What Is the Proper Tongue Weight for a Trailer?

The proper tongue weight for a conventional bumper‑pull trailer is typically 10–15% of the trailer’s fully loaded weight; for gooseneck and fifth‑wheel trailers, it’s about 15–25%. Boat trailers commonly fall around 8–12%, with 10% a widely used target. These ranges help maintain stability, reduce sway, and keep braking and steering predictable. Below, we explain why tongue weight matters, how to calculate and measure it, and how to adjust your load safely.

Why Tongue Weight Matters

Tongue weight (sometimes called hitch or pin weight) is the downward force the trailer exerts on the tow vehicle’s hitch. If it’s too light, the trailer is more prone to sway, especially at highway speeds or in crosswinds. If it’s too heavy, the tow vehicle’s rear can sag, front axle grip can decrease, steering can feel vague, and stopping distances can lengthen. Keeping tongue weight within the proper range is one of the most effective ways to ensure stable, safe towing.

Recommended Tongue/Pin Weight by Trailer Type

The following guidelines apply to trailers loaded as you will actually tow them (including cargo, fluids, propane, etc.). They reflect widely used industry practices for stability and control.

• Conventional bumper‑pull (travel, utility, cargo): 10–15% of Gross Trailer Weight (GTW); many aim for 12–13% for a stability margin.
• Boat trailers: 8–12% of GTW; 10% is a common target because boats tend to be stern‑heavy.
• Gooseneck and fifth‑wheel: 15–25% of GTW; many combinations land around 20–25% for rock‑solid stability.

Staying within these ranges reduces sway risk and helps the tow vehicle maintain proper axle loading, steering authority, and braking performance.

How to Calculate Your Target Number

First determine your trailer’s Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) when fully loaded for travel. Multiply by the recommended percentage range to get your target tongue weight. Example: a 5,000 lb bumper‑pull trailer should have about 500–750 lb of tongue weight (10–15%). A 12,000 lb fifth‑wheel typically needs around 1,800–3,000 lb on the pin (15–25%).

Example Calculations

If your 6,500 lb travel trailer feels nervous at speed, a target of roughly 780–845 lb (12–13%) can improve stability. For a 3,000 lb boat trailer, targeting ~300 lb (10%) is typical; if sway appears, move weight forward to increase it toward the middle of the 8–12% range.

How to Measure Tongue Weight

You can measure tongue weight directly with a dedicated scale, indirectly with a bathroom scale and lever for lighter trailers, or at a public truck scale. The key is to measure the fully loaded rig, and if you use a weight distribution (WD) hitch, measure tongue weight with the WD bars disconnected so you’re reading the true, undisturbed load on the ball.

Measurement Methods

Choose the method that best fits your equipment and trailer weight. All methods should be done on level ground with the trailer loaded exactly as you’ll tow it.

• Dedicated tongue weight scale: Place the coupler or jack foot on the scale pad (with suitable blocking for height). Read the value directly—ideal for most bumper‑pull trailers.
• Bathroom scale + lever (light trailers only): For tongue weights under roughly 300–400 lb, use a 3:1 or 4:1 lever setup to stay within the scale’s capacity; multiply the reading by the lever ratio.
• Public truck scale (e.g., CAT Scale), direct reading: If possible, position only the tongue jack on the platform with the trailer wheels off the scale and the jack vertical. The scale displays the tongue weight directly.
• Public truck scale, differential method: Weigh the tow vehicle alone, then weigh it again with the trailer coupled (WD bars disconnected). Tongue weight ≈ (Tow vehicle weight with trailer coupled) − (Tow vehicle alone), adjusted for any cargo added or removed between weighings.

Re‑measure after any significant loading changes (gear, water, fuel, propane) or hitch adjustments to ensure you remain within the target range and rated limits.

Using a CAT Scale (Step‑by‑Step)

This approach is helpful when you don’t have a tongue weight scale and can’t isolate the jack on the platform.

1. Weigh the tow vehicle by itself (record front and rear axle weights and the total).
2. Couple the loaded trailer, ensure WD bars are disconnected, and weigh again with only the tow vehicle on the scale (trailer axles off the platform). Record the new axle weights and total.
3. Compute tongue weight: TW = (Tow vehicle total with trailer coupled) − (Tow vehicle total alone). Account for any cargo changes between weighings.
4. If you use a WD hitch, you may also weigh a third time with the bars engaged to check axle redistribution, but your baseline tongue weight is the reading with bars disconnected.

This method gives a reliable tongue weight and also lets you verify that individual axle loads remain within the tow vehicle’s ratings once WD is engaged.

Adjusting Load to Hit the Target

If your tongue weight is outside the recommended range, modest changes in cargo placement or hitch setup usually fix it. The following practical steps help dial in stability without exceeding ratings.

• Shift cargo forward to increase tongue weight; move it rearward to decrease. A common loading rule for bumper‑pulls is roughly 60% of cargo weight ahead of the axle(s).
• Keep heavy items low and centered over the trailer’s longitudinal centerline to reduce pendulum effect.
• Secure all cargo so it can’t shift during travel, which would alter tongue weight dynamically.
• Consider fluid locations: Filling a forward fresh‑water tank increases tongue weight; draining it or moving gear aft reduces it.
• Set correct hitch height so the trailer tows level or slightly nose‑down; excessive nose‑up can reduce effective tongue weight on the ball.
• Use a properly rated weight‑distribution hitch (with sway control, if appropriate) when tongue weight approaches hitch limits or causes rear‑end squat.
• Re‑weigh after adjustments to confirm you’re in range and within all ratings.

These changes can dramatically improve stability and comfort without altering your trailer’s overall load.

Limits You Must Not Exceed

Always confirm your setup remains within the tow vehicle and hitch system’s published ratings. Exceeding any limit is unsafe and can be illegal.

• Receiver hitch maximum tongue weight (weight carrying vs. weight distributing ratings may differ).
• Tow vehicle payload (tongue/pin weight counts against payload) and rear Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR).
• Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) and maximum tow rating.
• Tire load ratings and recommended inflation pressures for both tow vehicle and trailer.
• Hitch ball, drawbar, and coupler ratings (all must meet or exceed the actual loads).

If any component is at or over its rating, reduce load, redistribute weight, or upgrade equipment before towing.

Common Symptoms of Incorrect Tongue Weight

Recognizing the signs of improper tongue weight helps you correct issues before they become hazardous.

• Too light: Trailer sway at speed, frequent steering corrections, “tail‑wagging” feel, or instability when passed by large vehicles.
• Too heavy: Excessive rear squat, light steering feel, headlights aiming high, porpoising over bumps, or longer stopping distances.

If you experience these symptoms, check tongue weight, verify hitch height, and re‑distribute cargo. Adding or adjusting a WD/sway‑control hitch can further improve stability when used within ratings.

Summary

For safe, stable towing, set tongue weight at 10–15% of GTW for bumper‑pulls, about 8–12% (target ~10%) for many boat trailers, and 15–25% for gooseneck/fifth‑wheel setups. Measure with the trailer fully loaded, ideally using a scale or truck‑stop CAT scale, and fine‑tune by shifting cargo and setting correct hitch height. Always remain within your tow vehicle, hitch, and tire ratings. Proper tongue weight is one of the most effective ways to prevent sway and ensure predictable handling and braking on the road.

What happens if tongue weight is too heavy?

If the tongue weight of a trailer is too heavy, the rear of the tow vehicle will sag, causing it to lose traction and making steering and braking less responsive and dangerous. This condition can lead to a loss of control, increased tire wear, and even potential tire blowouts, as the excessive weight puts undue stress on the vehicle’s rear axle and suspension. Ultimately, it makes the vehicle unstable and increases the risk of an accident.
 
Effects on the Vehicle

• Sagging Rear End: The most immediate sign is the rear of the tow vehicle dropping or squatting. 
• Reduced Traction: With less weight on the front wheels, the vehicle’s steering becomes lighter and less effective, leading to poor traction and control, especially during turns and braking. 
• Braking Issues: The reduced traction on the front wheels can make the braking system unresponsive. 
• Tire and Suspension Overload: The rear tires and suspension system are subjected to excessive load, leading to accelerated wear and a higher risk of tire blowouts and suspension failure. 

Safety Hazards

• Loss of Control: The combination of poor traction and reduced steering effectiveness makes it difficult to maneuver and maintain control of the vehicle. 
• Increased Accident Risk: The inability to steer and brake effectively significantly increases the chance of an accident. 
• Damage to Vehicle: The excessive stress on the vehicle’s frame, axle, and suspension can cause structural damage. 

What is the 60 40 rule for 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. 

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.

How much weight should be on the tongue of a trailer?

The recommended tongue weight for a bumper-pull trailer is 10-15% of the total loaded trailer weight, while for a gooseneck or fifth-wheel trailer, it’s 15-30%. This weight is crucial for stability; too little can cause dangerous trailer sway, and too much can make the tow vehicle difficult to steer. To adjust it, move cargo forward or backward on the trailer over the axle.
 
Why Tongue Weight Matters

• Stability: Proper tongue weight ensures a stable connection between the trailer and the tow vehicle, preventing dangerous fishtailing or swaying, especially at higher speeds. 
• Handling: It helps maintain control of the tow vehicle by preventing excessive strain on the rear axle. 

How to Determine the Correct Weight

1. Calculate Total Weight: Add the weight of the empty trailer to the weight of your cargo and fluids to get the Gross Trailer Weight (GTW). 
2. Apply the Percentage: 
   • Bumper Pull Trailer: The ideal tongue weight is 10-15% of the GTW. 
   • Gooseneck or Fifth Wheel: The ideal tongue weight is 15-30% of the GTW. 
3. Adjust Cargo Placement: 
   • Too Little Weight: If the trailer sways, move cargo towards the front of the trailer, ahead of the axle. 
   • Too Much Weight: If the tow vehicle is hard to steer or saggy, move cargo towards the back of the trailer, behind the axle. 

Important Considerations

• Consult Your Manuals: Always check your tow vehicle and trailer owner’s manuals for specific weight limits and guidelines. 
• Measure Your Tongue Weight: For accurate results, use a trailer tongue weight scale or a method involving a bathroom scale and a lever to measure the actual weight.