Tongue Weight on Hitch

[tboltmike]

I read a state published boater safety pamphlet and it stated, sure hope I read this right, that 10% of the boat's weight should be on the hitch? That sounds like a lot of weight.

Mine is heavy, but I can lift it if need be.

Would like to ge some feedback from the experience on this site.

Thanks, Mike

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: Tongue Weight on Hitch

There are Many Many Many factors, but 10% tongue weight for a boat trailer is just about the Maximum you'd want. More like 5-8%.

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Tongue Weight on Hitch

You need as much weight as is necessary to make your set up tow correctly without any "wagging" when at cruising speed or braking. 10% is a good guideline but can be fine tuned to suit your set up. I have read many other threads where people use up to 15%
Get the bathroom scales out and see what you actually have.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Tongue Weight on Hitch

The GM trailering guide also says 10%. Trailer manufacturers say 5% to 7% but I've found over many decades of trailering that anything less than 10% with a single axle trailer is not ideal. Lesser weight with a tandem or tri-axle trailer works ok. There is a point that a weight distributing hitch is required but that's not necessary in your situation.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Tongue Weight on Hitch

Ayuh,... I agree,.. 5 to 7% is Much too Light...
I shoot for 10% Minimum, or up to 15%....

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: Tongue Weight on Hitch

Ayuh,... I agree,.. 5 to 7% is Much too Light...
I shoot for 10% Minimum, or up to 15%....

Like I said, many variables, but 15% is too much for a pole tongue trailer, sorry.

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Tongue Weight on Hitch

Like I said, many variables, but 15% is too much for a pole tongue trailer, sorry.

Disagree. Depends on your outfit. I personally tow at about 12% with the set up in my signature and a 1998 Jimmy 2 door. No issues but at below 10% I got the "wag thing"