Trailer tongue weight calculator
The tongue weight range a loaded trailer should put on the hitch, and whether your measured tongue weight is inside it.
Your numbers
The trailerRange See your resultResult
Tongue weight range 700 to 1,050 lb10 to 15% of 7,000 lb Your tongue weight 11.4%within the range Stop working this out by handDrivers scan the QR label on a trailer to do the pre-trip check on their phone; a failed item opens a repair work order.
See FleetZap Maintenance · Try the demoThe formula
Tongue weight range = Loaded trailer weight × Low % to High %
Too little tongue weight makes a trailer sway; too much overloads the rear axle and lightens the steering. With the example: a 7,000 lb trailer should put about 700 to 1,050 lb on the hitch, and 800 lb is within it. Never go past the hitch’s, the receiver’s or the tow vehicle’s rated tongue weight, whichever is lowest, and follow the trailer and vehicle makers’ numbers where they differ from these rules of thumb.
Using the numberWhat to do with it
- Weigh the tongue with a tongue scale or at a truck scale; guessing is how trailers end up swaying.
- Load heavy items low and slightly ahead of the trailer axles, then check again.
- Check the hitch, safety chains and breakaway cable on every pre-trip.
Guides behind this calculator
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Good to know
How much tongue weight should a trailer have?A common rule for bumper-pull trailers is 10 to 15% of the loaded trailer weight, more for gooseneck and fifth-wheel trailers. Follow the trailer and vehicle makers' figures.
What happens if tongue weight is too low?The trailer is more likely to sway. Move weight forward, ahead of the trailer axles, and check again.
How do I measure tongue weight?Use a tongue weight scale or weigh at a truck scale with and without the trailer coupled. Stay under the hitch's and the tow vehicle's rated tongue weight.
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