Tongue weight

Ron Gratz wrote:
The upper limit of 15% originated with tests conducted in 1979 using subcompact, compact, and intermediate cars as tow vehicles.

If the tests were done today with modern tow vehicles, the numbers probably would be different.

IMO, if the TV can handle the tongue weight, there's nothing wrong with having a TW% greater than 15%.

Ron

I highly disagree stating there is nothing wrong towing with over 15%. And from someone who loves to crunch numbers on here and write dozens of posts that very few comprehend...I would actually call this irresponsible.

That's not a well balanced TT if it has over 15% of its gross is on the tongue when loaded as intended (meaning toy haulers w/toys actually loaded).

Even if the truck can handle it by the numbers, its still a TT with its weight far behind the axle and not a 5th wheel directly over the rear axle. Smaller trailers and the largest trucks wont know the difference...I'll give in that much.

Too much on the tongue takes that much more weight off the front axle. Sure you might have a WDH, but they all recommend 10-15% tongue weight also. And now you likely need heavier bars to compensate for the heavy tongue.
So if you're over 15%, I would ask why. There are not many good reasons to purposely haul a TT with over 15% tongue weight.

Look at the number's we're talking about...

15% of 5,000lbs = 750
15% of 6,000lbs = 900
15% of 7,000lbs = 1050
15% of 8,000lbs = 1200