Travel Trailer tongue weight check

I demonstrate how to measure tongue weight then show the min/max calculations based on manufacturer specs. Target tongue weight is a range between 10-15%.
Items I used in this video:
Tongue weight scale: amzn.to/3eP1RCp
Leveling blocks: amzn.to/3jkZPNu
The above are Amazon affiliate links and help support my channel without any additional cost to you. Note that the Sherline scale link is for the 1000 pound max model, there is also a 2000 pound model if you have a trailer that weighs over 8000 pounds or so.
If you enjoyed this video and would like to make a small donation, you can buy me a coffee here at www.buymeacoff... Thanks for your support!

[@TheEmmauswalk]

Thanks John. Tongue weight is super important, since it will make the tow vehicle swag & also headlights point up. I was skeptical about buying the weight, but after you showed it works great we got one.

[@BB-xb3mz]

You also need to make sure your tongue weight does not exceed the MAX tongue weight for your tow vehicle.

[@grizzlyfamily3829]

I also bought one of these tongue scales they work pretty good slightly finicky but overall fairly accurate my studies have showed me you can move approximately 16% of the total tongue weight back onto the trailer but the job of the equalizer hitch is to balance your truck front and rear axles to get them as closest possible. Thank you for the video and taking the time to post it

[@JohnsDIYPlayground]

Thanks for watching! Tongue weight is so important to a safe and stable towing experience. I'm glad to hear you're testing your system and it will give you peace of mind.

[@bwnusephoto]

Unless I’m not understanding your explanation correctly, your tongue weight is calculated by multiplying your total trailer weight by 0.1 to 0.15 to get your min and max tongue weight range. It’s not calculated by using the trailer’s GVWR like in your example. Your tongue weight will change depending on how much weight you have loaded in the trailer and where you have it loaded within the trailer. I typically shoot for 12.5% tongue weight to put the tongue weight right in the midrange. I know my trailers dry weight and the weight of all the standard take along items, so I just add the two together plus the weight of any additional items like supplies and this gives me a close total trailer weight. I then calculate my optimal tongue weight based on that total weight. I have never come close to the trailer’s rated cargo capacity, so the GVWR of the trailer is irrelevant in making any calculations.

[@AHH24219]

Just bought one of these jacks. Seems to me that the first thing you should do is weight the camper when it is fully loaded, then use this scale to make sure your load in the camper is properly distributed. Manufacture weight listing can be off big time.

[@user-fq3mk4os7e]

Yeah tongue weight is very important but let me just say if a couple little propane cans are a concern you need to get a different tow vehicle. I'm used to pulling heavy equipment around for if you have 800lbs or 1000lbs to me that's not a difference at all unless you're pulling with some little suv or somthing. Just because you're over 15% a little isn't a concern. It's more a concern if you're under 10 and even 10 IMO isn't enough

[@larrymccorkle3409]

John- I’d love to hear your assessment of the Andersen Weight Distribution hitch? Thanks, Larry

[@JohnsDIYPlayground]

I’ve had mine for a few years now and would recommend it. I like how I can adjust the chain tension based on my tongue weight and that it’s a pretty quiet hitch. Most importantly the sway in the wind is manageable, I never have to manually trigger my trailer brake controller.

[@InTheDirtAgain]

10-15% is standard. You're fine

[@AlexPetersonRV]

John, thanks. Wow, the GD advertised tongue weight for that model (2022 version) empty is 590lbs. Your measured 825 is huge difference. Take the battery off and you'd still be around 775, or 185 over the mfr's numbers.

[@JohnsDIYPlayground]

Thanks for this feedback! I will get my trailer on the scales this spring to see if I'm overweight for the thing or just need to shift some of my cargo to the rear.

[@johndeilus7333]

I bought a GDXLS 23LDE with advertised 524lbs Hitch weight and 6995lbs Gross weight. I checked it today with full propane tanks, battery, and abut 2/3rd loaded with all gear. put a scale under the hitch came up with 700LBS. I still have to load more stuff, but most will go to rear in the kitchen which should balance the weight. I hope to keep the same weight of 700.

[@tuber4tuber]

When weighed, was the tongue at the height it would be at on the truck ball? I'd think that would be important for an accurate tongue weight weighing.

[@JohnsDIYPlayground]

Yes, I probably should have mentioned that. When the scale is measuring, the trailer should be level, same as the conditions while towing.

[@Hundert1]

Is this scale the best value for the money? Thanks for caring and sharing 👍🏼👍🏼

[@JohnsDIYPlayground]

There aren’t too many options that I know of for scales like this. I bought this one because I recognize and trust the brand.

[@Hundert1]

@@JohnsDIYPlayground Sounds excellent, I ordered one from Amazon sold by Rigid Hitch inc. which has the lowest price, better than dpp engineering. Thanks 👍🏼

[@bradferguson4278]

Doesn't the tongue weight change once the weight distribution system is hooked up. I have read where a weight distribution system should push about 20% of the tongue weight back to the trailers axels. So weighing the tongue not hooked up to the truck and weight distribution system could be off by 20%? Not sure if I am thinking correctly?

[@JohnsDIYPlayground]

I agree with you, the weight is being shifted back if you use a weight distribution system. We should still check tongue weight though w/o the distribution to ensure the trailer is loaded properly with positive tongue weight. Good comment, thanks for watching!

[@bradferguson4278]

@@JohnsDIYPlayground I noticed you are using the Anderson weight distribution system, how do you like it? I have been reading about those seems like a great system

[@musicpaulweber]

Yes, I wondered that, does it really move 20% back onto the trailer axels? Matters to me since I'm near it looks like my tongue weight is too high right now, but maybe okay once I have my WDS connected.

[@RonJames-xt3hx]

Is trailer level on the scale.

[@JohnMWills]

Kind of complex for me.

[@musicpaulweber]

If I was moving one propane tank where would I place it? Back of trailer?

[@JohnsDIYPlayground]

Depends how your plumbing is setup, typically not much choice. Could just put it in the back of the truck while towing