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Weight of the Trailer Tongue
The tongue load of any trailer is an important
weight to measure because it affects the total
gross vehicle weight (GVW) of your vehicle. This
weight includes the curb weight of the vehicle, any
cargo you may carry in it, and the people who will
be riding in the vehicle. And if you tow a trailer, you
must add the tongue load to the GVW because
your vehicle will also be carrying that weight.
The trailer tongue should weigh a maximum of
10% of the total loaded trailer weight. After you’ve
loaded your trailer, weigh the trailer and then the
tongue, separately, to see if the weights are proper.
If they aren’t, you may be able to correct them
simply by moving some items around in the trailer.
Too little tongue load can make the trailer unstable
and cause it to sway. Too much tongue load
reduces front-tire traction and steering control.
WARNING
• An improperly loaded trailer can cause
loss of control of your vehicle.
• Never load a trailer with more weight in
the rear than in the front. The front
should be loaded with approximately
60% of the total trailer load; the rear
should be loaded with approximately
40% of the total trailer load.
• Never exceed the maximum weight
limits of the trailer or trailer towing
equipment. Improper loading can result
in damage to your vehicle and/or
personal injury. Check weights and
loading at a commercial scale or
highway patrol office equipped with
scales.
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