Going away for a weekend can be a lot of fun with an RV. Keep the main luxuries of indoor living while enjoying the great outdoors. 

While traveling, it’s important that your camper tongue weight is within the proper range to ensure a safe trip there and back. Learn everything you need to know about RV tongue weight below.

Why RV Tongue Weight Is Different From Other Trailer Types

RV tongue weight is different from other trailer types because of the irregular weight involved, and depending on the type, the high profile. 

What we mean by irregular weight is that an RV’s tongue weight can be affected by the type of RV or camper you are using, the number of passengers and their weight, and the cargo brought along. 

This means that throughout the trip, the weight can change. 

How high the RV is can increase its wind sensitivity, which leaves little room for error regarding tongue weight. Since tongue weight is designed to help balance cargo and prevent issues such as swaying, its importance rises significantly. 

What Causes RV Tongue Weight to Change Over Time?

The main cause of an RV tongue weight changing over time is use. The typical journey for an RV is traveling to a destination, spending time in that destination, and then returning home. 

Throughout that journey, small changes can add up and cause a tongue weight change. 

Think about what’s packed for an RV trip: 

• Food
• Tools
• Outdoor activity equipment
• Emergency supplies
• Cutlery
• Bedding
• Hygiene products
• Full water tanks
• Fuel tanks

Much of this stuff will decrease across the journey. Food will be eaten, water will be used, and the gross camper trailer weight will change. 

It’s not uncommon for an RV’s gross vehicle weight (GVW) to be much lower on the way home than at the start, therefore needing a tongue weight adjustment. 

Additionally, as you arrange and rearrange cargo, that will affect your camper tongue weight needs. 

What Is the Ideal Tongue Weight Range for RVs?

The ideal tongue weight range for RVs is 10–15% of the gross vehicle weight. This depends on so many factors: the type of trailer, the cargo, and the passengers. 

Using the standard 10–15% range, we’ll break down GWV examples on different unloaded trailer types. 

Understand that these are estimates, and you will need to find your exact trailer specifications before traveling. You also need to include the weight of your passengers and cargo. 

RV Trailer Type	Average Weight (unloaded)	10% tongue weight	15% tongue weight
Teardrop	1,700 pounds	170 pounds	255 pounds
A-Frame	1,700 pounds	170 pounds	255 pounds
Pop-Up Camper	2,300 pounds	230 pounds	345 pounds
Small Travel	2,800 pounds	280 pounds	420 pounds
5th Wheel Camper	12,700 pounds	1,270 pounds	6,350 pounds

Full RV Tongue Weight Example

You have a pop-up camper trailer, which weighs 2,300 pounds without passengers or cargo. You load up the camper with 250 pounds of supplies, including full water tanks and fuel, plus the various supplies needed for a fun weekend trip. 

You estimate that your passengers (including yourself) add another 500 pounds to the load.

2,300+250+500=3,050 pounds

10%=305 pounds

15%=475.5 pounds 

So, your ideal RV tongue weight is anywhere between 305 and 475.5 pounds. 

How to Measure RV Tongue Weight Accurately and Safely

To measure RV tongue weight accurately and safely, do it every time you are about to drive. As mentioned above, the total weight of your RV can shift without you realizing. 

Some easy ways to measure your tongue weight include: 

• A vehicle scale (found near rest stops or dumps)
• An RV tongue weight scale
• The see-saw method
• Online calculators

Learn more about measuring tongue weights. 

8 Warning Signs of RV Tongue Weight Problems

Here are eight common warning signs that there is a tongue weight problem with your RV: 

1. The RV is swaying
2. Unresponsive brakes
3. Unresponsive trailer while turning
4. Losing steering control/difficulty steering
5. The RV is lifting near the front tires
6. The hitch is pointing downward, creating a “V” shape within your setup
7. Sagging suspension
8. Tire deformation

Learn more about the dangers of an improper tongue weight. 

How to Prevent or Fix Trailer Sway While On the Road

Here are some ways you can fix RV trailer sway on the road. Remember, the best thing you can do is to pull off to the side of the road when it’s safe to do so.

Slow Down

First and foremost, if you feel the trailer swaying or that you’re losing control of your vehicle, slow down. Driving at moderate speeds helps prevent strain on your setup and eases the amount of force the wind pushes against you.

Take Wide Turns

When facing a turn or a corner, make sure to give yourself plenty of space to turn. Wide turns prevent an unbalanced load and can prevent turnovers. 

Be Aware of Your Surroundings

Not that you aren’t already watching your environment, but it’s good to be hyper-aware. Having enough time to stop or avoid situations can make it easier to fix or prevent swaying.

Inspect Tires

Throughout your travels, occasionally check on your tires. If they appear to be sagging, they may need more pressure. Deflated tires can cause accidents. 

Ease Up On Acceleration Instead of Braking

Instead of automatically going for the brake, first lift your foot from the accelerator. Reducing speed is better when transporting heavy cargo. Use your brakes when you absolutely need to stop. 

Ensure Even Weight Distribution

Since you have a variety of cargo and passengers, ensure you spread your load throughout your car and trailer. Having too much load on either the front or rear can cause swaying (and issues with your tongue weight).

Use Weight Distribution Hitches

Weight distribution hitches can provide extra support to your axles, which is useful for long road trips. 

RV Tongue Weight Safety Checklist

• Your vehicle has enough gas, coolant, oil, and the battery is full
• Water tanks are full 
• Cargo is secure
• Weight is evenly distributed
• The vehicle and trailer are level with each other and the road
• Tongue weight is between 10–15% of total weight
• The loaded trailer doesn’t exceed the gross vehicle weight rating
• All tires (vehicle and trailer) are properly inflated
• All tires (vehicle and trailer) are balanced
• There’s no significant damage to all tires (vehicle and trailer) 
• Wheel fasteners are tight
• All lights are working
• The brakes are working properly for the vehicle and trailer
• The receiver is securely mounted to your vehicle
• The hitch ball and coupler are connected securely
• The latch is locked

Stable RV Towing Starts With Proper Tongue Weight

Make ensuring proper tongue weight easy with Weigh Safe. We offer hitches with built-in scales so you can adjust on the go.

Enjoy going on long trips with loved ones. 

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Frequently Asked Questions About RV Tongue Weight