How Much Do RV Batteries Add To The Tongue Weight Of A Trailer?

Question:

Hi, I have a 2017 Toyota Tacoma with a 6,400 lbs towing capacity and 640 lbs max tongue weight. I want to purchase a travel trailer and was looking at a 3,245 lbs unloaded trailer with a 440 hitch weight unloaded. There is one propane tank20 lbs plus two batteries on the hitch. I believe propane is roughly 4 lbs/gallon, correct? How much do rv batteries weigh? I know these items add to the hitch tongue weight. Would I have to calculate the weight of the weight distribution hitch and sway bars into the tongue weight? I know It is not advisable to go over the tongue weight in the truck’s manual. Thank you, Lisa

asked by: Lisa D

Expert Reply:

Hello Lisa. yes, propane weighs 4.2 lbs per gallon. RV batteries can be quite heavy depending on battery type and size. For a few examples, the Go Power Lithium RV Battery # 34282738 is a 100ah battery and it weighs 36 lbs. A similar 100ah AGM battery, the Go Power AGM RV Battery # 34276285 weighs 67.5 lbs. So if you are wanting to keep things as light as possible, I definitely recommend going with lithium batteries since they are much lighter.

To answer you other question, yes, you will want to factor in the weight of your weight distribution hitch into your total tongue weight capacity for your truck. Most WD hitches weigh around 100 lbs. It is definitely good to be aware of your tongue weight because as you said, you do not want to exceed the manufacturers specified tongue weight or towing capacity. If you want to keep close tabs on your tongue weight, I suggest using the etrailer Tongue Weight Scale # e99044.

expert reply by: Jesse M

Lisa D.

8/6/2024

Hi Jesse, most truck hitches and manuals state the max towing and tongue capacities both with and without a weight distribution hitch. Mine does not. Again, it’s a 2017 Toyota Tacoma with a 6400 lbs max towing capacity and 640 lbs tongue weight. The manual states a weight distribution hitch can be used but doesn’t state the max tongue weight while using one. I called Toyota but it was a waste of my time. What are your thoughts on the max tongue weight while using a weight distribution hitch? Thank you , Lisa

Jesse M.

8/6/2024

@LisaD Not all hitches have a higher weight rating when used with a weight distribution (WD) hitch. So unless they specifically state otherwise, the 6400 lbs towing capacity and 640 lbs tongue weight is going to be the max, WD hitch or not. That said, you will have a much more level, comfortable ride when towing with a WD hitch, so it is still worth using, even without the increased towing capacity. Is the hitch on your Tacoma a factory hitch? The factory hitch really can't be removed and replaced, but an aftermarket hitch may be able to be upgraded and used with a WD hitch.

Lisa D.

8/6/2024

Thanks Jesse, yes, it’s a factory installed hitch. So, no going over max tongue weight 640 lbs even by a few pounds?

Jesse M.

8/6/2024

@LisaD That is correct. Now, I am not saying that if you put 641 lbs of tongue weight on the hitch it will immediately fail, but they give the hitch that max weight rating for a reason. I cannot in good conscience recommend that you exceed the manufacturers specified weight capacity.