How To Measure Tongue Weight Of Tent Trailer
Question:
I have a tent trailer with a gvw of approx 4000 lbs what would the tongue weight be for that trailer?
asked by: Bruce
Helpful Expert Reply:
The tongue weight of a trailer depends on the size of the trailer and how it is loaded. Typically, the tongue weight is 10 to 15 percent of the weight of the trailer in its fully loaded ready-to-tow condition. You can use a tongue weight scale like the etrailer Trailer Tongue Weight Scale, part # e99044. This has a capacity of 2,000 lbs. I have attached a link to a video that shows how the scale is used.
If you are considering a weight distribution system you would need to know the tongue weight of the ready-to-tow trailer added to the weight of any cargo placed behind the rear axle of the towing vehicle. Then you would look for a weight distribution system where the tongue weight falls close to the middle of the tongue weight range for the system.
An example would be your trailer fully loaded at 4,000 lbs and you place 100 lbs behind the rear axle of your towing vehicle. Typically the tongue weight at 10 to 15 percent would make the weight 400 to 600 lbs. Add the 100 lbs in the vehicle and you have a tongue weight between 500 and 700 lbs.
I recommend a system like the Strait-Line Weight Distribution System w Sway Control, part # RP66083. This is designed for a trailer that weighs up to 10,000 lbs and tongue weight between 400 and 800 lbs. This system also features anti-sway which helps keep the trailer from swaying when in high winds or when large trucks pass by.
Products Referenced in This Question
etrailer Tongue Weight Scale for Campers and Utility Trailers - 2,000-lb Capacity
- Tongue Weight Scale
- Analog Scale
- 2000 lbs
- etrailer
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Gen-Y Phantom X Adjustable Ball Mount w/Stacked Receivers - 2" Hitch - 10" Drop/Rise - 7K
- Search Results: 2 ball
- Video: Convert-A-Ball Interchangeable Ball Set: The Breakdown
- Video: Checking Out the Replacement Shank for Gen-Y Adjustable Ball Mount
- Q&A: Can A Second Receiver Tube Be Added to the Blue Ox Adjustable Drop Hitch Receiver Adapter
- Shop: etrailer Hitch Pin Alignment Collar for Hitch Accessories - 2" Hitches
- Shop: 1-7/8" Bolt-On Hitch Ball for 2" and 2-1/2" Gen-Y Ball Mounts - 3,500 lbs
- Shop: Convert-A-Ball Interchangeable Ball Set - 1-7/8" and 2" Balls - 1" Shank - Nickel
- Shop: Replacement Shank for Gen-Y Adjustable Ball Mount - 2" Hitch - 10" Drop/Rise - 16K
- Shop: Gen-Y Phantom X Hitch Ball Mount - 2" Hitch - 7K - 8.5" Drop
- Shop: Gen-Y Adjustable 2-Ball Mount w/ Stacked Receivers - 2" Hitch - 5" Drop/Rise - 16K
- Q&A: Heavy Duty Cover For Pop-Up Camper With Air Conditioner On Roof
- Q&A: Can a Trailer Ride With the Tongue at an Upward or Downward Angle
- Q&A: Does a Trailer have to be towed Level or Can it be Off Up or Down
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Video: Comprehensive Review: etrailer Hitch Pin Alignment Collar for 2" Hitch Accessories
- Article: How to Measure for Trailer Hitch Drop
- Search Results: trailer hitch
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Video: The Low-Down on the etrailer Hitch Pin Alignment Collar for Hitch Accessories
- Search Results: trailer hitch ball mount
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a 4-Way and 7-Way Trailer Connector
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Search Results: weight distribution hitch
- Q&A: Difference Between Curt and etrailer Trailer Hitch Receivers for 2020 Chevy Colorado
- Video: Finding the Right Trailer Wiring Harness
- Search Results: trailer hitch ball
- Article: 5 Things to Know About Weight Distribution Hitches
