Tongue Weight Calculator
Enter your trailer weight to estimate tongue weight and check if you're in the safe range.
Estimated Tongue Weight
This tongue weight counts against your payload capacity. Make sure you have enough room.
What Is Tongue Weight?
Tongue weight is the downward force that the trailer's coupler exerts on your vehicle's hitch ball. It's determined by how weight is distributed on the trailer. Too little tongue weight causes trailer sway. Too much overloads your rear axle and lifts your front wheels, reducing steering control.
The 10-15% Rule
For conventional (bumper-pull) trailers, tongue weight should be 10-15% of the total loaded trailer weight. A 5,000 lb trailer should put 500-750 lbs on the hitch. Travel trailers typically run closer to 10-12%. Flatbed and utility trailers with fixed loads often run 12-15%.
When You Need a Weight Distribution Hitch
If your tongue weight exceeds about 500 lbs, or if you notice the rear of your tow vehicle sagging, a weight distribution hitch redistributes tongue weight across all axles. Most manufacturers recommend one for tongue weights above 10% of the vehicle's towing capacity. Learn more about weight distribution hitches.
Measuring vs. Estimating
This calculator gives an estimate based on the percentage method. For an exact number, use a tongue weight scale at a truck stop or weigh station. The bathroom-scale method (using a regular scale under the trailer jack) works for lighter trailers under 2,000 lbs tongue weight.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Tongue weight below 10% of trailer weight is dangerous. It shifts too much weight behind the axle, which can cause the trailer to sway violently at highway speeds. If your trailer sways, the first thing to check is tongue weight distribution.
Yes, 100%. Tongue weight pushes down on your hitch, which pushes down on your rear axle. It's real weight that your vehicle carries. A 700 lb tongue weight means you have 700 lbs less payload available for passengers and cargo. Use the payload calculator to check your remaining capacity.
Travel trailers and RVs: 10-12%. Utility and flatbed trailers: 12-15%. Boat trailers: 5-7% (boats sit differently and manufacturers account for this in the trailer design). Car haulers: 10-15% depending on where the vehicle sits on the trailer. When in doubt, use 12% as a starting estimate.