How to Determine Trailer Tongue Weight

The quickest way to determine trailer tongue weight is to measure the downward force at the hitch using a tongue-weight scale placed under the coupler (or tongue jack) at hitch height; aim for 10–15% of the trailer’s loaded weight for bumper‑pull trailers (about 20% for fifth‑wheel/gooseneck). Below is a detailed guide explaining what tongue weight is, why it matters, several accurate ways to measure it—including with a bathroom scale or a public truck scale—and how to adjust your setup if the weight is outside the safe range.

What Tongue Weight Is—and Why It Matters

Tongue weight (TW) is the vertical load a trailer applies to the tow vehicle’s hitch. Too little TW can cause trailer sway; too much can overload your receiver, rear axle, or tires, and can reduce steering and braking performance. Correct TW improves stability, braking, and tire wear, and it keeps you within the limits of your tow vehicle and hitch ratings.

Recommended Tongue-Weight Targets

The following targets help ensure predictable handling and compliance with common hitch and vehicle limits. Use them as starting points, then fine-tune by measurement.

• Conventional/bumper-pull trailers (travel/cargo/utility): 10–15% of loaded trailer weight (12–15% is often ideal for travel trailers).
• Boat trailers: typically 8–12% (many aim near 10% due to aft-biased loads).
• Fifth-wheel and gooseneck (pin weight): 15–25% of loaded trailer weight (about 20% is common).
• Hitch cargo carriers on the receiver: keep within the receiver’s vertical load rating; leverage is higher, so be conservative.

Staying in these ranges helps prevent sway from low TW and overloading from high TW; always verify against your specific vehicle and hitch ratings.

Prepare the Trailer for Any Measurement

Accurate tongue-weight readings depend on realistic loading and safe setup. Follow these preparation points before measuring by any method.

• Load the trailer exactly as you will tow it (gear, propane, water, batteries, bikes, etc.).
• Park on level, firm ground; chock trailer wheels securely.
• Level the trailer front to back; set the coupler or tongue jack at the same height it sits when hitched.
• Keep people and pets out of the trailer and off the tongue while measuring.
• Use only rated blocks/stands; avoid cinder blocks and unstable supports.

A realistic, level, and stable setup ensures the reading reflects true on-road conditions and keeps you safe during the procedure.

Three Proven Ways to Measure Tongue Weight

1) Dedicated Tongue-Weight Scale (fastest and most direct)

A purpose-built tongue-weight scale (e.g., hydraulic or load-cell type) is the simplest tool. It can sit under the coupler or the tongue jack, depending on the model.

1. Load and level the trailer as for travel; chock the wheels. Unhitch from the tow vehicle.
2. Place the scale on firm, level ground and, per the manufacturer’s instructions, position it under the coupler at ball height or under the tongue jack.
3. Lower the coupler/jack slowly until the scale bears the full vertical load. Ensure the trailer is stable and not contacting other supports.
4. Read and record the value. This is your tongue weight.
5. Compare the result to your target range and your hitch/vehicle ratings.

This method yields a direct reading and is ideal for frequent checks or heavier trailers where bathroom scales are impractical.

2) Bathroom Scale and Lever Method (accurate on a budget)

For lighter setups or DIY measurement, a sturdy bathroom scale can work. For higher weights, use a simple lever to keep the scale within its capacity.

1. For tongue weights up to the scale’s rating (often ~300–400 lb): place the scale under the tongue jack pad with a protective wood plate; lower the jack until the scale carries the load; read the value.
2. For heavier tongue weights: build a lever. Example 3:1 ratio:
   

   • Place a strong board or steel bar on a stable fulcrum (pipe/block).
   • Set the bathroom scale 1 unit from the fulcrum and the tongue jack pad 3 units from the fulcrum on the opposite side.
   • Lower the jack until the scale registers a steady reading R.
   • Calculate tongue weight: TW = R × 3 (for a 3:1 lever). Use precise distances; if 4:1, TW = R × 4.

3. Keep all supports aligned and secure; avoid side loads.

The lever method extends a household scale’s usable range while maintaining accuracy if distances are measured carefully and supports are rigid and level.

3) Public Truck Scale (CAT scale) — ideal for any size, including fifth-wheels

Commercial scales provide highly accurate measurements and are perfect for heavy trailers or when you also want axle and gross weights. You can calculate tongue (or pin) weight by comparing readings from a few passes.

1. Two-pass method (if you can position so only the tow vehicle is on the scale when hitched):
   

   • Pass 1: Weigh the tow vehicle alone. Record A (steer + drive).
   • Pass 2: Hitch the trailer and position so only the tow vehicle’s axles are on the scale (trailer axles off). Record B (steer + drive).
   • Tongue/pin weight = B − A.

2. Three-pass method (if geometry prevents the two-pass approach):
   

   • Pass 1: Tow vehicle alone. Record A.
   • Pass 2: Tow vehicle + trailer, all axles on the scale. Record B (total combined weight).
   • Pass 3: Trailer axles only on the scale. Record C.
   • Tongue/pin weight = B − A − C.

3. Confirm you’re within GVWR/GAWR for axles and the receiver’s tongue/pin rating (use the “with weight distribution” rating if a WDH is installed, per manufacturer).

This approach is precise for both bumper-pull and fifth-wheel/gooseneck trailers and also verifies that axle loads and gross weights are legal and safe.

How to Adjust Tongue Weight

If your measurement falls outside the recommended range, small changes in load placement or hitch setup can bring it into spec.

• Shift cargo: Move heavy items forward (to increase TW) or rearward (to decrease TW). Keep weight centered low and over/near the trailer axle(s).
• Reposition mounted items: Batteries, propane tanks, spare tires, and toolboxes influence TW significantly.
• Manage fluids: Fresh/gray/black water and fuel affect balance; travel with tanks at consistent levels that yield stable TW.
• Set correct hitch height: A level or slightly nose-down trailer often improves stability; large nose-up attitudes reduce TW and can induce sway.
• Use a weight distribution hitch (WDH) for heavier bumper-pulls: It redistributes load to the trailer axles and tow vehicle’s front axle, improving handling. Note: a WDH does not reduce the trailer’s actual tongue weight; it redistributes load.

After adjustments, re-measure TW and confirm all axle weights, suspension attitude, and handling are satisfactory before long trips.

Key Limits and Ratings to Respect

Measuring TW is only part of safe towing; always confirm your setup stays within the following limits.

• Receiver hitch ratings: Distinguish between weight-carrying (WC) and weight-distributing (WD) tongue ratings.
• Tow vehicle payload and rear GAWR: Tongue/pin weight counts against payload and must not overload any axle or tire.
• Tire load ratings and pressures: Set pressures to the load; never exceed tire max load.
• Hitch ball, coupler, kingpin, and jack ratings: All components must meet or exceed measured TW/pin weight.
• Trailer GVWR and actual loaded weight: Verify on a scale; don’t rely solely on brochure weights.

Staying within these ratings helps ensure structural integrity, predictable handling, and compliance with laws and warranty conditions.

Troubleshooting Signs Your Tongue Weight Is Off

Watch for these handling cues; they often point to incorrect TW or poor load balance.

• Sway at highway speeds or in crosswinds (often too little TW).
• Excessive rear squat/light steering feel (often too much TW or insufficient weight distribution).
• Front-end lift or poor headlight aim; longer stopping distances.
• Porpoising/bouncing over bumps; uneven tire temperatures or wear.

If you feel any of these symptoms, re-check TW, hitch height, WDH setup, and axle weights before continuing.

Quick Formulas and Rules of Thumb

Use these simple calculations to sanity-check your numbers and plan adjustments.

• Target TW (bumper-pull) ≈ 12–15% of loaded trailer weight. Example: 5,000 lb trailer → 600–750 lb TW.
• CAT scale two-pass: TW = (Truck hitched, trailer off scale) − (Truck alone).
• CAT scale three-pass: TW = (Combined total) − (Truck alone) − (Trailer axles only).
• Lever method: TW = Scale reading × distance ratio (e.g., 3:1 → TW = R × 3).

These quick checks complement direct measurements and help you confirm you’re in the safe zone without guesswork.

Summary

Measure tongue weight with a dedicated scale, a bathroom scale plus lever, or a public truck scale; ensure the trailer is loaded as towed and level at hitch height. Aim for 10–15% TW on bumper-pulls (about 20% for fifth-wheel/gooseneck) while staying within your hitch, axle, tire, and payload limits. If your reading is off, adjust cargo placement, hitch height, and—if applicable—weight distribution, then re-measure. Accurate tongue weight is the foundation of safe, stable towing.

How do I figure out the tongue weight of my trailer?

To measure trailer tongue weight, use a dedicated tongue weight scale by placing it under the trailer jack, lowering the jack to rest the trailer on the scale, then detaching the trailer and reading the scale for the precise measurement. Alternatively, use a vehicle scale (at a truck stop or landfill), weighing the vehicle both with and without the attached trailer, and calculating the difference. For a DIY method, use a sturdy bathroom scale with a sturdy wooden board on top to support the trailer jack.
 
Using a Tongue Weight Scale

1. Ensure the trailer is fully loaded, just as it would be for towing. 
2. Park: your tow vehicle and trailer on a flat, level surface. 
3. Place: the tongue weight scale directly under the trailer’s tongue jack. 
4. Lower: the jack until the trailer rests on the scale, ensuring no other jacks are supporting the trailer. 
5. Uncouple: the trailer from the tow vehicle. 
6. Read: the measurement on the scale to get the tongue weight. 

This video demonstrates how to use a tongue weight scale to measure the weight: 54sMyles RVsYouTube · Jun 23, 2025
Using a Vehicle Scale

1. Drive: all four wheels of your tow vehicle onto the scale with the trailer attached. 
2. Record: the total weight displayed. 
3. Unhook: the trailer, and lift the tongue jack high enough so the trailer’s weight is completely off the hitch ball. 
4. Re-weigh: your tow vehicle to get the “solo” weight. 
5. Subtract: the solo vehicle weight from the combined vehicle and trailer weight to find the tongue weight. 

This video explains how to measure trailer tongue weight using a vehicle scale: 59sLuv SubbinYouTube · Jun 16, 2020
Using a Bathroom Scale (DIY Method)

1. Place: a sturdy board over a strong bathroom scale. 
2. Position: the board under the trailer tongue and lower the jack until the trailer is resting entirely on the scale. 
3. Ensure: the trailer is level and the jack is not supporting any weight. 
4. Calculate: the tongue weight by multiplying the scale reading by a factor based on the length of the trailer tongue from the scale to the hitch ball. (e.g., if the scale is 1/3 of the way down the tongue, multiply the scale reading by 3). 

How much tongue weight on a 10,000 lb trailer?

For a 10,000 lb (4,536 kg) loaded trailer, the proper tongue weight is typically between 1,000 lbs and 1,500 lbs (453.6 to 680.4 kg), which is 10% to 15% of the total trailer weight. This range helps ensure stable towing by applying the correct downward force on the hitch, preventing dangerous trailer sway and maintaining proper control of the tow vehicle. 
Why Tongue Weight is Important

• Prevents Trailer Sway: Opens in new tabToo little tongue weight can lead to trailer sway, a dangerous condition where the trailer oscillates from side to side, making it difficult to control. 
• Ensures Vehicle Stability: Opens in new tabToo much tongue weight can negatively affect the tow vehicle’s steering, handling, and braking performance. 
• Proper Weight Distribution: Opens in new tabThe tongue weight creates the downward force on the hitch, which is essential for balance and safety. 

How to Adjust Tongue Weight
You can adjust the tongue weight by changing the position of the cargo on your trailer. 

• To increase tongue weight: Move heavier items closer to the front of the trailer.
• To decrease tongue weight: Move heavier items towards the back of the trailer.

How to Measure Tongue Weight
For accuracy, use a specialized tool like a tongue weight scale to measure the exact downward force.

What is the tongue weight of a 5000 lb trailer?

For a 5,000 lb trailer, the recommended tongue weight is typically between 500 and 750 pounds, which is 10-15% of the trailer’s total weight. However, the specific tongue weight capacity is ultimately determined by the towing vehicle’s hitch and frame limits, which may be lower. Always check your vehicle’s owner’s manual for the exact tongue weight rating and ensure that the total loaded tongue weight remains within the limits of both the vehicle and the trailer.
 
This video explains what tongue weight is and how to calculate it for a loaded trailer: 1mAll American Trailer ConnectionYouTube · Jun 5, 2024
Calculating Tongue Weight

1. Check Trailer’s Total Weight: Determine the actual, loaded weight of the trailer. 
2. Calculate 10-15%: Multiply the total loaded trailer weight by 0.10 and 0.15. 
   • 10% of 5,000 lbs is 500 lbs. 
   • 15% of 5,000 lbs is 750 lbs. 

Important Considerations

• Vehicle Limits: Opens in new tabYour vehicle’s maximum tongue weight rating is crucial and should not be exceeded. This rating can be found in the owner’s manual. 
• Loading the Trailer: Opens in new tabProperly loading your trailer is key. Overloading the tongue or not having enough on the tongue can lead to dangerous trailer sway. 
• Weight Distribution: Opens in new tabA weight distribution hitch can help distribute the load more evenly, but it does not increase the vehicle’s actual tongue weight capacity. 

What is the tongue weight of a 3500 lb trailer?

between 350-lbs and 525-
With a 3500-lbs trailer, your tongue weight should be between 350-lbs and 525-lbs, so a system like the Strait-Line Weight Distribution System w Sway Control # RP66086 would work well for you.