What Is the 60/40 Rule for Trailers?

The 60/40 rule says you should position about 60% of a trailer’s loaded weight in front of the axle and 40% behind it. This balance typically yields the correct tongue weight (about 10–15% of total trailer weight for conventional bumper-pull trailers), helping prevent sway and improving steering, braking, and overall stability. Below, we explain why the rule matters, when it applies, and how to use it when loading or building a trailer.

Why the 60/40 Rule Matters

Trailer stability depends heavily on tongue weight—the downward force the trailer applies to the hitch. Too little tongue weight invites sway; too much can overload the tow vehicle’s rear axle and lighten its steering axle. Aiming for roughly 60% of the load forward of the axle usually puts tongue weight in the safe zone for most single-axle, bumper-pull trailers, improving straight-line tracking and braking.

How to Apply the Rule

Loading cargo on a single-axle utility, cargo, or travel trailer

The steps below help you load a trailer so about 60% of the weight sits ahead of the axle and 40% behind, producing proper tongue weight.

1. Place the heaviest items on the deck first, centered left-to-right, just forward of the axle.
2. Keep heavy items low to reduce the center of gravity and resist sway.
3. Fill in with medium and lighter items around the heaviest ones, maintaining left-right balance.
4. Measure tongue weight and adjust: move cargo forward to increase or rearward to reduce tongue weight.
5. Secure everything with appropriate tie-downs so the load cannot shift during travel.

Following these steps helps you achieve the 60/40 balance and maintain stable handling without overloading the hitch or tow vehicle.

Placing an axle when building or modifying a trailer

If you’re fabricating a single-axle trailer, axle placement should aim for a loaded balance that yields correct tongue weight; the 60/40 guideline provides a practical starting point.

1. Estimate your typical load and its fore-aft position on the deck or frame.
2. Locate the axle slightly aft of the deck’s midpoint so that, when loaded, about 60% of the weight lies forward of the axle.
3. Mock-load the trailer and check tongue weight with a scale; target 10–15% of gross trailer weight for bumper-pull designs.
4. Fine-tune by shifting spring hangers or adjusting load placement to hit the target tongue weight.
5. For tandem axles, balance is shared; still aim for correct tongue weight, distributing load evenly across both axles.

This approach ensures the final build tracks well under realistic loading, rather than only on paper dimensions.

Tongue Weight Targets and Variations

While the 60/40 rule is a widely used rule of thumb, the correct tongue weight depends on the trailer type. Use these targets alongside the 60/40 balance and always follow manufacturer guidance.

• Bumper-pull utility/cargo/travel trailers: about 10–15% of gross trailer weight on the tongue.
• Boat trailers: typically about 7–10% of gross trailer weight on the tongue (verify with the boat/trailer maker).
• Gooseneck and fifth-wheel trailers: about 15–25% pin weight on the truck.

These ranges help you tailor the 60/40 principle to your specific trailer, improving stability without exceeding hitch or axle limits.

Common Mistakes and Safety Checks

A few recurring errors can undermine the 60/40 rule. Use the checklist below to avoid them and verify safe operation.

• Running too little tongue weight, which triggers sway at highway speeds.
• Overloading the tongue or rear of the tow vehicle, which reduces steering authority and braking balance.
• Ignoring left-right balance; a heavier side can cause uneven tire loads and poor tracking.
• Forgetting load shifts (fuel, water tanks, gear moved mid-trip) that change balance.
• Skipping a weight-distribution hitch when the tongue weight and tow vehicle call for it.
• Exceeding GVWR, GAWR, tire ratings, or hitch ratings despite “good balance.”

Regular measurements—tongue weight, axle loads, and tire pressures—are as important as initial loading and should be part of your pre-trip routine.

Quick Calculation Example

If your loaded trailer weighs 2,000 lb, aim for about 200–300 lb of tongue weight (10–15%). Place the heaviest item (say, 600 lb) just forward of the axle, then add remaining cargo to maintain roughly 60% of total weight ahead of the axle. Use a tongue-weight scale (or an appropriate scale setup) and shift items slightly forward or back until the reading falls near 200–300 lb while keeping left-right balance even.

Summary

The 60/40 rule advises placing roughly 60% of a trailer’s load ahead of the axle and 40% behind to achieve proper tongue weight and stable towing. Treat it as a practical guideline: confirm with tongue-weight measurements, adhere to trailer-specific targets (and manufacturer instructions), and re-check balance whenever your load changes.

What is the 80 20 trailer rule?

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 to load a trailer 60-40?

Point. You want to put 60%. Of the weight in the front half and 40%. Behind the axle.

Do you have to have a CDL to pull a 40ft trailer?

The combined weight of the towing vehicle and trailer determines if CDL is needed. A CDL is generally required if the GCWR exceeds 26,001 pounds and the trailer’s GVWR exceeds 10,000 pounds. This is a common scenario with gooseneck trailers. They often transport heavy equipment, machinery, and large vehicles.