There’s a lot that goes into safe towing. Sure, all you want to do is take the boat down to the lake for the weekend, but there’s quite a bit more to it than simply attaching a trailer and pulling out of the driveway. Sorry to say it, but sometimes there’s even a bit of math involved!
Towing a trailer with improper tongue weight could bring you a whole lot of trouble on the roads. In this article, we are going to dig deeper into a very important topic for towing- tongue weight. If you haven’t ever considered this, now is the time to learn more about it! Air Safe Hitches is here to tell you everything you need to know.
Table of Contents
- The Importance of Proper Tongue Weight
- What is The Proper Tongue Weight?
- Calculating Tongue Weight
The Importance of Proper Tongue Weight
Have you ever noticed a truck in front of you is towing a trailer that seems to be skirting dangerously close to the next lane? Yikes! Towing a trailer with improper tongue weight can lead to trailer sway, wobbling, fishtailing, and an out of control ride. If you’re thinking that doesn’t sound very safe, you’re right!
What is The Proper Tongue Weight?
This can seem a bit imposing, but it’s not as difficult to figure out as it may sound. Your tongue weight should come in between 10% and 15% of the total weight of your loaded trailer. This is also known as your Gross Trailer Weight (GTW).
Let’s look at an example to make it a bit more clear. If you are hauling a 2,000 pound trailer that’s loaded up with 2,000 pounds worth of cargo (your boat), then your tongue weight should be between 400 and 600 pounds.
Calculating Tongue Weight
How will you know if you have the right tongue weight before you leave and have a hard time keeping your trailer steady? You can actually buy a tongue weight scale. This is a fantastic investment for heavier boats and trailers, because it will allow you to measure a much higher weight than a traditional scale.
GMC reminds us that properly loading a trailer to maintain a proper tongue weight is paramount, especially when it comes to handling. Another piece of the puzzle is your air hitch. With the right hitch mounted to your truck, your tongue weight within the safe range, and all of the weight evenly distributed, you’re ready to drive down to the lake. Enjoy your weekend!
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