Section 4 – Loading The Trailer
R6 3/30/2017
Page 45
tongue. That is, the example trailer would have
2,400 to 3,000 pounds on its tongue.
Tongue Weight as a Percentage of Loaded
Trailer Weight
Type of Hitch
Percentage
Ball Hitch (or Bumper Hitch)
10–15% for
large trailers
6-10% for
smaller utility
and cargo
trailers
Gooseneck Hitch
20–25%
Fifth Wheel Hitch
^ WARNING
An improperly distributed load can result in
loss of control of the trailer, and can lead to
death or serious injury.
Proper tongue weight is essential for stable
trailer handling.
Distribute the load front to rear to provide
proper tongue weight.
Distribute the load evenly, right and left, to
avoid tire overload.
Keeping the center of gravity low and
centered is essential to minimize the risk of
tip-over.
4.1 C
HECKING
T
ONGUE
W
EIGHT
To check the tongue weight, the tow vehicle and
trailer must be on level ground, as they will be
when the trailer is being towed.
For lighter trailers the recommended method of
checking tongue weight is to use an accessory
called a “tongue weight scale.” The following
tongue weight scales are available from your
Featherlite dealer. (The 2000 lb. capacity model is
most commonly useful.)
Capacity
Part Number
1,000 lbs.
014009.0001
2,000 lbs.
014009.0002
5,000 lbs.
014009.0005
If a tongue weight scale is not available from your
dealer, call Featherlite, Inc. at 800-800-1230 for
assistance.
^ WARNING
An unrestrained trailer can fall off its
support, resulting in serious injury or
death.
Block trailer wheels, front and rear, before
checking tongue weight.
For most trailers it is easier to go to a truck stop
where there is a “certified” scale. Pull the trailer
onto the scale and decouple it from the tow vehicle,
leaving just the trailer on the scale. Get a “ticket”,
which lists the total trailer weight. Re-connect the
trailer to your tow vehicle and the drive the tow
vehicle wheels off the scale, just leaving the trailer
axles on the scale. Get a second “ticket”, which lists
the trailer’s axle weight. Simple subtract the axle
weight from the total weight to determine the hitch
weight.
It is also desirable, while you are at the scale, to
weigh the entire combination vehicle. This result
should be less than the Gross Combined Weight
Rating (GCWR) for your towing vehicle. Some
scales allow you to get individual axle weights also.
If this is possible, get the tow vehicles front and rear
axle weights to make sure they are in the same
proportion as the tow vehicle alone, and that the
rear axle is not overloaded.
You are responsible to secure your cargo in such a
way that it does not shift within the trailer, while the
trailer is being towed. The “ride” inside a trailer
can be very bumpy and rough.
^ WARNING
A shifting load can result in failure, or to
loss of control of the trailer, and can lead to
death or serious injury.
You must tie down all loads with proper
sized fasteners, ropes, straps, etc. to
prevent the load from shifting while
trailering.
Summary of Contents for Horse Trailer
Page 1: ...OWNER S MANUAL ENCLOSED TRAILERS...
Page 4: ......
