What is the typical tongue weight on a hitch ball?

The typical tongue weight on a hitch ball is generally recommended to be around 5%-10% of the combined weight of the trailer and its load. This range is important because it ensures stability while towing. A tongue weight within this percentage provides adequate downward force on the hitch, helping maintain control over the towing vehicle and preventing trailer sway.

When the tongue weight is too low, the trailer may become unstable, leading to swaying or even loss of control. Conversely, if the tongue weight is too high, it can overload the rear axle of the towing vehicle, affecting braking and steering performance. Therefore, maintaining tongue weight within the 5%-10% range is a practical guideline for safe towing practices. This balance ensures both the safety of the towing operation and compliance with recommended towing specifications.