Is The Tongue Weight For a Trailer Subtracted From The Weight On The Trailer Tires?

Published 07/20/2023

Question:

can the tongue weight of a trailer be subtracted from the weight on your trailer tires?

asked by: Terry W

Helpful Expert Reply:

This is a subject which causes controversy among several different manufacturers as well as owners. You can check your trailer information tag to see if the trailer manufacturer has rated the trailers GVWR to also include the tongue weight from the trailer. Personally I feel trailer tongue weight should not increase the weight capabilities for a trailer. As an example if a trailer has two 3,500lb axles, I feel the trailer and any cargo on it should never weigh more than 7,000lbs. But there are some manufactures who will rate the trailer with a GVWR of 7,700lbs assuming a 10% tongue load rating. I do not like this since as you drive with a trailer it bounces which can put all of the load on the axles and not still have the 10% on the tow vehicle. At this point the additional weight is put on the axles which I feel could cause issues.

expert reply by: Bud M