What should your tongue weight be?

For most bumper‑pull trailers, tongue weight should be 10–15% of the trailer’s fully loaded weight (gross trailer weight). For gooseneck and fifth‑wheel trailers, target 20–25%. Always stay within your hitch, receiver, tow vehicle payload, axle, and gross combined weight ratings.

Why tongue weight matters

Tongue weight (TW) is the downward force the trailer exerts on your hitch. Too little and the trailer can sway; too much and you overload the tow vehicle’s rear axle, lighten the steering axle, and lengthen stopping distances. Keeping TW in the right range is essential for stability, braking, and steering control.

Recommended ranges by trailer type

Different hitch types and trailer designs call for different tongue (or pin) weight percentages. Use the guidelines below to set a safe target before you measure and fine‑tune your setup.

• Conventional/bumper‑pull trailers (utility, cargo, travel trailers, many boat trailers): 10–15% of loaded trailer weight; 12–13% is a common “sweet spot.”
• Gooseneck and fifth‑wheel trailers (pin weight): 20–25% of loaded trailer weight is typical for stable handling.
• Boat trailers can sometimes run slightly lower due to engine placement; follow the trailer manufacturer’s specs, and aim near 10% if possible.
• Weight‑distributing (WD) hitches don’t change actual tongue weight; they redistribute load across axles. Your TW should still land in the ranges above.

These ranges are general industry norms. Always verify with your trailer and vehicle manuals, and never exceed the lowest-rated component in your towing system.

How to calculate and measure tongue weight

Quick math estimate

Multiply your fully loaded trailer weight (GTW) by the target percentage. Example: A 5,000 lb (2,268 kg) bumper‑pull trailer should carry 500–750 lb (227–340 kg) of tongue weight. For a 12,000 lb (5,443 kg) gooseneck, expect 2,400–3,000 lb (1,089–1,361 kg) of pin weight.

Measure at home with a scale

You can measure TW at home using a tongue weight scale or a sturdy bathroom scale and a simple lever setup. The steps below outline a safe approach.

1. Load the trailer exactly as you’ll tow it (gear, propane, water, fuel, batteries). Chock the wheels and keep the trailer level at normal hitch height.
2. Place a bathroom scale on a firm, flat surface. Use a 3:1 or 4:1 lever (pipe/board and blocks) to keep the scale within its range, or use a purpose‑built tongue weight scale.
3. Position the coupler jack or a solid post on the lever so the downward force transfers to the scale. Keep the trailer level.
4. Slowly lower the coupler onto the post/lever. Read the scale and multiply by the lever ratio to get actual tongue weight.
5. Repeat the measurement to confirm consistency. Re‑level as needed between attempts.

A dedicated tongue weight scale is simpler and reduces setup error. Always keep hands and feet clear of pinch points and support the trailer securely.

Measure at a truck scale (CAT or similar)

Commercial multi‑platform scales provide accurate axle weights and let you compute tongue weight precisely. The procedure below uses two quick weighings.

1. Weigh 1 – Tow vehicle only: Drive the tow vehicle (no trailer) onto the scale and record the total (front + rear axles).
2. Weigh 2 – Tow vehicle with trailer attached: Connect the trailer and drive onto the scale so only the tow vehicle axles are on the platforms (trailer axles off the scale). Record the total.
3. Calculate tongue weight: Subtract Weigh 1 from Weigh 2. The difference is your tongue weight as applied to the tow vehicle.
4. Alternative method: If you place both tow vehicle and trailer axles on the scale, use the printed axle weights. Tongue weight = Gross trailer weight (combined minus tow vehicle‑only weight) minus trailer axle group weight.
5. If you tow with a weight‑distributing hitch, keep it engaged while weighing to reflect real‑world loading. Many manufacturers recommend adjusting WD so the tow vehicle’s front axle weight returns close to its unhitched value.

Truck scales are inexpensive and provide a full picture of axle and combined weights, helping you confirm compliance with payload, GAWR, and GCWR limits.

Getting it into the safe range

If your measured tongue weight isn’t within the recommended percentage—or if it exceeds a rating—use the adjustments below to correct it.

• Shift cargo: Moving weight forward increases TW; moving it rearward decreases TW. Secure all items to prevent shifting in transit.
• Manage tanks: Filling a front water tank raises TW; draining a rear tank can reduce a tail‑heavy setup. Re‑measure after changes.
• Level the trailer: Set hitch height so the trailer is level or slightly nose‑down. A nose‑high trailer tends to reduce TW and increase sway.
• Use a weight‑distributing hitch (for eligible receivers): It won’t change actual TW but will balance load across axles and improve control.
• Check ratings: Keep TW below the lowest of your hitch ball, coupler, receiver (weight‑carrying vs. weight‑distributing), tow vehicle tongue weight limit, rear axle GAWR, and remaining payload.
• Tire pressures: Inflate tow vehicle and trailer tires to appropriate pressures for load to maintain stability.

Make adjustments in small steps and re‑weigh to verify results. Stability improves markedly when TW is correct and the rig is level.

Common mistakes and safety checks

Avoid these frequent pitfalls that lead to sway, poor braking, or overloaded components. Use the checks below before you tow.

• Basing TW on “dry” trailer weight instead of loaded weight.
• Assuming a WD hitch reduces actual TW; it redistributes, but TW must still be within the correct percentage and below all limits.
• Measuring with the trailer nose‑high or wheels unchocked, which skews readings and risks movement.
• Ignoring axle balance: Excess rear axle load and a light front axle degrade steering and braking.
• Overlooking component ratings: Hitch ball, coupler, drawbar, and receiver each have their own limits.
• Skipping a re‑weigh after packing gear or filling/emptying tanks, which can shift TW significantly.

Systematic checks and correct measurements prevent the most common towing issues and keep you within legal and mechanical limits.

Examples

These scenarios illustrate the target tongue weight ranges and why ratings matter.

• 3,500 lb utility trailer: Target 350–525 lb TW. A Class III receiver typically allows around 500 lb weight‑carrying; exceeding that may require a WD hitch if rated for higher TW.
• 7,000 lb travel trailer: Target 700–1,050 lb TW. Ensure the tow vehicle has enough payload for TW plus passengers and cargo, and verify rear axle GAWR.
• 12,000 lb gooseneck: Target 2,400–3,000 lb pin weight. Confirm truck bed, axle, and tire load ratings, and that the hitch is rated appropriately.

In every case, use the loaded weight—not brochure numbers—to set and verify your tongue or pin weight.

Summary

Set bumper‑pull tongue weight at 10–15% and gooseneck/fifth‑wheel pin weight at 20–25% of loaded trailer weight, while staying within all tow system ratings. Measure with a dedicated scale or at a truck scale, keep the trailer level, and adjust cargo placement and hitch setup to dial it in. Correct tongue weight is the foundation of stable, safe towing.

What does 200 lbs tongue weight mean?

Tongue weight is the amount of weight a trailer puts on the towing vehicle’s trailer ball. The tongue is the part of the trailer that sticks out ahead of the cargo area; it’s typically two rails that form a V shape, but sometimes it’s just a single rail.

Is 20% tongue weight too much?

If the tongue weight it too much — greater than 15% — your vehicle may become less responsive, especially when turning and braking. Properly loading your trailer — placing cargo in front of or behind the axle — can have a major effect on tongue weight.

What is the ideal tongue weight?

The ideal tongue weight for a bumper pull trailer is 9 to 15 percent of its total loaded weight, while gooseneck trailers should have a tongue weight of 15 to 30 percent of their total loaded weight. Too little tongue weight can lead to trailer sway, while too much can impair vehicle control and damage the vehicle’s components. Always check your vehicle and hitch manufacturer’s specifications for the exact recommended tongue weight range. 
Why Tongue Weight Matters

• Stability: Proper tongue weight helps keep the trailer stable and prevents dangerous swaying. 
• Vehicle Control: It ensures the tow vehicle has good control, especially during turns and braking. 
• Vehicle Health: It prevents excessive stress and damage to the tow vehicle’s components. 

How to Calculate Tongue Weight

1. Load the trailer fully: as you would for normal travel, including water tanks and cargo. 
2. Use a scale: placed under the trailer’s tongue to get a weight reading. 
3. Calculate the ideal range: by multiplying the total loaded trailer weight by the appropriate percentage (9-15% for bumper pull, 15-30% for gooseneck). 

Adjusting Your Load 

• Too light: Move cargo forward on the trailer to shift more weight to the tongue.
• Too heavy: Shift cargo to the back of the trailer to reduce the downward force on the tongue.

Important Considerations

• Manufacturer Recommendations: Always consult the owner’s manuals for your tow vehicle and trailer to find the exact recommended tongue weight range. 
• Gross Trailer Weight: The weight percentage is based on the Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), which is the total weight of the trailer and its load. 

Are tongue weight scales accurate?

Tongue Weight Scale: The most accurate way to measure tongue weight is by using a tongue weight scale. These scales are specifically designed to provide precise readings. You place the scale under the trailer’s hitch jack, and it indicates the weight being applied to the hitch.