What is a good tongue weight percentage?
For most bumper-pull and travel trailers, a common rule of thumb is about 10% to 15% of loaded trailer weight. Boat trailers are often a bit lower, while goosenecks are usually higher.
Automotive
Tongue Weight Calculator
Estimate the correct tongue weight range for your loaded trailer and compare it with your measured hitch load.
Check Trailer Balance Before You Tow
Use trailer type, total loaded weight, and cargo balance to check whether your hitch load is in a stable range.
What this calculator does
A tongue weight calculator estimates how much downward force your trailer should place on the hitch ball for stable towing. The right tongue weight helps the trailer track behind the truck instead of swaying, while also keeping the hitch and rear suspension within their ratings. Most conventional bumper-pull trailers tow best with tongue weight in a modest percentage range of total loaded trailer weight, but the right target depends on trailer type and load distribution.
How it works
The calculator applies a recommended tongue-weight percentage range based on your trailer type, then adjusts the target slightly if the load is front-heavy or rear-heavy. It shows a minimum, midpoint target, and maximum range in pounds. If you provide a measured tongue weight, the calculator compares it against the target so you can see whether your hitch load is likely too light, too heavy, or about right.
Formula
Tongue weight = loaded trailer weight × recommended percentage. Bumper-pull and travel trailers commonly target about 10% to 15%.
Tips for using this calculator
- Always use loaded trailer weight, not empty shipping weight.
- Rear-heavy loading is one of the biggest causes of trailer sway.
- Re-check tongue weight after adding water, fuel, generators, or motorcycles.
- Stay within the trailer coupler, ball mount, receiver, and axle ratings, not just the target percentage.
Frequently asked questions
Is it worse to have too little or too much tongue weight?
Low tongue weight is more dangerous because it can cause sway, especially at highway speed or in crosswinds. High tongue weight can also be a problem because it overloads the hitch and rear axle.
How do I measure tongue weight?
The most accurate way is with a tongue-weight scale or a hitch gauge. Some RV owners also use public truck scales and calculate it indirectly from axle-weight changes.