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The two most important factors in
selecting towing equipment are gross trailer weight (GTW) and tongue
weight (TW).
To select the
right hitch, you need information about the tow
vehicle and trailer.
For The Trailer:
Gross trailer weight (GTW) is the weight of
the trailer fully loaded in its actual towing condition.
GTW is measured by placing the fully loaded
trailer on a vehicle scale. The entire weight of the trailer should be
supported on the scale as shown in Figure 1.
Tongue weight (TW) is the downward force
exerted on the hitch ball by the trailer coupler. In most cases, it is
about 10 to 15 percent of GTW. TW of up to 300 lbs. can be measured on a
household scale by resting the trailer coupler on the scale and placing
the scale on a box so that the coupler is at its normal towing height. The
trailer must be fully loaded and level.
For heavier tongue weights, place a
household scale and a brick that's as thick as the scale three feet apart
as shown in Figure 2. Set a length of pipe on each and rest a beam across
the pipes. Re-zero the scale to correct for the weight of the beam and
pipe. Securely block the trailer wheels. Rest the trailer jack on the beam
as shown, one (1) foot from the brick and two (2) feet from the scale.
To obtain the TW, multiply the scale
reading by three (3). For greater tongue weights, place the scale and
brick four (4) feet apart, rest the jack on the beam three (3) feet from
the scale and multiply the scale reading by four (4).
For The Tow Vehicle:
Like the trailer, the tow vehicle has a maximum weight
capacity it was designed to tow. Its maximum towing capacity can be found
in the owner's manual.
Determine
GTW & TW with this convenient chart.
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