What does tongue weight refer to in relation to towing a trailer?

Tongue weight is the measure of how much weight the tongue of a trailer exerts downward on the towing hitch of a vehicle. It is crucial for safe towing, as the appropriate tongue weight helps keep the trailer stable while being towed and prevents sway or accidents on the road. A typical recommendation for tongue weight is about 10-15% of the total trailer weight. If the tongue weight is too low, the trailer can become unstable and sway; if it's too high, it can overload the towing vehicle, affecting handling and braking.

Understanding tongue weight helps in properly balancing the load within the trailer and ensures that the towing vehicle can maintain control, especially during turns and sudden stops. Proper use of this measurement contributes significantly to the safety of both the towing vehicle and the trailer.