Does Trailer Tongue Weight Factor Into Payload Capacity of Truck

Published 02/27/2019

Question:

I have read that the tongue weight is equivalent to additional payload for the TV. I have also read that the trailer weight it the trailer weight and you cant deduct tongue weight from the total trailer weight. Doesnt that mean the tongue weight is accounted for twice in the GCWR? This is confusing.

asked by: Jim D

Expert Reply:

Trailer tongue weight does not get factored into the payload capacity of a truck as that figure is mainly for the truck bed's capacity. Basically you need to check the trailer hitch on the vehicle you are towing with and look for the trailer weight capacity and the tongue weight capacity. As long as you under both of those figures you are fine. There's no need to try and add the tongue weight to other ratings that are similar but different. The trailer hitch capacities take everything into account that's relevant already.

expert reply by: Jameson C