How Much Weight Should Be on the Tongue of a Trailer?

For most bumper-pull trailers, aim for 10–15% of the loaded trailer weight (gross trailer weight) on the tongue; for gooseneck and fifth-wheel setups, target 15–25% on the pin. Staying within your tow vehicle, hitch, and trailer ratings is essential for stability and safety.

Why Tongue Weight Matters

Tongue weight (the downward force the trailer exerts on the hitch) is a primary factor in towing stability. Proper tongue weight helps prevent sway, keeps the tow vehicle’s steering and braking effective, and distributes load across axles as intended by engineers and manufacturers.

The effects of incorrect tongue weight are well-known in towing safety research and manufacturer guidance. Here’s what happens when tongue weight is out of range.

• Too little tongue weight (under ~10% for bumper-pull): increases trailer sway, can cause fishtailing, and reduces rear-axle traction on the tow vehicle.
• Too much tongue weight (over the recommended range or vehicle/hitch limits): squats the rear of the tow vehicle, lightens the front axle (reducing steering and braking effectiveness), and risks overloading axles, tires, and the hitch.

Keeping tongue weight within the proper range minimizes sway and maintains predictable handling, especially at highway speeds and in crosswinds.

Recommended Tongue-Weight Ranges

Use these ranges as targets for a properly loaded trailer. Always verify against the tow vehicle and hitch ratings, and adjust loading accordingly.

Conventional (Bumper-Pull) Trailers

Target 10–15% of the loaded trailer weight (Gross Trailer Weight, GTW). Many manufacturers and towing experts prefer 12–15% for enhanced stability. Example: If your trailer weighs 5,000 lb loaded, aim for 500–750 lb of tongue weight.

Gooseneck and Fifth-Wheel Trailers

Target 15–25% pin weight of the loaded trailer weight. Example: If a fifth-wheel weighs 12,000 lb loaded, aim for 1,800–3,000 lb on the pin (and verify your truck’s payload and axle ratings).

How to Measure Tongue Weight

Accurate measurement is critical. Disable any weight-distribution bars during measurement to capture true tongue weight, then re-engage after you’re done.

Several reliable methods are commonly used to measure tongue or pin weight.

1. Dedicated tongue-weight scale: Purpose-built scales placed under the coupler or jack provide direct readings (handy for ~150–2,000 lb ranges).
2. Bathroom scale with lever: Suitable for lighter trailers; use a stable lever setup to multiply capacity. Follow a reputable guide and safety precautions to avoid tipping or inaccurate readings.
3. Public truck scale (CAT scale) method for bumper-pull:
   

   • Weigh the tow vehicle alone (record front and rear axle weights).
   • Weigh the rig with the trailer coupled (WD bars disconnected) and the trailer axles on their own platform.
   • Tongue weight ≈ (tow vehicle front + rear axles when coupled) − (tow vehicle front + rear axles when alone).

4. Public truck scale method for fifth-wheel/gooseneck:
   

   • Weigh the truck alone.
   • Weigh the truck with trailer coupled.
   • Pin weight ≈ (truck weight coupled) − (truck weight alone).

5. Hitches with built-in scales: Some ball mounts (e.g., those with integrated gauges) estimate tongue weight in real time when coupled on level ground.

Re-check measurements after loading changes, water or fuel fill-ups, or cargo rearrangement to confirm you remain within your target range and component ratings.

Staying Within Ratings

Even if your tongue weight percentage is ideal, you must not exceed any single rating on your equipment. Exceeding ratings can cause component failure and legal liability in a crash.

Verify each of the following against your owner’s manuals, door-jamb labels, and hitch labels.

• Tow vehicle payload and axle ratings (GAWR front/rear) and Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR).
• Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) for the tow vehicle.
• Hitch rating for tongue/pin weight: weight-carrying (WC) vs. weight-distributing (WD) limits by hitch class.
• Trailer coupler and safety chain ratings.
• Tire load index and pressure (tow vehicle and trailer).

If any rating is exceeded, adjust cargo, use appropriate equipment (e.g., weight-distribution), or choose a lighter trailer to stay compliant.

Distributing and Adjusting Tongue Weight

Proper cargo placement and, when appropriate, a weight-distribution hitch (WDH) help you hit target tongue weight and keep the rig level. Sway control devices can further improve stability but are not a substitute for correct loading.

Use these steps to dial in tongue weight and stability.

• Place heavy cargo low, centered laterally, and slightly forward of the trailer axles; a common rule is that about 60% of cargo mass should be ahead of the axle(s).
• Shift cargo forward to increase tongue weight; move it rearward to reduce tongue weight (avoid rear-heavy loading).
• Level the trailer or run slightly nose-down; re-measure tongue weight after adjustments.
• For RVs, manage tank levels strategically (fresh/gray/black water) since fluid location affects balance.
• Use a WDH when required by the vehicle or hitch maker (often for heavier bumper-pull trailers) to restore front-axle load and keep the tow vehicle level.
• Re-verify axle weights and tongue weight at a scale after major changes.

Small changes in cargo position can shift tongue weight significantly; iterative measurement ensures you stay within the safe zone.

Common Benchmarks and Examples

The following examples illustrate typical targets you can adapt to your setup.

• 1,200 lb small utility trailer (loaded): target 120–180 lb tongue weight.
• 5,500 lb travel trailer (loaded): target 550–825 lb tongue weight; many owners report best stability near 12–15%.
• 7,000 lb car hauler (loaded): target 700–1,050 lb tongue weight; verify the hitch class and payload capacity.
• 12,000 lb fifth-wheel (loaded): target 1,800–3,000 lb pin weight; check truck payload, rear GAWR, tires, and suspension.

These figures are starting points; actual safe values must align with your specific ratings and measurements.

Frequently Asked Clarifications

These quick clarifications address common uncertainties that affect tongue weight and towing safety.

• Do passengers/cargo in the tow vehicle change tongue weight? They don’t change tongue weight directly, but they reduce available payload and can push the truck over GVWR or rear GAWR.
• Are boat trailers different? Some boat trailer builders may specify slightly lower target percentages due to rear-engine mass distribution; if no guidance is provided, aim near 10% and confirm with scale measurements.
• Do toolboxes or spares mounted on the tongue count? Yes—anything ahead of the axles affects tongue weight and must be included.
• How level should the trailer be? Level to slightly nose-down improves stability and braking; re-check your tongue weight after leveling.
• WDH vs. sway control: A WDH redistributes load to restore front-axle weight; sway control dampens lateral motion. Many modern hitches combine both.

When in doubt, consult the owner’s manuals for your tow vehicle, hitch, and trailer, and validate with a certified public scale.

Summary

Aim for 10–15% tongue weight on bumper-pull trailers and 15–25% pin weight on gooseneck/fifth-wheel trailers, without exceeding any component rating. Measure accurately (preferably with a scale), load heavy items low and forward, keep the rig level, and use weight distribution and sway control as specified by the manufacturer. Proper tongue weight is the single most effective safeguard against trailer sway and unstable handling.

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 80/20 rule for towing?

The 80% towing rule is less of a “rule” and more of an idea: don’t pull a trailer with a GVWR that is more than 80% of your vehicle’s maximum towing capacity. That leaves 20% of your towing capacity left for other cargo like passengers, baggage, etc.

What is the 60/40 rule on trailers?

The 60/40 trailer rule is a weight distribution guideline for safe towing that states 60% of the load’s total weight should be placed in front of the trailer’s axle, with 40% behind it. This distribution prevents dangerous trailer sway and instability, ensuring better control by keeping the majority of the weight over or forward of the axles. When loading, place heavier items closer to the front of the trailer and secure all cargo to prevent shifting.
 
Why the 60/40 Rule is Important

• Prevents Trailer Sway: Loading the trailer with too much weight behind the axle creates an imbalance that can lead to trailer sway or “fishtailing,” which is a terrifying and dangerous condition where the trailer starts to steer the tow vehicle. 
• Improves Stability: A properly balanced load provides stability for both the trailer and the tow vehicle, reducing strain on the engine and suspension. 
• Enhances Driver Control: With 60% of the weight forward, you maintain better control over your vehicle and trailer combination. 

How to Apply the 60/40 Rule

1. Load Heavier Items First: Place the heaviest items as far forward as possible. 
2. Distribute Weight Evenly: Distribute the weight side-to-side to prevent uneven load distribution. 
3. Secure Your Load: Once the weight is distributed, secure all items to prevent shifting during travel. 

What to Do If Sway Occurs
If you experience trailer sway:

1. Don’t Panic: Stay calm and keep your hands on the steering wheel. 
2. Slow Down: Take your foot off the gas and allow the vehicle to slow down naturally. 
3. Apply Trailer Brakes: Engage the trailer’s brakes to help correct the sway. 
4. Pull Over Safely: Once you have control, find a safe place to pull over and adjust your load to follow the 60/40 rule. 

How much weight should be on a trailer tongue?

Every trailer owner needs to know the weight of the trailer tongue on the hitch. Too little tongue weight leads to swaying and fish-tailing at highway speeds. Too much and the tow vehicle can become difficult to steer. Your tongue weight should be 7-10 percent of the total trailer weight.