Tongue Weight

[chemong]

After checking the tongue weight (or hitch weight) on my 13' Trillium (by means of a bathroom scale), I was surprised to see it weigh in at 260lbs.
The manufacturer certificate inside the trailer cupboard states the tongue weight to be between 115 - 130lbs. I know it is usually around 10% of the total trailer weight.
There is a half full 20lb. propane tank and a battery (22lbs) attached to the tongue and the trailer is not loaded with any cargo.
Any thoughts on why the trailer tongue is so heavy ??
Carl

[Frederick L. Simson]

Any thoughts on why the trailer tongue is so heavy ??
Carl

Are you placing the hitch coupler (Ball Socket) on the scale? Or the Jack stand?

[Byron Kinnaman]

To ask another question. Is the trailer level?

[chemong]

Thanks for the replies...
The trailer is level. I did place the jack stand and not the coupler on the scale... I'll try that tomorrow.

[Donna D.]

Best way to find true hitch weight is to hook up the trailer to the tug and measure the height to the top of the ball/coupler. Now unhitch and weigh the tongue at that coupler height. The fulcrum effect can cause the weight to be more if you are weighing "tongue down." The reverse is true if "tongue up." And what you're trying to figure out is the exact weight at tow height on your particular tug.

[Pete Dumbleton]

Bear in mind that the manf stated tongue weight is often based on a percentage of the dry weight before options; that's just the way a theoretical trailer comes from the factory and is not a true, operating number.

The real-world tongue weight should be based on a SCALE weight of the trailer with its normal operating load of water, LP, food, clothing, pots, pans, etc.