Will Tongue Weight Be Different When Measured At The Jack As Opposed To The Coupler?
Updated 08/12/2026 | Published 07/29/2026
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Question:
Being positioned some number of inches toward the trailer, versus at the actual receiver, has to affect the loading due to length of lever. I guess the question is, by how much?
asked by: Dave B
Expert Reply:
Hi David!
With the Big Truck Big RV Trailer Jack Foot Scale with Tongue Weight Gauge - 2,000 lbs # BTBRV014 installing under the jack to get your tongue weight, it technically will be a little heavier than if you measured at the coupler (like with the Big Truck Big RV # BTBRV27FR). There is probably a formula for figuring out the weight with the different position, but being terrible at math and not knowing any of Archimedes' formulas for that kind of thing, your guess for the difference will likely be better than mine.
With that said, the jack shouldn't be too far back from the coupler (see included image as an example) and the weights you get should also be pretty accurate. Either scale will give you a very good idea of what you loaded tongue weight is.
What kind of trailer do you have and what are you typically carrying?
(click to enlarge)
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Big Truck Big RV Trailer Jack Foot Scale with Tongue Weight Gauge - 2,000 lbs
- Tongue Weight Scale
- Analog Scale
- Jack Foot Scale
- 2000 lbs
- Fixed Height
- Big Truck Big RV
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David B.
8/12/2026
Thanks for your response. I’m pulling a 4900# (dry) dual axle travel trailer with a Chevy Colorado with a 770# tongue max. I figure the numbers would be close, and likely within the +/- range of accuracy of any of these scales. I was just curious if we could lay out the math. It’s been 30+ years since I was in a physics class. Thanks!