Why Tongue Weight Is Important For Safe Towing

Bumper pull trailers play a big role in transporting a variety of loads, including cars, small homes, machinery, and farm equipment. Whether you’re pulling an equipment trailer to a job site or a utility trailer for a fun-filled weekend by the lake, it’s vital to understand safe towing practices. So, whether you’re a seasoned hauler or a newbie, here’s why tongue weight is important for safe towing.

What Exactly is Tongue Weight?

Simply put, the tongue weight is the downward pressure exerted by the trailer’s coupler on the tow ball. In other words, it is the weight pressing down at the connection point between your trailer and your vehicle. It’s not the total weight of the trailer but rather a specific portion of that weight concentrated at the front.

The Importance of Tongue Weight

Why is this downward pressure so important for safe towing? Because it can impact your vehicle and trailer in several ways, such as:

• Trailer Sway: Insufficient tongue weight is a primary culprit behind trailer sway – that unnerving side-to-side oscillation that can quickly lead to loss of control or an accident. Having sufficient tongue weight keeps the trailer moving smoothly behind your tow vehicle.
• Steering Control: Too little tongue weight can lift the rear of your tow vehicle, reducing traction on the rear tires. This can compromise your ability to steer and brake, especially in emergency situations or on slippery surfaces. Proper tongue weight is important for distributing weight and keeping all tires firmly on the road.
• Braking Efficiency: When the weight is correctly balanced, the tow vehicle and the trailer brakes can operate optimally. Insufficient tongue weight can cause the trailer to push forward against the tow vehicle during braking, potentially leading to jackknifing. Proper tongue weight helps the trailer brake in a controlled and smooth manner.
• Bouncing: A trailer’s up-and-down bouncing motion is often caused by improper weight distribution. Adequate tongue weight helps dampen these rough movements, providing a smoother and more comfortable towing experience.

General Rule of Thumb: A commonly recommended guideline is that tongue weight should be between 10% and 15% of the Gross Trailer Weight (GTW). However, always consult your trailer and vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations, as these may vary. Exceeding your hitch or vehicle’s maximum allowable tongue weight can also be dangerous, potentially damaging components and your ability to maintain control of the trailer and tow vehicle. It’s crucial to be aware of these potential dangers and always ensure you’re within the recommended limits.

How to Calculate Tongue Weight

While there are specific scales designed for measuring tongue weight, you can obtain a reasonably accurate measurement with a few simple household tools:

First, grab your bathroom scale. Just ensure that the scale will handle the weight of your trailer’s coupler.

Second, find a sturdy object the same height as your uncoupled trailer’s coupler. For example, a stack of wood blocks or a jack stand will work.

Third, you will need a pipe or sturdy pole long enough to span from the trailer’s A-frame to the scale.

Here’s the step-by-step process:

1. Park your trailer on a level surface and ensure it’s empty.
2. Place the scale on the ground.
3. Position the sturdy object next to the scale, matching the height of the trailer’s coupler.
4. Carefully rest one end of the pipe or pole on the scale and the other end on the sturdy object, positioning it directly beneath the trailer’s coupler.
5. Slowly lower the trailer’s tongue jack onto the center of the pipe. The reading on the scale will approximate your tongue weight.

Pro Tip: Consider purchasing a tongue weight scale for more accurate readings, especially with heavier trailers.

Where to Buy a Utility Trailer Near Me

Bigfoot delivers premium bumper pull utility trailers handcrafted in the USA! We take the guesswork out of purchasing rugged deckover equipment, dump, and car trailers for any haul. As a factory-direct manufacturer, we provide service in the entire Eastern United States with locations in Baltimore, MD; Durham, NC; Hartford, CT; Tampa, FL; and by appointment with retailers in Fort Myers and Marianna, FL. Contact us at https://www.bigfoottrailers.net/ for a free quote. Ask about our convenient financing and rent-to-own options.