Tongue Weight Calculator

Too little tongue weight can cause sway; too much overloads the rear axle and hitch. Measure with a tongue scale or at a truck scale.

Important: Manufacturer ratings and vehicle-specific limits take precedence over this calculation. Also respect the hitch receiver, ball mount, tire and trailer ratings, and state towing laws. This tool never confirms a combination is safe.

Tapeline — Tongue Weight Calculator

Printed September 29, 2026

Loaded trailer weight5000 lb
Trailer typeConventional (ball hitch)
Measured tongue weight (optional)0 lb

Results update as you type.

Leave 0 if not measured.

How it’s calculated

  • Conventional: 10–15% of loaded trailer weight
  • Fifth-wheel/gooseneck: 15–25%
  • Measured % = tongue weight ÷ trailer weight

Worked example

A 5,000 lb conventional trailer.

Inputs

Loaded trailer weight
5000 lb
Trailer type
Conventional (ball hitch)
Measured tongue weight (optional)
0 lb

Results

Minimum recommended
500 lb
Maximum recommended
750 lb
Your measured percentage
0%

Load this example into the calculator

Assumptions and limits

  • Industry rule-of-thumb ranges; follow the trailer and vehicle manufacturer’s specific guidance.

Verify the result against the applicable local code, adopted code edition, manufacturer instructions and project requirements. See our methodology.

Questions

What should tongue weight be?

About 10–15% of the loaded trailer weight for conventional trailers — 500 to 750 lb for a 5,000 lb trailer.

Does tongue weight count against payload?

Yes. All of it (plus the hitch hardware) is carried by the tow vehicle.