UNSAFE LOAD DISTRIBUTION
Improper front / rear load distribution can lead to an unstable trailer or poor tow vehicle handling.
Poor trailer stability results from tongue weights that are too low, and poor tow vehicle
stability results from tongue weights that are too high. Refer to the appropriate “Loading the
Trailer” section for more information.
In the following table, the second column shows the rule of thumb percentage of total weight of
trailer. For example, a trailer with a gooseneck hitch, with a loaded weight of 12,000 pounds,
A dump trailer will have the proper weight distribution if the load is evenly distributed in the
tongue weight. After loading, be sure to check that none of the axles are overloaded.
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GENERAL SAFETY INFORMATION
TONGUE WEIGHT AS A PERCENTAGE OF LOADED TRAILER WEIGHT
Type Of Hitch
Ball Hitch (or Bumper Hitch)
Gooseneck
Percentage
10–15% for large
trailers
6-10% for smaller utility
trailers
10-25%
Uneven left / right load distribution can cause tire, wheel, axle or structural failure. Be sure your
trailer is evenly loaded left / right. Towing stability also depends on keeping the center of gravity
as low as possible.
WARNING
Improper tongue weight (load distribution) can result in loss of control of the
trailer, leading to death or serious injury. Make certain that tongue weight is
within the allowable range.
Be sure to:
• Distribute the load front-to-rear to provide proper tongue weight (see chart).
body.
• Distribute the load evenly, right and left.
• Keep the center of gravity low.