Tongue weight · Boat trailer
boat trailer tongue weight calculator
Boat trailers run a lower tongue weight — 5–7% of the total loaded weight — because their axles sit farther aft and the engine biases the load rearward. Aim for about 6% on a single axle, 5% on a tandem.
Written by Hemant RawatLast reviewed July 2026How we verify
Your trailer
The fully loaded weight of the trailer — everything on board.
Advanced: check against a hitch rating
The max tongue weight stamped on your hitch or ball mount — the lowest of these governs.
Result
Enter your loaded trailer weight to see the recommended tongue weight range.
boat trailer: the 5–7% rule
A boat trailer should carry 5–7% of the total loaded weight (boat, motor, fuel, gear and trailer) as tongue weight, with about 6% as a practical target. Enter your loaded weight above and the calculator returns the exact range in pounds (or kilograms).
Note: Single-axle boat trailers tow best near 6%; dual/tandem-axle trailers near 5%.
Loading a boat trailer to hit the target
Where you place the load is what actually sets tongue weight — the percentage is just the goal. To keep it in range:
- Set the boat’s position on the bunks/rollers so the bow eye seats against the winch stand — that fore/aft position sets tongue weight.
- A full fuel tank and a loaded bow locker raise tongue weight; gear stowed in the stern lowers it.
- If the trailer sways empty of the boat, it is almost always too little tongue weight — move the axle or load forward.
Typical setup
SUVs and pickups; single- and tandem-axle bunk or roller boat trailers.
Verify by weighing
The number above is an estimate from the standard percentage. Your real tongue weight depends on exactly how this boat trailer is packed, so once you're loaded, measure it. Also check whether your rig calls for a weight distribution hitch, and make sure your hitch class and ball mount are right for the load.
Sources
- Bass Pro Shops (1Source) — How to measure boat trailer tongue weight
- Better Boat — Boat trailer tongue weight explained
Values are summarized from public references and were last verified July 2026. See ourmethodologyfor how we source and verify; manufacturer rating labels and your owner's manual always take precedence.