How to Determine the Tongue Weight of a Trailer to Choose Weight Distribution

Question:

Im purchasing a 2006 palomino thoroughbred with a GVWR of 7390, how do I determine the tongue weight so I can choose the right blue ox WD system?

asked by: Steve

Expert Reply:

To choose a weight distribution system you will need to go by the total tongue weight of the set up. This is calculated by taking the tongue weight of the trailer, when loaded and ready to tow, and adding to that the weight of anything loaded behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle. I have included a link to a help article that shows how to determine tongue weight. A tongue weight scale, # e99044, is a pretty easy way to determine a trailer's tongue weight.

Trailer tongue weight is typically 10 to 15 percent of the gross trailer weight. A trailer weighing 7,390 pounds would have a tongue weight of 739 to 1,109 pounds if it does indeed fall within that 10 to 15 percent range. And that would not include anything carried behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle.

I have also included a link to our help article on weight distribution for you.

expert reply by: Michael H