Is 1,800 lbs of Tongue Weight Too Much for a GVWR of 12,000 lbs

Published 10/24/2018

Products Featured in This Question

Blue Ox SwayPro Weight Distribution w/ Sway Control for 2-1/2" Hitch - 20K GTW, 2K TW

(473)

$930.44

2" Hitch Ball - 1" Diameter x 2-1/4" Long Shank - Chrome - 12,000 lbs

(3870)

$20.69

2-5/16" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-3/4" Long Shank - Chrome - 20,000 lbs

(2619)

$31.86

Question:

Is 1800lbs tongue weight too much on a 12000lb GVW trailer USING A 1 ton tow vehicle

asked by: Jim

Helpful Expert Reply:

When a trailer is loaded properly it will have a tongue weight (TW) that is 10-15% of the total weight of the trailer. Since 1,800 lbs is exactly 15% of 12,000 lbs you haven't overloaded the TW on your trailer.

The best percentage of TW for a trailer is 13% which would be 1,560 lbs for your application. If you are able to move some cargo around you can use a TW scale like part # e99044 to figure out how you need to load the trailer to achieve 13% TW.

A 1 ton pickup should be able to tow a trailer weighing in at 12,000 lbs when it is loaded. You should be able to verify the towing weight capacity in your owner's manual or if you let me know the year/make/model of your pickup I can look it up for you.

If you feel like your truck is having problems with the trailer then you likely need a weight distribution (WD) system if you aren't already using one. For a loaded trailer TW of 1,800 lbs I recommend using the Blue Ox SwayPro # BXW2000 which has a TW range of 1,500 lbs - 2,000 lbs. You will just need a 2" ball like part # 40038 or a 2-5/16" ball like part # 63840.

expert reply by: Jon G