Craftsman 123.24201 - Manual (Page 37)

tongue exerts an upward pull on the hitch, instead of pushing down on it (because
the trailer is overloaded behind its axle(s)), the rear wheel of the tow vehicle can
lose traction or grip and cause loss of control. Also, even if there is some weight on
the tongue, but not enough weight on the tongue, the trailer can suddenly become
unstable at high speeds.
If, on the other hand, there is too much tongue weight, the front tvheels of the tow
vehicle can be too lightly loaded and cause loss of steering control and ttactioti, as
well, if the front wdieels are driving
In addition to tow vehicle control, tongue weight is necessary to insure that the trailer
axle(s) do not exceed their Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR),
The table below has ‘huks of thumb” for proper tongue weight
Irr the table below, the second column notes the rule of Thumb percentage of total
weight of the trailer plus its cargo (Gross Vehicle Weight, or “GVW") that should
appear on the tongue of the trailer For example, a trailer with a bail hitch and a
loaded weight of 1.000 pounds, should have lO-l .5% of 1,000 pounds on tire tongue
That is, the example trailer would have no more than 100 to 150 pounds on its tongue.
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