How to calculate tongue weight

Calculating a target tongue weight is simple arithmetic: take the trailer's loaded weight and multiply by the recommended percentage for its type. (Prefer to skip the math? Thetongue weight calculator does it instantly and in pounds or kilograms.)

The formula

tongue weight = loaded weight × target percentage

The target percentage depends on the trailer:

• Conventional / bumper-pull (travel, utility, cargo, horse): 10–15% of gross trailer weight. Use ~12.5% as a single target.
• Boat trailer: 5–7% of the total loaded weight (boat, motor, fuel, gear and trailer) — about 6% single-axle, 5% tandem.
• Gooseneck / fifth-wheel (pin weight): 15–25% of gross trailer weight, planned around 20%.

Worked examples

Travel trailer — 5,000 lb

5,000 lb × 10–15% = 500–750 lb, with ~625 lb (12.5%) as the target.

Boat + trailer — 2,250 lb total, single axle

2,250 lb × 5–7% = 112.5–157.5 lb, with ~135 lb (6%) ideal.

Fifth-wheel — 15,000 lb

15,000 lb × 15–25% = 2,250–3,750 lb of pin weight, ~3,000 lb (20%) as a planning figure. That's weight landing in the truck bed — budget your payload for it.

A calculation is only an estimate

The formula tells you what tongue weight should be, not what it is. Your actual tongue weight is set by how the trailer is packed — moving cargo a foot forward or back changes it a lot. Once you're loaded the way you'll tow,measure the real tongue weight and adjust the load until it lands in range.