PREMIER MANUFACTURING COMPANY
1-800-255-5387 • www.premier-mfg.com
Page 2
PREMIER MANUFACTURING COMPANY
1-800-255-5387 • www.premier-mfg.com
4
Step 3: Considering Operating Conditions and Environments
Step 2: Determine “Tongue Weight Capacity”
Step 1: Determine “Gross Trailer(s) Weight”
Step 4: Browse Premier Product Catalog
Selecting The Right Equipment
4
Whatever your application, selecting the proper equipment for the job is very important� Proper selection along
with regular inspection and maintenance will help keep operating costs minimal while providing long life to each
component� Below are general guidelines for selecting Premier Couplings and Drawbar Eyes� If you feel that your
application is unique, please give Premier a call so that we may help you through the selection process�
Follow these four steps to ensure proper selection of Premier Couplings and Drawbar Eyes�
Step 2:
Determine “Tongue
Weight Capacity”
(Maximum occurring tongue weight)
Step 3:
Add Margin of Safety
(Dependent upon your equipment
and operating environment)
Step 4:
Browse Premier
Product Catalog
(Based on Steps 1 - 3)
Step 1:
Determine “Gross
Trailer(s) Weight”
(GVWR(s) of towed trailers)
“Gross Trailer(s) Weight” is usually determined by the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)� This information is
attached to the trailer by the trailer manufacturer�
For “Double Trailer” configurations, only the rear trailer is considered
when selecting your Premier Coupling or Drawbar Eye� In this example, a
Coupling and Drawbar Eye with a “Gross Trailer Weight” rating of 40,000 lbs�
(18,143 kg) would be the minimum rating acceptable for normal, over-the-
road applications (see Tongue Weight section below)�
For “Triple Trailers”, only the two most rearward trailers are
considered in selecting your Premier Coupling or Drawbar Eye�
In this example, a Coupling and Drawbar Eye with a “Gross
Trailer Weight” rating of 80,000 lbs� (36,287 kg) would be the
minimum acceptable for normal, over-the-road applications
(see Tongue Weight section below)�
Double Trailer Configuration
Triple Trailer Configuration
Example only, each application may vary and should be considered unique�
Example only, each application may vary and should be considered unique�
40,000 LBS
40,000 LBS
40,000 LBS
Environments such as rough uneven roads or off-road use can dramatically increase shock loads to both drawbar
eyes and couplings� In general, increasing the “Gross Trailer Weight” (Step 1:) and “Tongue Weight Capacity”
(Step 2:) by a minimum of 25% will be sufficient for many applications� Even if an application is used off-road
occasionally, the minimum increase necessary for Gross Trailer and Tongue Weight is 25%� Certain types of
equipment and/or operating practices can also dramatically increase loads through equipment binding and/or
improper loading practices� Of special concern is high tongue weight� However, each application is unique and
every environment different, therefore your application may require more than 25%�
Once both “Gross Trailers(s) Weight” (Step 1:) and “Tongue Weight Capacity” (Step 2:) have been determined,
evaluate your operating conditions and apply an appropriate margin of safety�
Browse the Premier Product Catalog and refer to the “Specifications” section of each product� Be sure to review
the “Understanding Premier Load Specifications” section and “Coupling to Drawbar Eye Cross-Reference” sheet
on the next couple pages�
“Tongue Weight Capacity”
is the maximum expected weight at
the drawbar eye� If a hinged drawbar is used, the maximum weight
will be approximately 1/2 the overall drawbar weight� If a non-hinged
drawbar is used and the actual tongue weight is not known, you can
approximate the weight by multiplying the GVWR of the towed trailer
by 15%� However, each application is unique and the best practice is
to weigh the tongue when the trailer is loaded to its GVWR�
