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
- Video: Review of Demco Brake Actuator - Replacement Master Cylinder - DM5918
- 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
- Article: How Much Does a Boat and Trailer Weigh?
- Video: Review of Demco Brake Actuator - DM6113
- Shop: Curt Powered Tail Light Converter with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Search Results: hitch
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Video: Choosing the Right Trailer Wiring
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a 4-Way and 7-Way Trailer Connector
- Search Results: trailer hitch
- Q&A: Lug Nut Torque Chart for Trailer Wheels
- Article: My Trailer Hitch Doesn't Fit
- Video: Timbren Rear Suspension Enhancement System Review RU-18-TA-00302588
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Search Results: 25980ez
- Video: Choosing the Right Brake Controller
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between Class 1 and Class 2 Hitches for the Scion XB
- Search Results: 90160