Tongue Weight Calculator
Total weight of trailer + cargo (lbs or kg)
Weight exerted on the hitch (lbs or kg)
Calculation Summary
Understanding Trailer Tongue Weight
Tongue weight is the static force the trailer tongue exerts on the hitch ball of your towing vehicle. For safe towing, this weight should generally be between 10% and 15% of the total Gross Trailer Weight (GTW). Proper tongue weight is critical for maintaining vehicle control and preventing dangerous trailer sway.
The Importance of the 10-15% Rule
- Too Little Tongue Weight (Under 10%): If the weight is concentrated at the rear of the trailer, the tongue will lift, causing the trailer to fishtail or sway uncontrollably, especially at high speeds or when passed by large trucks.
- Too Much Tongue Weight (Over 15%): Excess weight on the hitch can overload the rear tires of the towing vehicle, pushing the rear down and lifting the front. This reduces steering control and compromises braking performance.
Realistic Example
Suppose you have a travel trailer that weighs 6,000 lbs (GTW). To be safe, your tongue weight should be between 600 lbs (10%) and 900 lbs (15%). If you measure your tongue weight at 450 lbs, you only have 7.5% weight on the tongue, which is a high-risk scenario for swaying. You would need to move cargo toward the front of the trailer to increase the tongue weight.
How to Measure Tongue Weight
- Tongue Weight Scale: A specialized scale designed to fit under the trailer jack.
- Commercial Scale: Visit a CAT scale or similar weighing station. Weigh the vehicle alone, then weigh the vehicle and trailer together (with the trailer jack on the scale but the vehicle off).
- Bathroom Scale Method: For smaller trailers, you can use a standard bathroom scale and a 2×4 beam system to distribute the weight proportionally (the 3:1 ratio method).