How much should your trailer tongue weight be?

Homerr

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Joined
Mar 4, 2002
Messages
2,294
What should the tounge weight be on a trailer?<br /><br />For example. I'm buying a 26 ft boat, but the trailer is made for a sherman tank! It's a tandem axle Caulkins.<br /><br />How much should the tongue weight be so I don't crush my truck's axle? Where should the boat sit in relation to the tounge weight?<br /><br />I've towed 19 to 32 ft travel trailers before, and they were both quite heavy. I didn't have any problems both pulling and stopping, however they also had electric brakes.<br /><br />Thanks,<br /><br />H.
 

videofxr

Cadet
Joined
Apr 21, 2002
Messages
13
Re: How much should your trailer tongue weight be?

About 10% of total boat weight.
 

Homerr

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Mar 4, 2002
Messages
2,294
Re: How much should your trailer tongue weight be?

Thanks for the quick reply..<br />I was guessing about 15%.<br /><br />H.
 

Bob_VT

Moderator & Unofficial iBoats Historian
Staff member
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May 19, 2001
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26,064
Re: How much should your trailer tongue weight be?

This is a Trailer topic. Take some time and read the posts on the Trailer forum. Lots of tips.<br /><br />Bob
 

FlyBoyMark

Ensign
Joined
Apr 14, 2002
Messages
934
Re: How much should your trailer tongue weight be?

From an ex trailer fabricator...thats 10% of the G.V.W. (trailer + boat)...make sure that the ball mount is rated for the tonge weight and gross weight...and also check to see if the ball itself is rated for the gross load.<br /> :D
 

Homerr

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Mar 4, 2002
Messages
2,294
Re: How much should your trailer tongue weight be?

Thanks guys.<br /><br />H.
 
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