Tongue Weight for Stock Trailer Information Needed
mkuchta
Reg. Nov 2008
Posted 2017-10-22 7:43 PM (#170756)
Subject: Tongue Weight for Stock Trailer Information Needed


Member


Posts: 6

Location: Brockport, NY.
I have a concern about the tongue weight for my stock trailer. The horses normally load more towards the front of the trailer with their noses 6" from the curved front. It was pointed out to me that this affects the tongue weight and that I need to have them standing more over the trailer axles (and not so far forward). If I use the 10-15% tongue weight rule, I'm OK, but when I use the trailer tongue weight calculator at https://www.doubledtrailers.com/scripts/bumper-pull-weight-calculato... it came out as 833 pounds which is too high. Neither calculation takes into account the position of the horses and I can't seem to find any information that takes into account the weight distribution of the horses in the trailer. The trailer tows well and I haven't had any problems but I'm concerned that it is unsafe.
Here is the information I have.
Total Length 12' Distance from the center of the axles to the back of the trailer is 4'.
Hitch is rated for 5000 lbs and the max tongue weight is supposed to be 500 lbs.
Trailer gross weight is 5000 lbs. , Truck- Ford F150

I'd rather load the horses more forward because I have one big mare that needs a lot of length. My husband feels this is unsafe. So I don't want things to be unsafe and I don't want to crowd this mare by using the chest bar and making her standing room shorter. Does anyone have any information about how horse position affects tongue weight? Thank you.


Edited by mkuchta 2017-10-22 7:49 PM
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PaulChristenson
Reg. Jan 2007
Posted 2017-10-22 11:37 PM (#170758 - in reply to #170756)
Subject: RE: Tongue Weight for Stock Trailer Information Needed


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Posts: 3853
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Location: Vermont
One you can use a tongue weight scale and get the actual number...
http://sherline.com/product/sherline-trailer-tongue-weight-scale/ 

Edited by PaulChristenson 2017-10-22 11:43 PM
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PaulChristenson
Reg. Jan 2007
Posted 2017-10-22 11:41 PM (#170759 - in reply to #170756)
Subject: RE: Tongue Weight for Stock Trailer Information Needed


Expert


Posts: 3853
200010005001001001002525
Location: Vermont
You can deal with higher tongue weights with a WDH...You need to find out what your WDH rating is for your hitch...

Example...
https://www.etrailer.com/dept-pg-Weight_Distribution-sf-WD_With_Sway_Control-co-1500_lbs.aspx 


Edited by PaulChristenson 2017-10-22 11:48 PM
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etrailer John
Reg. Nov 2016
Posted 2017-10-27 10:19 AM (#170767 - in reply to #170756)
Subject: RE: Tongue Weight for Stock Trailer Information Needed






Location: Wentzville, MO
If you're dealing with a bumper pull trailer with an 833 lb tongue weight, you're likely over the tongue weight capacity of your hitch which for a 5000 lb capacity hitch would typically be 500 lbs.

Take a look at your hitch, it should have a sticker on it that'll list a towing and tongue weight capacity when used with a weight distribution system. As long as the trailer's weight is within the towing capacity of the vehicle, and the trailer weight doesn't exceed the towing or tongue weight weight distribution figure, you can safely tow the trailer using weight distribution.

Because horse trailers are tall, the sides provide a lot of surface area for crosswinds and turbulence to act against. You might consider a weight distribution system that has an integrated sway control system.

You can see more information about weight distribution and how to determine your trailer's actual tongue weight by clicking the link provided below:

https://www.etrailer.com/expert-168.html
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star19six
Reg. Mar 2018
Posted 2018-03-09 12:47 AM (#171379 - in reply to #170756)
Subject: RE: Tongue Weight for Stock Trailer Information Needed


Member


Posts: 6

I just bought a BPLQ trailer, and was very concerned about the tongue weight capacity of my hitch. I ended up putting a SuperHitch (class 5) on my truck, with a heavy duty ball. As long as I don't put an extension on it, I am rated up to 1300-1400 lb tongue weight and 14,000 lb GVW. Towing with a F450 is no problem, but my old hitch just wasn't adequate.
If you are looking at a BPLQ, I will share that my experience with Dixie Star has not been good at all.
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