Is Tongue Weight Simply a Static Weight Measurement?

Updated 08/04/2017 | Published 08/03/2017

Question:

In talking with a friend about tongue weight, he suggested that one must consider the dynamic weight changes of going over bumps and such when considering if your load meets the maximum tongue weight capacity of a given hitch. Is that true? It seems like a hitch with a 100 lb tongue weight rating would be stressed exponentially when encountering bumps even if the static weight load was far less than the maximum rating of the hitch.

asked by: Terry C

Expert Reply:

Tongue weight is not a static number; the bumps and such you referenced will have an impact. Still, a hitch with a 100 lb tongue weight is rated that way for a reason and barring a load that is too heavy will not encounter more stress than a hitch with a 200 lb tongue weight. Hitch manufacturers certainly understand that going over flat terrain on a constant basis is unrealistic and take into account that rides can get rough.

As long as tongue weight ratings are not exceeded and massive potholes aren't being driven over every 10 feet there is no reason to worry a hitch will be unable to meet the load it is rated for.

expert reply by: Kyle S