle’s hitch ball. Proper tongue weight allows the trailer and tow vehicle to be connected and balanced, which provides a safer and smoother driving experience. Still a bit confused? Keep reading!

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Why is Tongue Weight Important?
How Much Tongue Weight Can Your Trailer Handle?
How Do I Measure Tongue Weight?

Why is Tongue Weight Important?

Tongue weight (or TW) is a key factor when it comes to safe towing. It is the constant downward force a trailer tongue applies to the ball of a hitch — a force that must be balanced! Without proper tongue weight, there would be no safe connection.

For my visual learners, picture a seesaw. A seesaw’s balance comes from having an equal distribution of weight on both sides. If an extra person hops on one side, there's too much weight, and the seesaw won't work properly. Similarly, tongue weight on a trailer requires proper weight distribution for safe travel. Too much tongue weight can cause the tow vehicle to squat where too little weight can cause the trailer to ride nose high. The end result? An extremely uncomfortable--and sometimes dangerous--ride.

How Much Tongue Weight Can your Trailer Handle?

Proper tongue weight is 10 to 15 percent of your loaded trailer weight. For example, if your trailer is 10,000 lbs when loaded, the ideal tongue weight would be 1,000 (10%) to 1,500 lbs (15%).

For trailers that aren’t towed with hitch balls, like fifth wheels and gooseneck trailers, you'll instead look at pin weight. Pin weight is the downward force being applied to the hitch in the bed of a truck. For example, a 13,000-lb fifth wheel may have a pin weight anywhere from 1,950 lbs (15%) to 3,250 lbs (25%).

For the best traveling experience, we recommend making sure your tongue weight is within safe limits each time you tow. If you haul the same lawn equipment each day, you know your tongue weight will be consistent. On the other hand, if you’re hauling a bed set today, a new fridge tomorrow, and a pile of lumber the day after that, you’ll want to check it before each trip as weight distribution will change.

Proper tongue weight can be the difference between a positive towing experience and a life-threatening one. Too much tongue weight means the majority of your trailer load is on the front end of the trailer, which may overload your rear vehicle tires. This can lead to an uncomfortable ride, damage your equipment (tires, trailer, etc.), or even lead to a dangerous “jackknife'' situation and increased chance of an accident. (Jackknifing refers to that “V” formation you see when a trailer swings up beside a truck. This is not what you want while driving down the highway - you don’t want to be that person!)

On the contrary, too little tongue weight may result in trailer sway, also called fishtailing. If you ever experience either of these issues, don’t slam on your brakes. Instead, reduce your speed and pull off at the closest safe place, then adjust your cargo to either add or reduce weight to the front of your trailer.

How Do I Measure Tongue Weight?

There are many ways to determine your tongue weight, including commercial scales, mobile apps, and tongue weight scales you can use in your own driveway! We discuss a variety of ways to measure tongue weight

here.

Although if you're measuring the pin weight of your fifth wheel or gooseneck trailer, the commercial scale is your only option at this time.

However you choose to measure the hitch weight, we hope to assist you along the way. We want to ensure that when you hit the highway, you and your cargo are both safe and sound!

About Rachel S.

One of our core values at etrailer is to be skilled. This means taking the time to research and learn about each product or concept inside and out. I am always eager to expand my expertise. Whether it’s attending product demonstration meetings to learn about the best ratchet strap features, absorbing customer feedback through reviews, or spending the day at a campground shooting help videos for first-time RV owners, I can always count on receiving an important takeaway.

It is my privilege to listen to your concerns, help you understand crucial concepts, recommend the right products, and continue to be a resource throughout your journey. As a visual learner myself, I strive to paint concepts in a manner that is easy to grasp, and I greet each learning opportunity with a smile. My job is to answer all the questions you didn’t even know you had!

Determining Trailer Tongue Weight

Written by: Rachel S
Last Updated: 9/9/2022

Jay R.

4/1/2023

I pull a Tow Dolly with only the front wheels of a 3cyl fwd Chevy Metro on it, behind a 30' Tiffin Alegro motorhome. I am concerned about the tongue weight ballance & also the tongue weight overload on the motorhome overhang. Any suggestions?

Mike L.

4/4/2023

@JayR A vehicle that is towed using a tow dolly applies minimal tongue weight to the tow vehicle, so you should have zero problems. Since the front vehicle wheels usually sit just inboard from the tow dolly wheels, the vehicle engine usually sits atop the dolly's axle so it won't apply much in the way of tongue weight. A few pounds. yes. Enough to worry about, certainly not. Hope that helps! Check out the linked article, hope you'll find it helpful!

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