8
P
ROPER
T
ONGUE
W
EIGHT
When towing, it is necessary to have the trailer tongue and towing vehicle carry some of the
weight of the load. This load causes a downward force on the towing vehicle hitch, and this
downward force is needed to ensure stable towing. If there is not a sufficient amount of
downward force on the hitch (aka, not enough weight on the trailer tongue), the trailer could
become unstable when towing at higher speeds. Also, if the trailer tongue is exerting an upward
force on the hitch (caused by the back of the trailer carrying most of the load), the rear tires of
the towing vehicle may not have enough traction when driving, which would cause loss of
control.
However, if there is too much downward force on the hitch, the front tires of the towing vehicle
may not get enough traction when driving, and would result in loss of control of the vehicle. This
is particularly a problem if the towing vehicle drives with the front tires.
Clearly, it is necessary to have the correct amount of load on the trailer tongue to ensure safe
driving.
The rule of thumb for a ball-hitch towing vehicle is that 10-15% of the total weight
should be located on the trailer tongue to ensure safe and controlled towing
. Once again,
the total weight is the trailer weight along with the cargo weight. If your trailer weighs 500 lbs,
and you have 1000 lbs of cargo, your total weight will be 1500 lbs. For a ball-hitch tow with a
total weight of 1500 lbs, only 150-225 lbs should be on the trailer tongue.
H
OW TO
C
HECK
T
ONGUE
W
EIGHT
1.
Make sure the tow vehicle and trailer are on level ground since this is how they will be
positioned when towing
2.
It is recommended to use a tongue weight scale to check the tongue weight, which is
oftentimes available from a local dealer. Otherwise, use a bathroom scale.
3.
If using a bathroom scale, do the following:
a.
Block the front and rear trailer wheels to prevent it from rolling
b.
Raise the trailer tongue with the jack
c.
Place the scale directly below the coupler
d.
Place a strong block support (ex. A wood or cement block) on the scale and check
the weight of the block. Make sure the support is tall enough so that the trailer is
level, or nearly level, once lowered
e.
Lower the trailer tongue onto the block support until the bottom of the jack is off
the ground
f.
Check the weight, and subtract the weight of the block support. This will give you
your tongue weight
