How to Determine Trailer Tongue Weight  

Question:

Expert Reply:

There are a few ways that you can determine the trailer tongue weight once it is loaded and ready to tow. The best way would be to use a tongue weight scale, # e99044, for the most accurate reading.

Tongue weight is typically 10 to 15 percent of the gross trailer weight, but not always. So if an estimate will not do using a scale or one of the methods in the link I have included would be the way to go.

Determining tongue weight is a little different when choosing weight distribution though. To choose a weight distribution system you will need to go by the total tongue weight of the set up. This is calculated by taking the tongue weight of the trailer, when loaded and ready to tow, and adding to that the weight of anything loaded behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle.

Always check the tongue weight capacity of the hitch (sticker on the hitch lists its capacities) and the vehicle (check the owners manual) and go by the lowest of the two ratings.

expert reply by: Michael H

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