Weight of the Trailer TongueThe tongue load (A) of any trailer is an important weightto measure because it affects the total or gross weight ofyour vehicle. The Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) includesthe curb weight of the vehicle, any cargo you may carry init, and the people who will be riding in the vehicle. IF youhave a lot of options, equipment, passengers, or cargo inyour vehicle, it will reduce the tongue weight your vehiclecan carry, which will also reduce the trailer weight yourvehicle can tow. And if you tow a trailer, you must add thetongue load to the GVW because your vehicle will becarrying that weight, too. SeeLoading Your Vehicle onpage 4-33 for more information about your vehicle’smaximum load capacity.If you’re using a weight-carrying hitch or aweight-distributing hitch, the trailer tongue (A) shouldweigh 10 to 15 percent of the total loaded trailerweight (B).After you’ve loaded your trailer, weigh the trailer and thenthe tongue, separately, to see if the weights are proper.If they aren’t, you may be able to get them right simply bymoving some items around in the trailer.4-40
