The actual weight that is pressing down on the hitch attached to the vehicle. This weight should be subtracted to figure payload capacity. Typically, the tongue weight should be 9-11% of the trailer load. Too much tongue weight negatively affects the vehicle's steering, and too little tongue weight means the vehicle may lose traction.
The weight of the trailer tongue that is carried on the hitch ball is its Tongue Weight. This is a critical measurement as it has an impact on vehicle handling. Too much Tongue Weight causes overloading of the rear axle, causing the front suspension to lift and therefore reduce steering response. Too little Tongue Weight can reduce rear-wheel traction and cause excessive swaying or jack-knifing. Depending on the type of hitch being used, Tongue Weight is generally 10-15% of the Loaded Trailer Weight. Some adjustments to the Tongue Weight can be made by moving the cargo in the trailer.
Tongue Weight (also called Tongue Load) is the actual weight pressing down on the hitch ball by the trailer. The recommended amount of Tongue Weight is 10%-15% of the GTW. For additional details see Understanding RV Weights.
Weight of the trailer tongue that sits on the tow vehicle using either the hitch ball or the pintle hook.
Weight of the trailer tongue that rests on the tow vehicle on either the hitch ball or the pintle hook.
The downward weight applied by the towable equipment on the hitch ball. Generally tongue weight should not be more than 10% of the gross trailer weight. Also see: weight distribution system.
The amount of weight the trailer puts on the tongue of a trailer or on the ball of the hitch. This load is a vertical load. It should be at least 10% of the gross trailer weight.
Tongue weight is the downward force that is exerted on the hitch ball by the coupler. Tongue weight will vary depending on where the load is positioned in relationship to the trailer axle(s). To measure the tongue weight, use either a commercial scale or a bathroom scale with the coupler at towing height. When using a bathroom scale with heavier tongue weights, use the method shown; multiplying (the scale reading x 3).
Tongue weight (TW) is the downward force exerted on the hitch ball by the trailer coupler. In most cases, it is about 10 to 15 percent of GTW. TW of up to 300 lbs. can be measured on a household scale by resting the trailer coupler on the scale and placing the scale on a box so that the coupler is at its normal towing height. The trailer must be fully loaded and level. For heavier tongue weights, place a household scale and a brick that's as thick as the scale three feet apart. Set a length of pipe on each and rest a beam across the pipes. Re-zero the scale to correct for the weight of the beam and pipe. Securely block the trailer wheels. Rest the trailer jack on the beam, one (1) foot from the pipe on the brick and two (2) feet from the pipe on the scale. To obtain the TW, multiply the scale reading by three (3). For greater tongue weights, place the scale and brick four (4) feet apart, rest the jack on the beam three (3) feet from the scale and multiply the scale reading by four (4).
The measurement of trailer weight when loaded with a boat on the hitch ball.
The amount of weight imposed on the hitch when the trailer is coupled. Also referred to as "hitch weight". Tongue weight for a travel trailer can be 10-15 percent of overall weight; fifth-wheel hitch weight is usually 18-20 percent of the overall weight.
The weight a loaded trailer places on the towing hitch
