How to Find the Weight of My Trailer

Published 06/10/2016

Question:

How can I determine how much my trailer weighs at the axles and hitch? I know the GVWR of the trailer, but I want to know the actual weight.

asked by: John

Expert Reply:

The best way to find the exact weights of your trailer, especially for 5th wheel and gooseneck trailers, is to take your trailer to a certified scale. They usually charge a nominal fee for each weigh. Be sure to load up as if you were taking a trip for an accurate figure. Pull your trailer on the scale until only the trailer axles are on the scale. This will be your Axle Weight.

While you are there, leave your trailer on the scale and unhook from the tow vehicle. This will be your total trailer weight. To determine your actual tongue weight, you will subtract the axle weight from the total trailer weight.

Another option for measuring the tongue weight on bumper pull trailers is to use a tongue weight scale like part # e99044. The company Weigh Safe manufactures a line of adjustable height ball mounts with built-in tongue weight scales. I have attached a link to those ball mounts and a link to our trailer tongue weight help article for you to check out.

Please note, if the total trailer weight exceeds the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of the trailer, then the unit is overloaded. If the Axle Weight exceeds the GAWR, then the axles are overloaded. The GVWR and GAWR can be found on the weight rating labels located at the front of the trailer on the driver's side. They could also be located on the driver's side trailer tongue. Some travel trailer manufacturers also include weight rating labels on the inside of the entry door.

expert reply by: John H