Tongue Weight Calculator
Tongue weight is the downward force the trailer's coupler puts on your hitch. Get it right and the rig tracks straight; get it wrong and you invite sway or an overloaded rear axle.
The 10–15% rule
For conventional trailers, tongue weight should be 10–15% of the loaded trailer weight. A 6,000-lb travel trailer wants 600–900 lbs on the tongue. Use the calculator below, then verify on a scale — bathroom-scale methods work for lighter trailers; a dedicated tongue scale is best.
Tongue weight calculator
Why it matters for payload
That 600–900 lbs does not float in the air — it sits on your truck. Add passengers and cargo, and many half-ton trucks hit their payload ceiling long before their towing max. Always do both math problems: trailer weight vs. towing capacity, and tongue + passengers + cargo vs. payload.
Frequently asked questions
What is a good tongue weight?
10–15% of the loaded trailer weight for conventional (bumper-pull) trailers. Fifth wheels run higher, typically 15–25%.
What happens if tongue weight is too low?
Too little tongue weight is the #1 cause of trailer sway — the tail wagging that can escalate into a jackknife. If your trailer sways, shift cargo forward of the axles.
Does tongue weight count against payload?
Yes. Tongue weight presses down on the hitch, so it counts against your truck's payload capacity along with passengers and cargo. This is why payload, not towing capacity, is often the real limit.