When Flat Towing a Vehicle How Much Tongue Weight is on the Trailer Hitch
Question:
We purchased a motorhome with a Gross weight restriction of 26000lbs. It says we cannot tow more tha 4500 lbs. Im confused if the tongue weight is what gets added to the overall weight of the motorhome or he weight of the vehicle we are towing. We will be towing the car flat 4down. How does this affect the tongue weight?
asked by: Rick
Expert Reply:
There are 2 different capacities independent of each other though related. Tongue weight is the downward force or weight on the trailer hitch. So it is pushing down at the back of the vehicle. The gross trailer weight is the weight of whatever it is you are towing. So for your motor home, at most you can tow 4,500 pounds gross trailer weight. Tongue weight is typically 10 to 15 percent of the gross trailer weight.
However, when flat towing a car there is almost no tongue weight because the vehicle is supporting itself on all 4 wheels. So as long as your vehicle weighs less than 4,500 pounds you will be within the limits of the motor home.
Check the vehicle owners manual to make sure that it can be flat towed behind your motor home. If it can there are 5 things you will need: base plates, tow bar, safety cables, lighting, and supplemental braking. Some of these items are vehicle specific so I would need to know the year, make, and model of the vehicle to make more specific recommendations.
I have also included 2 helpful links to the right on flat towing.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Reese Weight Distribution System - No Shank - Trunnion Bar - 12,000 lbs GTW, 1,200 lbs TW
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- WD Only
- Trunnion Bar
- Shank Not Included
- Top-Mount
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Requires Disconnection
- 1000 lbs
- 1100 lbs
- 700 lbs
- 800 lbs
- 900 lbs
- Reese
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Q&A: Complete Flat Towing Setup for a 2025 Ford Ranger XLT 4X4
- Shop: Demco Stay-IN-Play Duo Flat Tow Brake System for RVs w/ Hydraulic Brakes - Proportional
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Shop: Roadmaster Nighthawk All-Terrain Tow Bar w/ LED Lights - Non-Binding - RV Mount - 8,000 lbs
- Shop: Roadmaster InvisiBrake Flat Tow Brake System - Preset
- Shop: Blue Ox Patriot Portable Flat Tow Brake System - Proportional
- Shop: Roadmaster Battery Charge Line Kit for Towed Vehicles
- Shop: Roadmaster 4-Diode Universal Wiring Kit for Towed Vehicles - 7-Way to 6-Way Coiled Adapter Cord
- Shop: Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
- Search Results: blue ox tow bar
- Video: Demco Stay-IN-Play DUO Supplemental Braking System Installation - 2023 Ford Ranger
- Video: An In-Depth Look at the Roadmaster Battery Charge Line Kit for Towed Vehicles
- Video: Installation: Draw-Tite Front Mount Trailer Hitch Receiver on a 2016 Ford E-Series Cutaway
- Video: An In-Depth Look at the Anti-Rattle Trailer Hitch Receiver Lock for 2" Hitches
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Search Results: 63201
- Search Results: j pin 63201
- Video: DIY 2021 Ford F-150 Installation for the Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit
- Video: How to Install the etrailer Invisible Base Plate Kit - 2016 Jeep Wrangler
- Search Results: flat tow
- Search Results: base plate for tow bar
- Video: Installation Guide for the Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit on a 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe
- Search Results: d3112
- Article: Flat Towing Package for 2007-2018 JK Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited
- Search Results: 12v power accessories
- Q&A: What is Weight Capacity of Torklift Cannon Hitch Extension # TL46CR
- Q&A: High Low Adapter that Can be Used with Bike Rack
- Q&A: Recommendations for Flat Towing 2018 Ford F-150
- Q&A: 2024 Ford Maverick Roadmaster Flat Towing Parts Recommendations
on Weight Distribution Hitch
Norman F.
4/1/2024
Good Afternoon I have a 2020 forest river Georgetown gt5 max weight is 24,000lbs and it is specified for a 5000lbs towing capacity, on a ford F53 chassis with a V10 engine. I am flat towing a 2021 jeep gladiator and wanted to understand the tongue weight on the motorhome to decide if I can have the ebikes (63lbs each) on the hitch above the car tow hitch. Thank you Norman