Towing Safety
How to Measure Tongue Weight: Step by Step Guide
Towing Safely Starts Here: Measure Tongue Weight Accurately
Understanding how to measure tongue weight is critical for safe towing. Incorrect tongue weight can cause sway, braking issues, and dangerous handling. Here’s a comprehensive guide to ensure you’re towing safely every time.
Quick-Start Checklist:
- Understand why tongue weight matters
- Gather necessary tools
- Follow step-by-step measurement guide
- Learn common mistakes
- Check FAQs for quick answers
Why Tongue Weight Matters
- Stability while towing
- Safe braking distances
- Prevention of dangerous trailer sway
Improper tongue weight can lead to accidents, premature vehicle wear, and even legal issues. Fortunately, learning how to measure trailer tongue weight is easy once you get all the necessary equipment.
We also provide online tools, like our tow weight distribution calculator, to make your job easier.
Tools You’ll Need
- Tongue weight scale, bathroom scale (for lighter trailers), or a hitch with a built-in scale (such as Weigh Safe’s Drop Hitch)
- Level surface for accurate measurement
- Trailer fully loaded as it would be during towing
- Lever and fulcrum setup (if using a bathroom scale)
Step-by-Step Measurement Guide
Step 1: Park on a Level Surface
Ensure your tow vehicle and trailer are on level ground for accurate readings.
Step 2: Position the Scale
Place your tongue weight scale beneath the trailer coupler. If using a Weigh Safe hitch, simply attach your trailer and read directly from the built-in gauge. If using a bathroom scale, set up your lever and fulcrum correctly.
Step 3: Measure Your Tongue Weight
Lower your trailer’s coupler onto the scale or hitch ball, ensuring the full weight is resting on it. Clearly read and record the displayed weight.
Step 4: Verify and Adjust
Refer to your trailer’s manual or vehicle towing specs. Adjust your load if your tongue weight is outside the recommended range (10-15%). Distribute heavier items closer to the trailer axle.
Need more help learning how to measure tongue weight? Weigh Safe is your one-stop shop for ball mounts, weight distribution tools, weight calculators, and more.
Shop Weigh Safe Drop hitchThe Types of Scales You Can Use
When it comes to your safety and the safety of other drivers, you don’t want to leave anything to chance. A scale is infinitely safer than trying to eyeball the weight distribution, providing a clear indicator of what you should or shouldn’t be towing.
There are multiple scales you can use to figure out how to measure the tongue weight of a trailer.
Drive-On Scale
This scale is one of the most traditional ways to measure tongue weight. Many drivers depend on the industry-standard CAT Scale.
A drive-on scale is exactly what it says on the tin: You simply disconnect your trailer from the tow vehicle, park on the scale, and record the total weight. Just make sure the tires are off the scale, or it will give you an inaccurate reading.
Bathroom Scale
If you have a smaller trailer and can’t get your hands on a CAT scale, you can use a bathroom scale to measure tongue weight. You’ll have to adjust this setup a little bit to get an accurate reading, though.
- Set up a sturdy lever (e.g., a 4-foot board) with a fulcrum placed one foot from one end.
- Place the bathroom scale at the short end and a block at the other end.
- Rest the trailer tongue on the lever directly above the fulcrum.
- Multiply the scale reading by four to determine your tongue weight.
If you need even more help, try our handy tongue weight calculator for your next towing trip.
Why a Built-In Scale Saves Time
Do you regularly tow different loads throughout the year? You may want to look into a built-in scale that saves you time measuring tongue weight.
A trailer weight tongue scale is located right where you need it so you can get an immediate accurate reading.
Scale Type Comparison
| Scale Type | Drive-On | Built-In | Bathroom |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accessibility | Need to purchase from a reliable manufacturer. | Need to purchase from a reliable manufacturer. | Commonly found in most households or stores. |
| Beginner-Friendliness | Moderate. Takes a little setup, but otherwise straightforward. | High. Provides an instant reading right where you need it. | Low. Driver needs to do a little math to calculate the tongue weight. |
| Versatility | Good for both heavy and lighter loads. | Good for both heavy and lighter loads. | Only good for lighter loads. |
Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them
Mistake 1: Measuring on Uneven Ground
When learning how to measure tongue weight, always use flat, level surfaces to ensure accuracy.
Mistake 2: Ignoring Load Distribution
Evenly distribute your cargo, placing heavier items near the trailer axle to adjust tongue weight effectively.
Mistake 3: Skipping Regular Checks
Recheck tongue weight frequently, especially after adjusting cargo or before long trips.
Lever Method for Light Trailers
If you’re using a bathroom scale, follow these steps:
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Set up a sturdy lever (e.g., a 4-foot board) with a fulcrum placed one foot from one end.
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Place the bathroom scale at the short end and a block at the other end.
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Rest the trailer tongue on the lever directly above the fulcrum.
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Multiply the scale reading by four to determine your tongue weight.
See it in Action
Tongue Weight FAQs
The ideal tongue weight is 10–15% of your total trailer weight. Refer to your specific vehicle and trailer manuals for exact recommendations.
You should check your tongue weight before every trip, particularly when cargo loads vary significantly.
Yes, for lighter trailers, you can use a bathroom scale with a simple lever setup to measure tongue weight. However, for larger trailers, we recommend a dedicated tongue weight scale or hitch with a built-in gauge like Weigh Safe is recommended for safety and accuracy.
Learning how to measure tongue weight can be a little difficult for beginners. The Weigh Safe hitch provides instant and accurate tongue weight measurements, ensuring safer towing without additional equipment or complicated setups.
Tow with Confidence
Eliminate guesswork and towing hazards with a hitch that measures tongue weight—your instant solution for accurate tongue weight measurement. Shop our weight measuring hitches below.
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The hitch that started it all - features a built-in tongue weight scale
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Measures tongue weight with a high towing capacity - up to 22,000 lbs GTW
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Durable fixed mount that measures tongue weight
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