How To Calculate Total Tongue Weight

Question

Question:

Does the entire weight of the rack plus the bikes add directly to the tongue weight?...example: Tongue weight prior to bike and rack= 380 Bike rack = 45 lbs, bikes = 75 lbs. is my tongue weight total now = 500 lbs? Thanks

asked by: Eric T

0

Expert Reply:

If 380 pounds is the tongue weight of your trailer, then you are correct. You add the tongue weight of the trailer to bike rack and bikes, and that total is your total tongue weight. Make sure you are within the tongue weight capacities of both your hitch and your 2005 Dodge Dakota.

If 380 pounds is your hitch or vehicle capacity, you would subtract the bike and bike rack weight.
380-(75+45)=260 pounds of capacity left.

Trailer Tongue Weight + Bike Rack Weight + Total Weight of all Bikes = Total Tongue Weight

Total Tongue Weight must be less than Tongue weight capacity of hitch or truck, whichever is lower.

expert reply by: Patrick B

0

Joe C.

4/26/2020

Hi, thank you for letting me ask this question, I m confused as im getting too many conflicting answers on tongue weight.I purchased a Sherline LM 2000 tongue scale. My questions are In order to calculate my tongue weight do I figure the 10 to 15 of my campers gross weight of 7430 as listed on the federal sticker?orDo I figure the 10 to 15 of my campers dry weight of 4358?orDo I figure the 10 to 15 of the ACTUAL WEIGHT of my camper with my gear inside and do I need to know what it weighs then in order to calculate?Thank you again

Reply

Chris R.

4/27/2020

Calculating 10 to 15 percent of the trailer's gross weight rating (which indicates the most the trailer can possibly weigh when loaded) is a good way to estimate your potential tongue weight range. If you actually have the Sherline scale though, then using it to determine your tongue weight is much more accurate. Just load the trailer up like you would when going on a trip and use the scale - this will show you what your true tongue weight is.

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Chris R.

4/27/2020

Thank you for an explanation that makes sense. I am new to travel trailering and I just wanna do it right. Please correct me if Im wrong but taking12% from the gross of 7430 will keep me honest, even though i wont load up to that amount, my camper is empty now, but i have 550lbs of tongue weight, so that mean i can adjust load to level out to say 625lbs tongue weight, then go weigh the camper? Thanks Joe

Reply

Chris R.

4/29/2020

I completely understand. Estimating your eventual loaded tongue weight by taking 12 percent of the trailer's 7,430 is definitely a safe bet. Like you said this will likely be an over-estimate but that's okay. As far as actually loading up the trailer - I think you can make it a lot easier by simply loading it up for a trip. Don't worry too much about weight right now, you can always take things off if needed. Load it up like you're heading out on vacation tomorrow, then use your Sherline scale to determine its tongue weight and weigh the camper soon after to ensure you're not over its GVWR (which would be extremely unlikely). You can adjust from there if you find that the tongue weight is less or more than than 10 to 15 percent of its total loaded weight. I hope that makes sense.

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See All (5) Replies to Joe C. ∨

Answer 1

The Curt Class III trailer hitch #C13119 does have a 350-lb tongue weight (TW) rating as you noted, and that capacity must be enough for the weight of the bike rack itself plus that of your loaded bikes. A substantial 4-bike rack like the Hollywood…

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Answer 2

The Malone MicroSport Trailer #MPG460G uses a #34823 grease seal and #L44643 inner and outer bearings like what you can find in the #BK1-100. For a complete hub assembly with the same 5 on 4-1/2 bolt pattern you can use the #CE13210.

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Answer 3

The MORryde Locking RV Storage Box #MR43RR sits close enough to the stairs that I don't think you'll have the ability to open up the door. If you already have the steps installed you can mock up the door to see if it will open with…

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Answer 4

Since the Roadmaster dual hitch adapter part #RM-077-4 is not rated for use when towing a trailer (can only be used with flat towing setup) you'd want to go with the part #D210 instead which has a hitch opening up top for a bike rack to fit into…

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Answer 5

The center to center measurement of the mounting bracket bolt-holes for the Stromberg Carlson Adjustable Accessory Hitch Receiver #SC45MR is 5-7/8". Additionally, there are two other bolts holes on the angle brackets that measure 3-1/8"…

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Answer 6

Tongue weight represents the maximum amount of downward force that can be safely suspended from the hitch, whether it be tongue load applied from a trailer coupler, or a hitch mounted accessory like a bike rack or a cargo carrying tray like the…

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Answer 7

The measurement for your MORryde StepAbove RV Steps #MR86RR would be from the floor to the top of your threshold and the space between your door threshold and door to ensure that the hinge plate will fit between the door and threshold. With your…

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Answer 8

For a 5000-lb travel trailer with tongue weight (TW) of 450-lbs you can use a weight distribution/sway control system such as the Equal-i-zer 4-Point Weight Distribution System #EQ37060ET which works effectively over a range of trailer TW from 200-…

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Answer 9

The legs on the MORryde StepAbove RV Steps for 21-3/4" to 22-1/4" Wide Doorways - 2 Steps #MR86RR will close up further to allow you the extra space for around 2"-3" lower than the 25" entry height.

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Answer 10

I recommend using the MORryde StepAbove RV Steps for 21-3/4" to 22-1/4" Wide Doorways - 2 Steps #MR86RR, which I was able to confirm with my contact at MORryde will work on your door with 22-1/2" between the flanges. The bracket should…

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Answer 11

I recommend the Adjustable Width Trailer Hitch Receiver for RVs, 18" to 51" Wide Item #C13702 since we do not carry a class IV universal hitch and your tongue weight is going to be under 500lbs. This hitch can be welded or bolted and can be…

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Answer 12

To solve your step issue I recommend the MORryde StepAbove Fold-Down Steps for 23-3/4" to 26-1/4" RV Door Frames - 8" Drop Item #MR98RR. This will bolt right onto the bottom portion of the door frame instead of the sides and has…

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How To Calculate Total Tongue Weight

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