On the other hand, too much weight on the tongue can overload the tow vehicle and cause poor tow vehicle braking, poor cornering and can damage the trailer frame. A light tongue weight or heavy weights placed at the rear end of the trailer can cause sway. Proper Weight Distribution is required for towing stability and will assure that the trailer is not rear, front or side heavy. You must not exceed the capacity of the tow vehicle. Check the weight capacity of your tow vehicle in the owner's manual. Drive onto the scale loaded with all supplies, passengers, and equipment. If you expect to carry water or gasoline (in a boat), be sure your tanks are full, before doing your weight calculations.Ĥ.
Here is the formula for calculating tongue weight:īe sure you are loaded the way you anticipate traveling.
Here are the recommended weight distribution figures: If the tongue weight exceeds the recommended amount you must shift some of the load rearward in the trailer. If the tongue weight is below the recommended amount you must move some of the load forward or strap a heavy object like a toolbox to the front frame of the trailer. Once you have calculated the tongue weight on your trailer, you need to make sure the figure does not exceed the recommended load for your trailer. The amounts should be equal when it's level. Measure from the ground to the bottom of the frame at the rear of the trailer and also at the front of the trailer. For heavier trailers, use the method shown below. This won't work for trailers with tongue weight over 300 lbs.
The total of all axle loads plus the tongue weight must not exceed the GVWR. On trailers with more than one axle, the weight is divided between each axle and each has its own GAWR. Again, the rating represents the empty vehicle's axle weight plus the maximum added load. The maximum trailer weight a specific axle is designed to carry is the GROSS AXLE WEIGHT RATING (GAWR). This is the total of the weight on the axles and weight on the trailer tongue or fifth wheel kingpin. The maximum load for which the trailer is designed is called the GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT RATING (GVWR). This load consists of the empty trailer itself, plus weight added in the form of water, food, clothing and anything else that may be stored in or attached to the trailer. A trailer chassis (springs, wheels, tires, axles, frame and tongue) is designed to carry a certain maximum load. I've put together an explanation of all the weights you need to know about in order to properly select your hitch equipment. You may be wondering what all this talk is about gross vehicle trailer weight, tongue weight, etc.