What percentage of the combined weight of vessel and trailer should the tongue weight be?

The proper tongue weight for a trailer, particularly when considering the safety and stability of towing a vessel, should be about 10% of the combined weight of the vessel and trailer. This means that if the total weight is measured, the tongue weight—essentially the downward force the trailer exerts on the hitch of the towing vehicle—should ideally fall within this range.

Having a tongue weight of about 10% ensures that the trailer remains stable while being towed. If the tongue weight is too low, it can lead to trailer sway, potentially creating dangerous driving conditions. Conversely, too much tongue weight can overload the towing vehicle and reduce its handling capabilities. This standard is commonly recommended for ensuring safe towing practices, which is crucial for the safety of both the driver and other road users.