Tongue weight concern

[TomW]

The work has been progressing on my tear but now am having concerns about the tongue weight. Vehicle capacity is 350lb tongue weight.

Trailer is 120" length with 48"tongue. Axle is 45 inches from the rear.
Trailer estimated weight should be near 950 to 1000lb.

I do not have the hatch/rear area completed yet and have not put any weight in the rear. Front area is almost completed and the tongue weight appears to be about 180lb. Is this high?

How much do the hatch area components help to balance the weight?

Am I worrying over nothing or should I consider moving the axle forward.

[packerz4]

i dunno.

but seems like when you add weight to the back, you'll lighten the tongue a few pounds... i wouldn't worry about it at this point.

also: i know nothing about what i'm talking about, but just felt like posting.

good luck!

tk

[Steve_Cox]

You didn't mention what your tongue is made of. If it is 2X2X3/16ths box tubing or heavier, don't worry too much, it sounds like it will come out good. I think you will be surprised how well it will pull. Your tow vehicle can handle the weight and most towing problems, sway etc, come from light tongue weight. The tongue weight is at 18% now and will only get better as you build the hatch and galley. My finished tongue weight is 16% of the total and it pulls great at 80 mph. I made it out of 2X2X1/4" box.

[SilverFox]

Im also worried about my tongue weight, I will probably move my battery under the galley, that should be good for a least 60 lbs.
I tow large teardrop with a Hyundia Elantra, and even though power is not an issue, I can definantly see some handling issues.

[TomW]

The tongue material is 2 x 4 x 1/4 tubing, extending four feet from the front of the cabin and extending 5' back in the frame.

[Gerdo]

A heavy tongue is better than a light tongue. With that said you also don't want a tongue that starts to lift the nose of the TV. If the nose lifts you will loose steering control. When I say lift I mean the space between the top of the tire and the wheelwell, not the tire off the ground. Measure that space with and without the trailer. Remember there will be a fair abount of weight in the hatch and cooking items when traveling.

[mikeschn]

It sounds like you are in the same ball park as my Baja Benroy.

You should be okay, just don't go and put 2 20# bottles of propane on your tongue.

Mike...

[doug hodder]

Did you happen to weigh the frame with the axle under it prior to building the body? I think you're going to weigh a lot more than the 950-1000# when finished. Based on your use of tubing for the tongue center bar 2x4 1/4" x9' oal...that alone should weigh nearly 80# Doug

[TomW]

Did not have a chance to weight the frame before starting the floor. Calculated weight for the frame + tires is around 400/425 lbs.

Thanks for all of the responses. Plan to keep on building, being aware of the tongue weight. If I have to move the axle forward, I have access to the equipment to do it with.

Thanks again.

[Gerdo]

I haven't weighed my tongue, nor have I weighed my TD, but it is heavy. I would bet 200#+ and it tows great.