Trailer Tongue Weight Calculator
Calculate the recommended tongue weight for your trailer based on total trailer weight for safe towing.
Recommended Tongue Weight
Tongue weight is the downward force that the trailer tongue exerts on the hitch ball. Proper tongue weight is critical for safe towing.
Recommended Tongue Weight = Total Trailer Weight × 10% to 15%
Ideal tongue weight range:
- Conventional trailers: 10%–15% of gross trailer weight
- Fifth-wheel trailers: 15%–25% of gross trailer weight
- Too light: Trailer sway, loss of control
- Too heavy: Overloads rear axle, reduces steering control
How to measure tongue weight:
- Bathroom scale method: Place tongue on scale using a pipe stand
- Tongue weight scale: Purpose-built scale at the coupler
- Commercial scale: Weigh truck with/without trailer connected
Signs of improper tongue weight:
- Too low (<10%): Fishtailing, trailer sway, bouncing
- Too high (>15%): Rear of tow vehicle sags, headlights point up, poor steering
Weight distribution hitches can help redistribute tongue weight across all axles when tongue weight is high.