How to Determine my Tongue Weight.

Question:

Our tongue weight max for our truck is 800lbs. According to the RV manufacturer the tongue weight for empty trailer is 600lbs. We plan on getting a weight distribution and anti sway. We won’t put any cargo behind our tow vehicle rear axle but how do we determine how much we can put into the RV trailer? Should we store everything in the very back instead of the cargo boxes up front? Also if the distribution hitches weight about 100 pounds do we add that on? So 600 empty trailer+100 hitch=700? Now can we only carry 100 pounds in the cargo area? What about water tanks? Would that contribute to the tongue weight or only if the tanks are in the front of the trailer? Thanks!

asked by: Sharon N

Expert Reply:

Good News! your weight distribution system's weight does not need to be calculated when setting up for weight distribution it negates itself. I would also check to see if the tongue weight of your truck is the same when using weight distribution and when not. On some hitches it is different.

As for tongue weight it gets tricky trying to figure out what it is based off of the weight of the items you add because of the areas you place them in. Other factors like water and waste tanks being full or empty change this a great deal too. The best way to ensure you stay safe and within the limits of the truck. I highly recommend using the etrailer Tongue Weight Scale for Campers and Utility Trailers part # e99044. This will allow you do determine exactly where the heavier or lighter things should go this eliminates any issues or worries.

Check out the video my buddy Adam did on the scale that I've linked for you.

expert reply by: Randy B