RV Cost Calculator Hitch Weight Distribution Calculator
Calculate tongue weight, payload capacity, and ensure safe towing
Why Weight Distribution Matters
Improper tongue weight is the #1 cause of trailer sway accidents. Too little weight causes dangerous fishtailing. Too much weight overloads your vehicle and reduces steering control. This calculator helps you find the safe zone for confident towing.
Trailer Information
Typical weight: 6,000 lbs
Clothing, food, equipment, toys
Typically 2 tanks × 30 lbs = 60 lbs
Tow Vehicle Information
Use a tongue weight scale to measure
Check door sticker or owner's manual
Vehicle + passengers + fuel + gear
Max tongue: 800 lbs
Distributes weight to front axle
⚠️ Recommendation: A weight distribution hitch is strongly recommended for your setup to improve stability and handling.
Weight Distribution Analysis
Current: 6,100 lbs
Used: 87.1%
Max TW: 800 lbs
Your trailer: 6,500 lbs
• Tongue weight in range
• Stable setup
• Safe for highway travel
🚨 Brake Controller Required: Trailers over 2,000 lbs require electric brakes and a brake controller in most jurisdictions. Your trailer at 6,500 lbs must have both.
Axle Weight Transfer Effects
Front Axle
⚠️ Weight lifted from front (reduces steering control)
Consider weight distribution hitch
Rear Axle
Additional weight on rear axle from tongue load. Ensure rear suspension can handle the load.
Understanding Weight Transfer:
- Bumper Pull Trailers: Tongue weight behind rear axle causes front axle lift, reducing steering control. WDH counteracts this.
- Fifth Wheel Trailers: Pin weight over/ahead of rear axle actually adds weight to front, improving handling.
- Effect on Braking: Front weight loss reduces braking effectiveness. Always test braking in safe area after hookup.
How to Measure & Adjust Tongue Weight
Get a Tongue Weight Scale
Sherline or similar scales ($80-150) are accurate. Bathroom scales work but are less accurate. Place scale under jack, lower trailer until jack is supporting weight, read scale.
Load Trailer Properly
Place 60% of cargo weight forward of axles, 40% behind. Heavy items (tools, water, batteries) go low and forward. Keep weight centered side-to-side.
Check Tongue Weight
With trailer fully loaded for travel (including water if you travel with it), measure tongue weight. Target: 10-15% of trailer weight = 650 - 975 lbs for your setup.
Adjust if Needed
Too low: Move heavy items forward, move axles back (requires shop). Too high: Move weight toward rear, shift water/propane back, check if items can be removed.
Test Drive
Test in safe area at increasing speeds. Check for sway, poor steering response, or bouncing. If problems persist, recheck weight distribution or consider sway control system.
Why You Need a Weight Distribution Hitch
Restores Front Axle Weight
Your 600 lb tongue weight lifts approximately 60 lbs from your front axle, reducing steering control and braking. WDH redistributes this weight back to the front.
Dramatically Reduces Sway
WDH with integrated sway control can reduce trailer sway by 80%. Essential for trailers over 5,000 lbs or when tongue weight exceeds 500 lbs.
Improves Braking & Handling
Better weight distribution means better braking response, reduced rear squat, and improved steering feel. Your vehicle will handle more like it does without a trailer.
Recommended WDH Systems:
- Equal-i-zer: $500-700 - Excellent sway control, popular choice
- Fastway e2: $400-600 - Good value, integrated sway control
- Reese Dual Cam: $300-450 - Budget-friendly, proven design
- Andersen WDH: $350-500 - Lightweight, easy setup
Common Tongue Weight Problems & Solutions
🔴 Problem: Trailer Sways at Highway Speeds
Likely Cause: Tongue weight too low (under 10%) or improper loading
Solution:
- Measure tongue weight - should be 10-15% of trailer weight
- Move heavy items forward in trailer
- Check tire pressure on both vehicle and trailer
- Install WDH with sway control
- Reduce speed - don't fight sway with steering inputs
🔴 Problem: Vehicle Headlights Point Up at Night
Likely Cause: Tongue weight too high or no WDH
Solution:
- Measure tongue weight - may exceed 15% of trailer weight
- Move heavy items toward rear (but keep above 10%)
- Install weight distribution hitch to level vehicle
- Check vehicle payload capacity - may be overloaded
🔴 Problem: Poor Braking Performance
Likely Cause: Front axle weight loss or brake controller not adjusted
Solution:
- Install WDH to restore front axle weight
- Adjust brake controller gain - start at 6, increase if needed
- Verify trailer brakes are working properly
- Check that brake controller is properly wired
- Test in safe area before highway driving
🔴 Problem: Rear Suspension Bottoming Out
Likely Cause: Exceeding vehicle payload capacity
Solution:
- Reduce tongue weight by redistributing cargo
- Remove unnecessary items from vehicle
- Consider air bags or helper springs (doesn't increase capacity!)
- May need larger tow vehicle if persistently overweight
- Never exceed vehicle GVWR - check door sticker
🔴 Problem: Trailer Tongue Too Heavy to Lift
Likely Cause: Poor weight distribution in trailer
Solution:
- Use power tongue jack for hitching
- Move batteries, water tanks, and heavy items rearward
- Verify axles are in correct position (may need shop adjustment)
- Use blocks or dolly wheel for manual positioning
- Tongue weight over 15% indicates loading problem
Essential Weight Management Equipment
🎯 Tongue Weight Scale
Sherline scale or similar. Essential for proper setup.
$80-150
⚖️ Weight Distribution Hitch
Equal-i-zer, Fastway e2, or Reese. Critical for trailers over 5,000 lbs.
$300-700
🎮 Brake Controller
Tekonsha, CURT, or Reese. Required for trailers over 2,000 lbs.
$100-300
📊 Tire Pressure Monitor
TST, EEZ RV, or TireMinder. Alerts to blowouts.
$200-500
📷 Backup Camera
Furrion, Haloview, or Rear View Safety. See behind long trailers.
$150-400
🔧 Torque Wrench
For checking lug nuts. Essential safety tool.
$40-120
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between tongue weight and hitch weight?
They're the same thing - the downward force the trailer tongue/coupler puts on the hitch ball. For fifth wheels, it's called "pin weight" or "king pin weight," but the concept is identical. It's always measured with trailer level and fully loaded.
Can I tow a trailer heavier than my vehicle?
Yes, but only up to your vehicle's rated towing capacity. The trailer can weigh more than your empty vehicle weight. However, the tongue weight MUST stay within your vehicle's payload capacity. Check your door sticker for GVWR and payload ratings. Never exceed either limit.
Do I really need a weight distribution hitch?
If your trailer weighs over 5,000 lbs, tongue weight exceeds 500 lbs, or trailer is over 25 feet, yes. WDH dramatically improves handling, braking, and safety. Many tow vehicle manufacturers require WDH above certain weights - check your manual. It's not just recommended, it's often required.
How do I measure tongue weight without a scale?
Use a bathroom scale and a pipe/board setup: Place scale 3 feet from coupler, balance board on scale and jack stand. Multiply scale reading by distance ratio. But a proper tongue weight scale ($80-150) is more accurate and worth the investment for safety.
Can I increase my vehicle's payload capacity?
No. Payload capacity is determined by your vehicle's GVWR minus its weight. Air bags and helper springs DON'T increase capacity - they only help suspension handle the rated weight. To tow heavier, you need a vehicle with higher GVWR. Never exceed GVWR regardless of modifications.
What happens if my tongue weight is too low?
Trailer sway - potentially deadly at highway speeds. Under 10% tongue weight makes trailers unstable. Wind, passing trucks, or slight steering inputs can trigger violent swaying. If this happens: don't brake hard, don't steer into sway, gradually slow down using trailer brakes if equipped.
Should I travel with fresh water in my tank?
Only if necessary. Water weighs 8.34 lbs/gallon - a 60-gallon tank adds 500 lbs. This significantly impacts tongue weight and payload. Most RVers travel with empty tanks and fill at destination. If you must carry water, account for it in weight calculations.
How often should I check tongue weight?
Check after initial setup, any time you add/remove major items (batteries, generator, etc.), or if you notice handling changes. Also check if you significantly change how you load the trailer. Most RVers check once per season or after major changes.
Real-World Weight Distribution Lessons
(10-15% of loaded weight)
Dave H. - Full-timer
35' Travel Trailer, Ford F-250
"I towed for 2 years thinking my 8% tongue weight was 'close enough.' Terrifying sway incident on I-40 in high winds changed everything. Measured properly - I was at 7%. Moved tool chest and generator forward, got WDH with sway control. Now at 12% tongue weight. Night and day difference. Highway driving is actually relaxing now. Don't learn this lesson the hard way like I did."
Lesson: Proper tongue weight prevents dangerous sway
Linda M. - Weekend Warrior
28' Fifth Wheel, Chevy 2500HD
"My truck was rated to tow 18,000 lbs, trailer was only 10,000 - thought I was golden. Wrong. My payload capacity was just 2,200 lbs. With pin weight of 2,000 lbs plus us, dog, and gear, I was 400 lbs over GVWR. Didn't realize until I got weighed at a CAT scale. Had to remove 600 lbs of stuff from trailer. Now I weigh everything and stay within limits."
Lesson: Towing capacity ≠ Payload capacity - both matter!
Mike T. - New RVer
24' Travel Trailer, Toyota Tundra
"Dealer told me my Tundra could tow my 6,500 lb trailer 'no problem.' Technically true - but headlights aimed at sky, rear squatted, handled terribly. $500 WDH installation transformed everything. Truck sits level, steering feels normal, wife isn't white-knuckling anymore. Should have been included in the sale. If you're towing over 5,000 lbs, WDH isn't optional."
Lesson: WDH is essential equipment, not optional
Essential Towing Safety Tips
✓ Pre-Trip Checklist
- Check tongue weight is in range
- Verify hitch is fully latched and locked
- Connect safety chains (crossed underneath)
- Plug in brake controller and test lights
- Check tire pressure (vehicle and trailer)
- Verify breakaway brake cable attached
- Test trailer brakes before leaving
✓ Driving Best Practices
- Drive 5-10 mph under speed limit
- Increase following distance 2-3x
- Brake earlier and more gradually
- Avoid sudden lane changes
- Use trailer brakes on downgrades
- Pull over if sway starts - don't fight it
- Check mirrors constantly
✓ Weight Management
- Weigh at CAT scale when fully loaded
- Keep tongue weight 10-15% (bumper) or 15-25% (fifth wheel)
- Never exceed vehicle GVWR or payload
- Load heavy items low and forward
- Secure all cargo - shifting changes tongue weight
- Travel with empty water tanks if possible
✓ Emergency Procedures
- If sway: don't brake or steer into it
- Use trailer brake controller to slow
- Gradually release throttle
- Find safe place to pull over ASAP
- Check load distribution and tire pressure
- Reduce speed and proceed with caution
- Consider stopping for the day if severe
Strategic Loading Guide
Front Section (Before Axle)
60% of cargo weight goes here - This creates proper tongue weight
Heavy Items (Low & Forward):
- Batteries & power inverters
- Tool chests & toolboxes
- Generators (if carried inside)
- Canned goods & bottled water
- Grills & camp stoves
Medium Items:
- Fresh water tank (if traveling full)
- Propane tanks (in exterior storage)
- Kitchen items & cookware
- Firewood bundles
- Bikes (on front-mounted rack)
Rear Section (Behind Axle)
40% of cargo weight goes here - Too much weight causes low tongue weight
Light/Medium Items:
- Clothing & bedding
- Towels & linens
- Camping chairs & tables
- Awning mats & outdoor gear
- Sports equipment (kayaks, etc.)
Never in Rear:
- ❌ Batteries or heavy tools
- ❌ Full water tanks
- ❌ Multiple generators
- ❌ Multiple bikes on rear rack
- ❌ Heavy grill or accessories
Side-to-Side Balance
Critical: Keep weight centered left-to-right to prevent tire overload and handling issues
- Water Heater: Balance with gray/black tanks on opposite side
- Slide-Outs: Account for their weight when extended
- Refrigerator: Typically on one side - balance with pantry items
- Exterior Storage: Distribute evenly across compartments
- Spare Tire: If rear-mounted, keep other rear items centered
When & How to Weigh Your Rig
Why Weighing Matters
Manufacturer weight ratings are for empty trailers. Real-world weights with gear, water, propane, and supplies can be 1,000-2,000 lbs more. The only way to know your actual weights is to visit a certified scale.
🏪 Where to Weigh: CAT Scale ($12-14)
Found at truck stops nationwide. Most accurate and affordable option.
- Pull forward with trailer still attached
- Position front axle on first platform, rear on second, trailer on third
- Get ticket - shows front, rear, and trailer weights separately
- Reweigh ($3) if you make adjustments
📅 When to Weigh Your Rig
- Before first trip: Essential baseline with typical gear
- After major purchases: Solar panels, batteries, generators, bikes
- Seasonally: Fall (winterizing) and spring (de-winterizing)
- If handling changes: New sway, poor braking, or squat
- When changing vehicles: Verify new vehicle can handle load
- After any modifications: Axle changes, tank upgrades, etc.
📊 What to Check on Weight Ticket
Vehicle Checks:
- Front + rear axle ≤ GVWR
- Rear axle ≤ GAWR
- Front axle ≤ GAWR
- Individual tire loads safe
Trailer Checks:
- Total weight ≤ GVWR
- Weight ≤ hitch rating
- Per-axle ≤ GAWR
- Tongue weight in range
Towing Upgrades Worth Considering
Weight Distribution Hitch + Sway Control
$500Essential for: Trailers over 5,000 lbs or tongue weight over 500 lbs
Equal-i-zer, Fastway e2, or Andersen. Dramatically improves handling, reduces sway by 80%, restores front axle weight for better steering and braking.
Electronic Brake Controller
$200Required for: Trailers over 2,000 lbs (legal requirement most places)
Tekonsha P3, CURT Echo, or Reese Towpower. Proportional braking syncs trailer brakes with vehicle. Time-delayed or proportional - get proportional for smooth stops.
TPMS - Tire Pressure Monitoring System
$350Recommended for: All trailers - prevent blowouts
TST 507, EEZTire, or TireMinder. Real-time pressure/temperature monitoring. Alerts before blowout occurs. Blowouts cause $3,000+ damage - TPMS pays for itself.
Extended Tow Mirrors
$150Essential for: Wide trailers - see past trailer sides
CIPA, Fit System, or OEM. Power-folding with heat/signal recommended. Proper mirrors = safe lane changes. Clip-on mirrors work for occasional towing.
Air Bags / Helper Springs
$400Use case: Reduce rear squat - DOES NOT increase capacity!
Firestone, Air Lift, or SuperSprings. Helps if maxing payload. Common misconception: these don't let you carry more weight. Still must stay under GVWR.
Tow Safely with Proper Weight Distribution
Correct tongue weight and payload management are critical for safe, confident towing
Your Configuration Summary:
Critical Reminders:
- ✓ ⚠️ Adjust tongue weight to 650-975 lbs
- ✓ ⚠️ Reduce weight - undefined
- ✓ Hitch capacity is adequate
- ✓ ⚠️ Weight distribution hitch recommended
- ✓ Brake controller required by law
- ✓ Weigh at CAT scale before first long trip
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Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates and general guidance for RV towing weight distribution.
Always follow your vehicle and trailer manufacturer's specific weight ratings and towing recommendations. Actual towing capacity varies by vehicle configuration, options, and payload. Never exceed GVWR, GCWR, GAWR, hitch capacity, or any published weight limits. This tool is for planning purposes only and not professional advice. Always weigh your loaded vehicle and trailer at a certified scale. Improper weight distribution can result in loss of vehicle control, trailer sway, accidents, or death. State and local towing laws vary - verify requirements in your jurisdiction. When in doubt, consult a professional.