What percentage should trailer tongue weight be?

For bumper-pull travel trailers, target tongue weight must be between 10% and 15% of the total loaded trailer weight, with 12% to 13% considered optimal to prevent high-speed sway.

What size weight distribution hitch spring bars do I need?

Spring bar ratings must match loaded tongue weight plus cargo behind the truck rear axle. Under 600 lbs uses light-duty bars; 600-1,000 lbs uses standard 1,000 lb bars; and 1,000-1,400 lbs requires heavy-duty kits.

Trailer Tongue Weight & Weight Distribution Calculator

1. Enter Vehicle & Trailer Specs

Truck GVWR (lbs): Gross Vehicle Weight Rating from driver door sticker.

Truck Curb Weight (lbs): Empty weight of the truck with full fuel.

Truck Max Payload Capacity (lbs): Maximum payload rating from tire/loading door sticker.

Total Cargo & Passengers INSIDE Truck (lbs): Weight of drivers, passengers, tools, and hitch shank.

Fully Loaded Trailer Weight (lbs): Actual total weight of trailer loaded for a trip.

2. Safety & Setup Analysis

Target Tongue Weight Range (10% - 15%):

0 - 0 lbs

Estimated Actual Tongue Weight (12% Avg):

0 lbs

Remaining Available Truck Payload:

0 lbs

Recommended WD Spring Bar Rating:

Enter trailer specs

Travel Trailer Weight vs. WD Spring Bar Capacity Matrix

Industry standard spring bar ratings mapped against trailer gross weights at 10% to 15% tongue weights:

Loaded Trailer Weight	10% Tongue Wt	12% Avg Tongue Wt	15% Max Tongue Wt	Recommended WD Hitch Rating	Min Hitch Receiver
3,500 lbs (Pop-Up / Light)	350 lbs	420 lbs	525 lbs	600 lbs Light-Duty System	Class III (2")
5,000 lbs (Small Camper)	500 lbs	600 lbs	750 lbs	800–1,000 lbs Standard WD	Class III / IV
7,500 lbs (Mid-Size Trailer)	750 lbs	900 lbs	1,125 lbs	1,000 lbs Standard WD System	Class IV (2")
9,500 lbs (Bunkhouse / Toy)	950 lbs	1,140 lbs	1,425 lbs	1,200–1,400 lbs Heavy Duty Kit	Class IV / V (2.5")
12,000 lbs (Commercial / Heavy)	1,200 lbs	1,440 lbs	1,800 lbs	1,600 lbs Commercial WD System	Class V (2.5" or 3")

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my truck payload is exceeded by a trailer?

Subtract occupant weight, bed cargo, and trailer tongue weight (plus 100 lbs for the WD hitch head) from the door-jamb payload rating. If negative, the vehicle is overloaded regardless of tow capacity.

Does a weight distribution hitch add payload capacity to my truck?

No. It leverages weight forward to the steering axle and rearward to trailer axles, but cannot increase vehicle GVWR or factory axle ratings.

Recommended Heavy Duty Towing Gear

Weight Distribution Hitch

Matches calculated capacity to eliminate sway and restore steering contact.

View Verified Hitches

Tongue Weight Scale

Measure actual tongue load at the coupler before towing to confirm 10%–15% balance.

Check Scale Prices

Digital Brake Controller

Ensure proportional, smooth stopping power for multi-axle travel trailers.

Browse Brake Modules

Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, this website earns from qualifying purchases made through referral links on this page at zero additional cost to you.

Safety Disclaimer: Calculations are mathematical estimations for planning purposes. Always verify setups with physical scales and check manufacturer vehicle limits before travel.