The trailer tongue weight scale is an important element for any towing vehicle. If you want to tow a trailer behind your SUV, truck, or car and you don’t have any idea if the weight of the trailer or tongue weight is within the acceptable instructed range, then you surely could be headed towards a disaster. Our top pick is the Sherline LM 2000.
It is very important to learn about tongue weight data, sign and you can do this only by using a trailer tongue weight scale. It should be precise in size and weight should remain between the limit of 9-15% of the Gross Trailer Weight.
In this article, we will discuss the best trailer tongue weight scale thoroughly so that you can dig a better understanding of this trailer scale topic.
Best Trailer Tongue Weight Scale Review in 2023
1. Sherline LM 2000 – Trailer Tongue Weight Scale – 2000 LB
Sherline LM 2000 trailer tongue weight scale will give you peace of mind because this is one of the few models which comes with a built-in scale.
This will signal you to adjust a load of your trailer before driving on the road.
All these things will ensure a much safer towing vehicle experience for you. Hitch of this weight scale is easy to operate and it can provide measurements automatically every time when you couple your trailer.
Therefore, you won’t need any commercial or separate scales. The ball mount comes with two additional hitch balls which will let you hook up your trailer vehicle to your tow car.
Features
Sherline LM 2000 trailer tongue weight scale provides adjustable height which will let you tow trailers with multiple heights and but with a similar vehicle.
While two different-sized hitch mount balls let you tow your trailers with different sizes of the coupler.
Later, you can use your hitch in the upward position to gain one inch.
This machine is made of 18 lbs. stainless steel and aluminum with a maximum towing capacity of 10,000 lbs. and 8000 lbs. for 2 5/16” ball and 2” respectively. It has a maximum tongue weight of 1500 pounds.
Pros
- 6-inch drop hitch size
- Built-in scale
- Lifetime gauge warranty
- Adjustable ball mount
- Made of stainless steel ball and aluminum
- Heavy-strength towing capacity
- 1-year warranty for limited ball mount
Cons
- Stock availability
2. Sherline LM 1000 – Trailer Tongue Weight Scale – 1000 LB
The Sherline LM 1000 trailer tongue weight scale is a prolific hydraulic gauge pressure that can measure the weight of a trailer up to 2000 lbs.
This trailer tongue uses a simple principle of hydraulic to convert the pressure into a reading that will be in kilograms or pounds on the gauge.You can use this machine without any delicate batteries and electronics. But you must need to use only one moving portion, the settings are easy.
This trailer tongue weight scale will help you stop guessing about the tongue weight and you can start towing safely as it will provide an accurate measurement of the available weight on your tongue.
This particular model is affordable and reasonable for any class of people. This one is a great deal for both the trailer dealers and travel clubs.
Features
This scale is produced from the solid steel billet as well as aluminum with a body diameter of 3.25 inches.
The height of this machine is about 4.5 inches without the screw-on hitch extension and 6.75 inches with an extension installed.
The overall weight of this scale is 4.4 pounds and it comes with a gauge diameter which is 2.75 inches.
Pros
- Hydraulic gauge pressure
- 2000 pound capacity
- Accurate reading of tongue weight
- Dual scale availability
- Reasonable price & safe towing
- Measures both pounds and kilograms
- 1-year guarantee
Cons
- Stock availability
3. Sherline LM 5000 – Trailer Tongue Weight Scale – 5000 LB
Next on the list is another model from Sherline. Sherline LM 5000 trailer tongue weight scale comes with all weight safe ball mounts and a high-strength dual-pin lock.
These two things add extra protection to the security of your trailer and drawbar.
To increase the longevity of this machine, they also provide a custom-fitted dust cover. It is made of solid aircraft billet grade aluminum and pure stainless steel.
Therefore, this one is one of the toughest tongue weight scale which has a towing capacity of 18,500 lbs. with a maximum tongue weight of 2200 pounds.
Features
This model features a built-in stainless steel scale which is so much high-strength that it can manage the distribution of your trailer weight safely.
It also ensures a proper balance between the trailer and loading by providing accurate tongue weight measurement instantly when you couple your tongue trailer every time.
You won’t have to buy any additional scale with this one and it certainly can save you some good amount of money.
It also features an adjustable ball mount which can be really helpful for the users. A 6-inch hitch drop will allow you to tow trailers that are of different sizes and heights.
Pros
- Adjustable ball mount
- Lifetime gauge warranty
- Built-in stainless steel scale
- Heavy-duty capacity for towing
- Comes with 2 stainless steel hitch balls (corrosion-resistant)
- Keyed in the same way of stainless steel receiver pin
- 1-year warranty for limited ball mount
Cons
- Price may not seem reasonable to a few people
#4. Curt 51701 BetterWeigh Mobile Towing Scale with TowSense Technology (OBD ii)
This mobile towing scale is quite fascinating because it can use Bluetooth to get connected to your phones and provide you with the actual weight of both your trailer and vehicle.
You can easily use them on both Android and Apple phones. It can provide you with real-time weighing for safer and easier towing hauling. You can install this mobile towing scale in seconds with zero fees and difficulty.
They won’t just provide you some random data on measurements rather they provide insightful measurements for the betterment of the users.
Last but not least they can also ensure enhanced safety to both the car and the user.
Note:
0-1000 lb gauge reads to 460 kg
0-2000 lb gauge reads to 900 kg
0-5000 lb gauge reads to 2250 kg
Tips:
Whether you want to be sure that the load is on the trailer properly, or determine how much food your refrigerator will hold, the Sherline tongue scale can give you accurate weigh readings. This scale comes with three adjustment poise weights so you can adjust it to the proper load for your car or truck, or boat trailer. Don’t guess whether you are on target! Get an accurate reading every time with the Sherline tongue scale.
CAUTION: Don’t store the scale in temperatures under 32° F.
How does BetterWeigh mobile towing scale work?
BetterWeigh is a digital mobile towing scale system. This scale works pretty nicely by using an accelerometer circuit and it measures all the changes that happen with the velocity as well as the pitch of the vehicle.
Therefore, it utilizes this data so that it can calculate the weight which is associated with hauling and towing. This is how the BetterWeigh mobile towing scale works in real life.
If you are a person who usually tows a trailer truck behind your car, SUV, or truck and still don’t have a clue if the weight of the tongue is right or within the permissible range, then let us assure you that you are in for a great disaster.
It is very important to learn the weight of the tongue and you can do that only by using a trailer tongue weight scale. Therefore, it is essential to learn about the best trailer tongue weight scales.
The Tongue of a Trailer-Definition
The tongue of a trailer, because of its importance, has to be tough and it should have great vertical and horizontal strength. When load capability increases, the trailer tongue has to become stronger.
If the tongue of your trailer is undersized, it will develop microscopic injuries which will lead to failure over time.
So, it is very important to have a tongue that is perfect in ratio with your trailer.
Tongue Weight
The weight which a fully loaded trailer usually exerts downward on the hitch ball of any tow vehicle is known as tongue weight. Find out more on Can Too Much Tongue Weight Cause Trailer Sway?
The tongue weight has to be between 9-15 percent of its GTW or Gross trailer weight.
The tongue weight always has to be precise and it should not exceed the capacity of hitch, tow vehicle, or any other towing components. To adjust the tongue weight of your trailer, you can remove or add cargo. And also can redistribute the load of the trailer. Guide to follow on What is the Difference Between a Hitch and a Receiver?
- What’s the difference between GVWR and GAWR? ANd
Why Is GVWR Less Than GAWR: Can Gawr exceed GVWR? - What Is GVWR On A Trailer
- Types Hitch Pin Sizes & pin weight
Tongue Weight Scale
If you tow a trailer behind any of your vehicles, you must know the weight of the tongue. Your tongue weight has to be within the acceptable range, otherwise, it is going to be a disaster.
So, to measure the weight of your tongue, you will need a good tongue weight scale.
Various products have the best tongue weight scale. You can calculate your tongue weight by taking the weight of your vehicle and subtracting it from the weight with the trailer attached.
Trailer Tongue Weight
The trailer tongue plays a very important role in avoiding severe injuries. Because of its importance, the trailer tongue has to be strong and in an excellent vertical-horizontal ratio.
The weight which a fully loaded trailer usually exerts downward on the hitch ball of any tow vehicle is known as tongue weight. If you tow a trailer behind your vehicle, you have to know its weight.
The weight of your tongue always has to be precise. It is better if you use the best tongue weight scale to measure trailer tongue weight.
Tongue Weight Calculation
As we know, the weight of the trailer tongue has to be precise and in perfect ratio with the trailer, it is important to calculate its weight.
For this, you can use any kind of trailer tongue weight scale. Use the best tongue weight scale for better results. The last option is using vehicle scales at a rest stop or your local dump.
To calculate, you have to weigh it with the attached trailer and later, you have to weigh your vehicle without the trailer. Now, subtract the weight without trailer from the weight with trailer. The result is the weight of your tongue.
Trailer Tongue Weight Scales
To avoid any kind of accident, it is important to know the weight of the trailer tongue. The tongue has to be precise in weight and perfect ratio with the trailer.
There are many trailer tongue weight scales available. But it is important to use the best trailer tongue weight scale.
Some of the best scales are, Sherline 5780 trailer tongue weight scale, Weigh safe WS6-2.5 KA trailer hitch ball mount with built-in scale, Weigh safe WS6-2, Weigh safe universal tow ball WSUN-1, Weigh safe drop hitch, Weigh safe WS6-2.5 adjustable ball mount with 6″ Drop and 2.5″ Shank, etc.
Trailer Tongue Scale
The trailer tongue has to have an excellent vertical-horizontal ratio. If you tow a trailer behind your car or truck, you have to tow it right.
Now, to know if the tongue is precise in weight, you have to measure it. You can use a weight scale that is available in any rest stop or your local dump.
But it’s better if you use the best trailer tongue weight scale to calculate the weight of your tongue.
Calculating Trailer Tongue Weight – measures tongue weight
Calculation of the trailer tongue weight is very easy. You just have to know the procedure. There are many tongue weight scales available, it’s better if you use the best tongue weight scale for you.
For calculation, you have to weigh your vehicle without the trailer. And then you have to weigh it with the trailer attached.
Now, subtract the weight without trailer from the weight with trailer. The result will be the weight of your tongue.
How to use Sherline Tongue Weight Scale?
When the distance between the pipe and the trailer tongue on the scale is only 3 feet and the distance between the pipe and the trailer tongue on the support brick is 1 foot, then you need to multiply the reading of your scale by 4 to get the right and accurate tongue weight on your Sherline tongue weight scale.
How does the Sherline trailer tongue weight scale work?
The Sherline scale is a solid, all-metal scale for determining tongue weights on 5th wheel trailers. Easy to install, use and read, this rugged scale should last a lifetime.
The scale measures vehicle weight when in transit and when at rest. Pressure in the hydraulic arm is proportional to the amount of weight it is supporting.
Pressure in the arm transfers into a readout on the gauge. This allows users to quickly and easily take weights without having to pull over and stop, and it features an indicator needle built in so you know what your reading is immediately.
DIY Tongue Weight Scale
To measure with a tongue weight scale at home, you need to position a pipe vertically below the trailer tongue. And then you need to lower the jack of the trailer till your coupler is fully idling on the pipe.
Then take a reading of the scale and multiple it by 3. After that, take an initial reading from the scale known as the bathroom scale, and multiply it by 3. The outcome you will get now is the tongue weight.
What is Tongue Weight?
The tongue of a trailer has to be tough and it should have great vertical and horizontal strength. The tongue weight always has to be precise and it should not exceed the capacity of the towing components. The weight which a fully loaded trailer usually exerts downward on the hitch ball of any tow vehicle is known as tongue weight.
Gross Trailer Weight (GTW)
Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR). Know more on Can Too Much Tongue Weight Cause Trailer Sway?
Tongue Weight Scale Buying Guide
Usually, the tires, the bed, and the hitch get most of the attention but one should not overlook a trailer tongue. As it is important for avoiding microscopic injuries.
The design of the tongue varies across different trailers. Because the trailer tongue keeps your trailer balanced, it is essential.
Among various types, the three main types of trailer tongues are- straight trailer tongues, composite trailer tongues, and A-frame trailer tongues. Now, as the trailer tongue is important, so is its weight.
The tongue of the trailer has to be of inaccurate weight. The tongue weight has to be between 9-15 percent of its GTW or Gross trailer weight.
To know the accurate weight you have to use the best tongue weight scale. One of the best trailer tongue weight scales is Sherlin 5780. Another one is Weigh Safe and probably the most popular one. CURT also provides weight scales of good quality. There are many versions of these tongue weight scales. You just have to choose one that suits your budget and gives you accuracy.
What is the ideal tongue weight of a trailer?
The ideal tongue weight of a trailer is known as Weigh Safe. Weigh Safe is an acceptable tongue weight for any trailer car that is somewhere between nine to fifteen percent of the total trailer weight or gross trailer weight (GTW). Therefore, when you are towing a 5000 lbs. trailer, then the weight tongue should be weighed at an approximate weight of 500 pounds.
What should trailer tongue weight be
The trailer tongue weight is very important for any vehicle. If the weight is too little it can cause the trailer to sway and if the weight is too much the tow vehicle might perform poorly.
So, for a smoother and injury-free ride, the trailer tongue must be precise in weight.
Most of the experts agree that the acceptable tongue weight for any trailer tongue has to be somewhere between 9-15 percent of the GTW or Gross Trailer Weight.
If the tongue is not inaccurate weight, it might cause microscopic injuries while driving which may lead to failure.
How to weigh your trailer tongue weight
Weighting the trailer tongue is not that difficult. The weight has to be measured before attachment as it has to be accurate.
Weighing is easy, you just have to use the best tongue weight scale for it. Weigh the vehicle with the trailer attached to it, then weigh it without the trailer.
Now, subtract the later number from the previous number and the result will be your trailer tongue weight.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using a Tongue Weight Scale:
When using a tongue weight scale, there are a few common mistakes that people make that can affect the accuracy of the readings. Here are some mistakes to avoid:
- Not positioning the scale correctly: The tongue weight scale should be positioned directly under the hitch ball and on a level surface. If it is not positioned correctly, the readings can be inaccurate.
- Not disconnecting the trailer from the tow vehicle: To get an accurate reading, the trailer should be disconnected from the tow vehicle. If the trailer is still connected, the weight of the tow vehicle will affect the reading.
- Not distributing weight evenly: The weight on the tongue should be distributed evenly between the left and right sides of the trailer. If the weight is not distributed evenly, the reading will be inaccurate.
- Not using the correct weight capacity: Tongue weight scales come in different weight capacities. It is important to use a scale that is rated for the weight of your trailer.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure that you get accurate readings from your tongue weight scale and properly distribute the weight on your trailer.
Weight distribution hitch setup
FAQ
What is a good tongue weight?
Tongue weight has to be accurate, neither too little nor too much. Most experts agree that a good tongue weight must be between 9-15% of Gross Trailer Weight or GTW. So, this is the most acceptable tongue weight for a trailer tongue. Because of the performance, the trailer tongue weight should not exceed this limit.
Is more or less tongue weight better?
The tongue weight should be between 9-15% of the Gross Trailer Weight. As the trailer depends on its tongue, the tongue weight has to be precise in weight for better performance and to avoid injuries. More or less weight than the limit is not better at all as too little weight can cause trailer sway and too much weight can cause poor performance.
Is 10% tongue weight enough?
Yes, the limit of the weight is 9-15% of the Gross Trailer Weight. So, 10% tongue weight is enough? But it should not be less than 9%. Because then it will be considered too little and will cause disastrous situations.
How do you scale a tongue-weight trailer?
Calculating tongue weight is easy. To weigh your tongue, first, you have to weigh it with the attached trailer, remember to make sure your vehicle is fully loaded, and then you have to weigh your vehicle without the trailer. Now, subtract the weight without trailer from the weight with trailer. The result is the weight of your tongue. You can use any scale from any rest stop or local dumps.
What happens if tongue weight is too heavy?
If the tongue weight is too heavy, the tow vehicle will perform poorly. It simply means you are going to drive a setup that has a lot of weight which is too much, pushing down on the rear area of the vehicle. It may cause you difficulties. You may find it hard steering, braking, or gaining traction. If the tongue weight is improper, you will lose control of your vehicle.
Can too much tongue weight cause trailer sway?
Yes, too much tongue weight can cause trailer sway. If the tongue is too heavy, the tow vehicle might squat and it may make the rear squirm which ultimately results in trailer sway. Too much tongue weight also pushes down on the rear of the vehicle. You may also lose control while driving. If avoid exceeding hitch weight the force could overload the rear tires.
How do I Properly Maintain and Store a Tongue Weight Scale?
To maintain and store a tongue weight scale properly, you should follow these tips:
- Clean the scale regularly using a soft cloth or brush to remove dirt, dust, and debris.
- Calibrate the scale regularly according to the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure precise readings.
- Store the scale in a dry and cool place, away from direct sunlight and moisture, to prevent damage.
- Handle the scale with care and avoid subjecting it to any unnecessary stress or pressure to prevent damage to its internal components.
By implementing these tips, you can maintain the accuracy of your tongue weight scale and extend its lifespan.
What is the ideal tongue weight?
The trailer tongue has to be precise in weight. Too little weight can cause trailer sway and too much weight can cause poor performance of the vehicle. According to most of the experts, the ideal tongue weight should be 9-15% of the Gross Trailer Weight or GTW. Not more or not less than this limit.
What is the maximum tongue weight?
The ideal tongue weight is 9-15% of the Gross Trailer Weight or GTW. So, the maximum tongue weight should be within 15% of GTW, it should not exceed it. If the weight limit crosses the percentage, it will be considered too much weight. If the tongue weight is too heavy, the tow vehicle will perform poorly.
How much does a trailer tongue weigh on trailer?
Tongue weight is an important part of your balance. If your tongue weight is too heavy it may cause stability issues and potential damage to your tow vehicle. This scale gives you a quick and accurate reading of the tongue weight on a 2,000 lb. capacity scale for a gross trailer weight of up to 20,000 lbs.
How to Use a Tongue Weight Scale for Trailer Safety?
When it comes to towing a trailer, safety should always be your top priority. One of the most important aspects of trailer safety is ensuring that you have the correct tongue weight. This is where a tongue weight scale comes in handy.
Using a tongue weight scale is easy and straightforward. Here are the steps to follow:
- Step 1: Park your vehicle and trailer on a level surface.
- Step 2: Attach the tongue weight scale to the trailer hitch.
- Step 3: Lower the trailer tongue onto the scale.
- Step 4: Take note of the weight reading on the scale.
- Step 5: Adjust the weight distribution as necessary to achieve the correct tongue weight.
By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your trailer is properly balanced and safe to tow.
What’s the best way to measure the tongue weight of a trailer?
With Sherline’s Trailer Tongue Weight Scale, just place the scale beneath your trailer jack and the single needle will tell you exactly what you need to know: no calculations, charts or tables required.The Sherline trailer tongue scale is the only available precision scale of its kind, designed by professionals to get your trailer’s tongue weight to within +/- 1% accuracy.
Which is the best tongue weight scale for fifth wheel trailers?
BetterWeigh is a reliable tongue weight scale for fifth wheel trailers, horse trailers, travel trailers, and more. With its ultra-portable design and smartphone compatibility, BetterWeigh is the perfect addition to any trailer owner’s load-checking toolkit. Add it into your cargo or check it in your luggage before you leave for that big trip.
Benefits of Using a Trailer Tongue Weight Scale
When it comes to towing, it’s important to be aware of the weight of your trailer, and more specifically, the tongue weight. The tongue weight is the amount of weight that is pushing down on the hitch ball of your tow vehicle. Too much or too little tongue weight can make the towing process difficult and unsafe. That’s where a trailer tongue weight scale comes in.
The benefits of using a trailer tongue weight scale are numerous. First and foremost, it simplifies the towing process by ensuring that you have the correct weight distribution between your tow vehicle and trailer. By using a tongue weight scale, you can accurately measure the weight on the hitch ball and adjust it accordingly. This helps to prevent sway and instability while towing, making for a smoother and safer ride.
Another benefit of using a trailer tongue weight scale is that it can help you avoid costly fines. Many states have towing regulations and weight limits that must be followed. By using a tongue weight scale, you can ensure that you are within these limits and avoid any penalties.
In addition, using a trailer tongue weight scale can prolong the life of your tow vehicle and trailer. Improper weight distribution can cause unnecessary wear and tear on your vehicle’s suspension and brakes, as well as your trailer’s axle and tires. By using a tongue weight scale, you can prevent this damage and extend the life of your equipment.
Finally, using a trailer tongue weight scale can save you time and money. Without a tongue weight scale, you may have to make multiple trips to the scale to ensure that you are within weight limits. This can waste time and money on fuel. By using a tongue weight scale, you can accurately measure the weight on the hitch ball and avoid unnecessary trips to the scale.
Overall, a trailer tongue weight scale is an essential tool for any tow vehicle owner. It simplifies the towing process, avoids fines, prolongs the life of your equipment
How to Maintain Your Trailer Tongue Weight Scale for Accurate Readings
If you’re using a trailer tongue weight scale, it’s important to keep it in good condition to ensure accurate readings. Here are some tips on how to maintain your trailer tongue weight scale:
- Cleaning: Regular cleaning is essential for accurate readings. You can clean your trailer tongue weight scale with a damp cloth and mild detergent. Make sure you dry it thoroughly before using it again.
- Calibration: Calibration is important to ensure your scale is giving you accurate readings. You can calibrate your trailer tongue weight scale by using a known weight, like a bag of sand or a dumbbell, and adjusting the scale accordingly. It’s important to do this regularly or after any significant impact that might affect the scale’s accuracy.
- Storage: When you’re not using your trailer tongue weight scale, store it in a clean, dry place. Avoid storing it in areas with high humidity or extreme temperatures, as this can damage the scale.
By following these simple tips, you can keep your trailer tongue weight scale in good condition for accurate readings. This will help you avoid any safety issues while towing your trailer. Remember to always refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for specific care and maintenance advice.
Now, keep in mind that it’s also important to have a reliable and accurate tongue weight scale. That’s why we recommend the Best Trailer Tongue Weight Scale. This scale is easy to use, durable, and provides accurate readings every time.
Conclusion
Most often tires, beds, or hitches get the most attention. But it is very important to check the trailer tongue of your vehicle as it plays an essential part. Your trailer mostly depends on your tongue.
If you tow a trailer behind any of your vehicles, it is your responsibility to check the tongue. The trailer tongue has to be strong because of its performance. It has to have an excellent vertical-horizontal ratio. I hope this Best Trailer Tongue Weight Scale would help you to find out your right scale.
It should be precise in size and weight should remain between the limit of 9-15% of the Gross Trailer Weight.
If you use a good trailer tongue weight scale to measure the weight of your trailer tongue and if the tongue is accurate in weight, neither too little nor too much then you can ensure a smoother ride for you.
