Tongue Weight Calculator
How Tongue Weight Affects Your Vehicle
Don’t be this guy with
too much tongue weight
Or this guy with
too little tongue weight
Because you might end up with
your life at risk like this guy
Towing Peace of Mind ™
Find out how weigh safe can help you perfectly balance your vehicle’s towing load and improve trailer performance.
Find Your Tongue Weight
Tongue weight is critical for safe towing. Too heavy, and you’ll put strain on your vehicle. Too light, and you risk dangerous sway. Instantly calculate your ideal tongue weight with our calculator—and ensure safe travels every mile. Simply enter your estimated gross trailer weight to instantly see your recommended tongue weight.
Now keep every tow safe with the Weigh Safe hitch with a built-in scale!
No more guessing. Real-time tongue weight accuracy, every trip.
Shop Weigh safeWhy Accurate Tongue Weight Matters
Tongue weight is the downward force that your trailer exerts on the hitch of your tow vehicle. Getting this number right is critical—not just for comfort, but for safety, vehicle longevity, and performance. Here’s why:
⚠️ If Tongue Weight is Too High (Over 15%)
Excessive tongue weight puts severe stress on your tow vehicle, leading to costly and dangerous outcomes:
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Reduced Steering Control: Front suspension contact decreases, steering inputs can increase by 15-25%, risking unsafe handling.
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Suspension Damage: Your vehicle’s suspension components wear out 30-50% faster, potentially costing $700–$1,500 in repairs.
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Braking Issues: Brake fade increases significantly (braking performance loss of 20-40%), demanding replacement of brake pads and rotors 30-50% sooner ($300–$600 per axle).
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Driveline Stress: Transmission and differential lifespan can degrade 20-30% faster, with potential repairs ranging from $2,500–$4,500 (transmission) and $1,000–$2,000 (differential).
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Tire Wear: Tires could require replacement 25-35% earlier, adding costs of $600–$1,200 per set.
Estimated additional vehicle maintenance costs (over 5 years): $2,500–$6,600+
⚠️ If Tongue Weight is Too Low (Under 10%)
Tongue weight below 10% of your trailer’s total weight can lead to serious stability and control issues—especially at highway speeds.
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Trailer Sway: Sway can increase dramatically—up to 5–10 degrees—making your trailer harder to control and more likely to fishtail.
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Extended Stopping Distance: Braking can take 40–80 feet longer than normal, creating dangerous situations in emergency stops.
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Fuel Efficiency Drops: Expect a drop of 1.5 to 3 MPG, especially on long hauls.
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Increased Steering Effort: Steering inputs can rise by 20–30%, making driving more fatiguing and less precise.
- Reduced Trailer Stability: Trailer roll stability can worsen to 5–8 degrees, increasing the risk of tipping during sharp turns or sudden lane changes.
Even experienced drivers can struggle to maintain control when tongue weight is too low. It’s one of the leading causes of trailer sway—and one of the easiest problems to avoid with the right tools.
✅ Ideal Tongue Weight (10%-15%)
Proper tongue weight balance significantly improves safety and performance:
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Stable Handling: Minimal trailer sway (less than 1°).
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Optimal Stopping Distance: Safely stop within ~200 feet at 60 mph.
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Efficient Fuel Use: Maintain optimal fuel economy (12-15 MPG on average).
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Vehicle Longevity: Less wear on suspension, brakes, tires, and driveline components.
Towing doesn’t have to be stressful or costly. Ensure safety, control, and long-term vehicle performance by accurately measuring tongue weight every time you tow. Weigh Safe’s innovative hitch with a built-in tongue weight scale makes it easy—so you can travel confidently.
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