How to Set a Trailer Tongue Weight

A properly balanced trailer will be safer to tow.

The location of a trailer's cargo determines its tongue weight. A properly balanced trailer will apply 10 to 15 per cent of its weight on the tongue. For example, a 2,000-pound trailer with 1,000 pounds of cargo will have between 300 to 450 pounds of pressure at the tongue. Too much weight on the tongue can lift the front of the vehicle, reducing its cornering and braking grip. If the weight is positioned too close to the rear, it will apply upward pressure on the hitch/coupler connection, which could detach them.

Things You'll Need

• Tongue scale
• Bathroom scale
• Wood blocks
• Wheel chocks

Instructions

1. Determine the total weight of the trailer plus cargo. The trailer's mass will be printed on the data plate located on the frame.

2. Calculate the desired tongue weight by multiplying the total weight determined in Step 1 by 0.125. The result is your target tongue weight.

3. Position the trailer on an even surface and chock both the front and back of the wheels.

4. Install the tongue scale under the trailer's couple. Place wood blocks under the scale until the trailer's jack is no longer supporting its weight.

5. Read the weight on the scale. If the number is greater than the desired tongue weight, move some of the cargo behind the trailer's axle. If it is only one piece of cargo, move it sightly to the rear.

6. If the number on the scale is lower than the desired tongue weight move some cargo ahead of the trailer's axle or adjust the load slightly forward.

7. Repeat steps 6 and 7 until the tongue scale reads the desired weight.

Tips & Warnings

• Load your heavier cargo on the floor of the trailer and above the trailers axles for maximum stability.

References

• Sherline: Trailer Loading and Towing Guide