RV and Trailer Calculators
Trailer tongue weight.
Enter the loaded trailer weight and get the tongue weight to aim for, whether a measured tongue weight is in the usual 10 to 15 percent band, and how much of the tow vehicle's payload the tongue and your passengers use. Runs in your browser; nothing is sent or stored.
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Fill the form and press Calculate.
Aim for a tongue weight of about 10 to 15 percent of the loaded trailer weight on a conventional ball-hitch trailer (a common guideline, stated against the gross trailer weight rating). A 6,000 lb loaded trailer targets 600 to 900 lb. That is a common guideline, not a regulation, and the tongue weight comes out of the tow vehicle's payload.
Worked example
A loaded trailer weighs 6,000 lb. At 12 percent the tongue weight is 6,000 x 0.12 = 720 lb; the 10 to 15 percent band is 600 to 900 lb. With a 7,500 lb tow rating the trailer uses 80%. If the truck's payload is 1,500 lb and 500 lb of people and gear ride in it, the tongue plus 500 lb is 1,220 lb, leaving 280 lb of payload.
How it works
Tongue weight = loaded trailer weight x tongue percentage. For ball-hitch trailers in the United States and Canada the static tongue load is generally recommended at 10 to 15 percent of the trailer's gross weight (stated against the GTWR, its rated loaded-to-capacity weight). Too little tongue weight can let the trailer sway; too much can cause problems for the tow vehicle. Fifth-wheel and gooseneck trailers load the truck differently and their targets come from the manufacturer, so enter the maker's figure in the percentage box.
Tongue weight is carried by the tow vehicle, so it counts against the vehicle's payload along with passengers, cargo and the hitch. If the tongue plus everything in the vehicle exceeds the payload rating, the vehicle is overloaded even if the trailer is under the tow rating.
Sources opened 2026-10-08: Gross vehicle weight rating - Wikipedia; Towing - Wikipedia. Planning aid only, not professional, engineering or safety advice. Your vehicle, trailer, tire, battery and boat manuals and the weight labels on your equipment come first; when in doubt, weigh it or ask a qualified professional.
FAQ
How much tongue weight should a trailer have?
About 10 to 15 percent of the trailer's loaded gross weight is the usual guideline in the United States and Canada (the source states it against the gross trailer weight rating, GTWR). Your trailer and vehicle manuals set the actual limits.
Does tongue weight count against payload?
Yes. The tongue weight presses down on the tow vehicle, so it is added to the weight of passengers and cargo when you compare against the vehicle's payload rating.
What happens with too little tongue weight?
Too little tongue weight can let the trailer sway from side to side. Moving heavy items forward of the trailer axle raises tongue weight.
What happens with too much tongue weight?
Too much tongue weight can cause problems for the tow vehicle, such as an overloaded rear axle and light front steering. Move cargo back toward the axle or reduce the load.
How do I measure tongue weight?
Use a tongue weight scale, or a bathroom scale with a lever setup for light trailers, with the trailer loaded and level. Weighing at a public scale in steps is another option.