Tongue weight
The formula
tongue = trailer weight × 10–15% (conventional) or × 15–25% (fifth-wheel)
Worked example
A 5,000 lb conventional trailer needs 500–750 lb on the tongue.
Assumptions
Tongue weight runs 10–15% of loaded trailer weight for a conventional bumper-pull, and 15–25% for a fifth-wheel or gooseneck. Tongue weight counts against payload, not only against the tow rating.
Reference table
| Trailer (lb) | Conventional | Fifth-wheel |
|---|---|---|
| 2,000 | 200–300 | 300–500 |
| 5,000 | 500–750 | 750–1,250 |
| 8,000 | 800–1,200 | 1,200–2,000 |
| 12,000 | 1,200–1,800 | 1,800–3,000 |
Sources (1)
- SAE International — J2807 — Performance Requirements for Determining Tow-Vehicle Gross Combination Weight Rating (accessed 2026-08-17) T2