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tongue exerts an upward pull on the hitch, instead of pushing down on it (because
the trailer is overloaded behind its axle(s)), the rear wheel of the tow vehicle can
lose traction or grip and cause loss of control. Also, even if there is some weight on
the tongue, but not enough weight on the tongue, the trailer can suddenly become
unstable at high speeds.
If, on the other hand, there is too much tongue weight, the front wheels of the tow
vehicle can be too lightly loaded and cause loss of steering control and traction, as
well, if the front wheels are driving.
In addition to tow vehicle control, tongue weight is necessary to insure that the trailer
axle(s) do not exceed their Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR).
The table below has “rules of thumb” for proper tongue weight.
In the table below, the second column notes the rule of thumb percentage of total
weight of the trailer plus its cargo (Gross Vehicle Weight, or “GVW”) that should
appear on the tongue of the trailer. For example, a trailer with a ball hitch and a
loaded weight of 1,000 pounds, should have 10-15% of 1,000 pounds on the tongue.
That is, the example trailer would have no more than 100 to 150 pounds on its tongue.
WARNING
Never go under the trailer unless it has been properly supported
with jack stands that have been rated for the load. Without be-
ing properly supported, the trailer may fall suddenly which may
result in serious injury or death.”
Tongue Weight as a Percentage of Loaded Trailer Weight
Type of Hitch Percentage
Ball Hitch (or Bumper Hitch) 10–15%
WARNING
Improper tongue weight (load distribution) can result in loss of
control of the trailer, leading to death or serious injury.
Make certain that tongue weight is within the allowable range.
Be sure to:
• Distribute the load front-to-rear to provide proper tongue
weight (see chart);
• Distribute the load evenly, right and left, to avoid tire over-
load; and
• Keep the center of gravity low.