Forum Discussion

flintsters's avatar
flintsters
Explorer
Feb 05, 2018

What's wrong with too much tongue weight?

I understand that too little tongue weight will lead to sway and that the target is between 10-15%, but are there any consequences to having more than that? I don't have concerns with my payload or WDH since I purposely purchased more than I'd need to keep myself well within the safe zone. I guess I'm wondering if it's best to air on the side of too much rather than too little while we're traveling and don't have access to scales.
  • SoundGuy wrote:
    You haven't told just which model year your 29L is but a 2010 Jayco Jay Feather 29L has a GVWR of 5800 lbs...


    Scroll down the page. The 29L has a GVWR of 7500 lb.
  • flintsters wrote:
    I understand that too little tongue weight will lead to sway and that the target is between 10-15%, but are there any consequences to having more than that? I don't have concerns with my payload or WDH since I purposely purchased more than I'd need to keep myself well within the safe zone. I guess I'm wondering if it's best to air on the side of too much rather than too little while we're traveling and don't have access to scales.


    So what does your 29L's GVW average loaded & ready to camp and what's it's average gross tongue weight? ... enough that you're concerned that you are well over 15%? :h
  • I have a 2015 Chevy 2500 diesel and towing a TT (Jay Feather 29L @ 34 ft bumper to hitch) with max weight of 7500 lbs. WDH is a Reese Steadi-Flex with 1200 lb bars. Besides the TT we'll be having 5 bikes and a generator in the truck bed (total of about 250-300 lbs). When I hook up the TT the front of my truck fenders does not change whether WDH is engaged or not. I am still trying to figure out the WDH, however, because it seems like I am getting more movement back there then I feel like I should. Seems like when I get up around 55-60 it feels like a little sway and also happens a fair amount with passing trucks.
  • Do you know the weight rating of the receiver on your tow vehicle? How about the rear axle weight rating? You did not say what tow vehicle you have only that you bought "more than I need". What do you have exactly? That would help.
  • In the extreme I imagine it's bad for the frame or the coupler at least, everything has a weight limit of some sort.

    If you're towing level and your truck headlights aren't aimed for the moon, no problem is my guess.