Does Tongue Weight of Trailer Get Factored for Overall Trailer Weight Capacity
Updated 10/30/2025 | Published 02/01/2025
Question:
I have a trailer with a 3500 axle. My understanding is that the gross trailer weight minus the weight on the tongue is the weight on the axle. Is this correct? If this is correct I can load my trailer to 3500 plus the TW, whatever it is, and not exceed the trailer axle rating of 3500.
asked by: Ray
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Expert Reply:
Hey Ray, this is a great question. So while the tongue weight of the trailer is supported by the vehicle's hitch that doesn't get subtracted from the capacity. They factor it so that it's just simple to understand without too much math. You need to have the entire trailer weigh less than 3,500 lb total.
expert reply by:
Jameson C
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Jameson C.
10/30/2025
Hey Ray, did that explanation about your trailer’s axle rating clear things up for you? It’d be great to know if keeping the total trailer weight under 3,500 pounds made sense for your setup. Your feedback could help others figure out their weight limits too.