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2.2.10 Unsafe Load Distribution
Improper front/rear load distribution can lead to an
unstable trailer or poor tow vehicle handling. Poor
trailer stability results from tongue weights that are
too low, and poor tow vehicle stability results from
tongue weights that are too high.
Refer to the "Loading And Unloading" section for
more information.
In the following table, the second column shows
the rule of thumb percentage of total weight of the
trailer plus its cargo (Gross Trailer Weight, or "GTW")
that should appear on the tongue of the trailer. For
example, a large trailer with a loaded weight of 6,000
pounds, should have 10-15% of 6,000 pounds (600-
900 lbs.) on the hitch.
Tongue Weight as a Percentage of Loaded Trailer
Type of Hitch
Ball Hitch or
10-15% for large trailers
Ring & Pintle
6-10% for small trailers
The numbers quoted are for example purposes only
and should be tailored to the specifi c trailer.
For questions regarding the actual percent of tongue
weight for the trailer, check with the manufacturer
for specifi cs.
After loading, be sure to check that none of the axles
are overloaded.
Uneven left/right load distribution can cause tire,
wheel, axle or structural failure.
Be sure your trailer is evenly loaded left/right. Towing
stability also depends on keeping the center of gravity
as low as possible.
Weight
Percentage
Safety
Improper tongue weight (load distribution)
can result in loss of control of the trailer,
leading to death or serious injury.
Make certain that tongue weight is within
the allowable range.
Be sure to:
• Distribute the load evenly, right and left.
• Keep the center of gravity low.
• Distribute the load front-to-rear to provide
proper tongue weight (see chart).
2.2.11 Shifting Cargo
Since the trailer "ride" can be bumpy and rough, you
must secure the cargo so that it does not shift while
the trailer is being towed.
A shifting load can result in failure, or to
loss of control of the trailer, and can lead
to death or serious injury.
You must tie down all loads with proper
sized fasteners, chains, straps, etc. to
prevent the load from shifting while
towing.
2.2.12 Inappropriate Cargo
The trailer may be designed for specifi c cargo. If
your trailer is designed for specifi c cargo, only carry
that cargo in the trailer. A trailer must not be used
to carry certain items, such as people, containers of
hazardous substances or containers of fl ammable
substances. A trailer not designed with a living
quarters must only be used for transportation of its
intended cargo.
Do not transport people in your trailer.
Besides putting their lives at risk, the
transport of people in a trailer is illegal.
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