Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Tongue Weight (TW)
The tongue weight is the downward force exerted on the hitch ball by the trailer. In most cases, it should not be less than 5% or more than 10% of the trailer load. Tongue weight must not exceed the lesser of either the hitch certification rating, or the trailer tongue chassis rating. It should never be less than 4% of the trailer load, and not less than 55 lbs (25 kg). You must consider tongue load as part of the load on your vehicle and its GAWR.
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.