Power Tongue Jack
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New User
Joined: Dec 2004
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Power Tongue Jack
I have a 7'x16' double axle cargo trailer loaded with tools that weighs 4400 lbs. and want to install an electric tongue jack rated at 2000 lbs. Does anyone know approx what the tongue weight of my trailer might be? I was told that if the tongue weight is 800 lbs or less, the jack will work. thanks
Freshman User
Joined: Jun 2007
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Much depends on distance from tongue that the axles are placed, and how you load
the weight in the trailer. Think I'd go to a scale with the trailer loaded as it normally
would be and check tongue weight. Might save the cost of the electric jack if it's not
of sufficient capacity. Wonder what the 2000# rating refers to if the jack will only handle 800 lbs of tongue Wt?
bob
the weight in the trailer. Think I'd go to a scale with the trailer loaded as it normally
would be and check tongue weight. Might save the cost of the electric jack if it's not
of sufficient capacity. Wonder what the 2000# rating refers to if the jack will only handle 800 lbs of tongue Wt?
bob
Post Fiend
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 9,176
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From: Western Central NV
If the trailer only weights 4,400 loaded then I really doubt the tongue weight will be too much. I have a 10,000# 32 foot travel trailer with a 2000# electric tongue jack that works just great. I believe my tongue weight is around 700#. Most tandem axle trailers if Factory built are balanced pretty well to put most of the weight over the axles.
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Thanks for the replies. I think I will take it to a scale and weigh it to be sure. I think the reason for the 800 lb. tongue weight is when you start to unhook the trailer there will also be weight from the truck while the jack starts going up, before the hitch comes free from the ball.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,496
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From: Simpsonville, KY
If you ball is greased and aligned properly there will be no tug from the truck adding weight to the tongue. The only time I've ever had the jack lift the truck was when I was leaving it hitched on purpose or if the latching mechinism was sticking and needing replacement.
Postmaster
Joined: Mar 2001
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From: So Cal
NORMAL tongue weight is about 10 to 15% of gross weight. BUT, like the guy said, tongue weight is VERY dependant on how you load the trailer. You want to distribute the load over the total trailer floor with a slight bias towards the front.
I have loaded utility trailers where the tongue lifted off the ground. I also have load the same trailers where the tongue weight must have been more than 50% of the total load.
For example, lets say you have a huge tool box full of tools in the front of the trailer along with an ice chest full of beer. Then in the back of ther trailers you have your sleeping bags, air matresses, and tent etc. Bet the tongue weight is pretty close to the weight of the tool chest and beer.
Good, Luck,
Jim Henderson
I have loaded utility trailers where the tongue lifted off the ground. I also have load the same trailers where the tongue weight must have been more than 50% of the total load.
For example, lets say you have a huge tool box full of tools in the front of the trailer along with an ice chest full of beer. Then in the back of ther trailers you have your sleeping bags, air matresses, and tent etc. Bet the tongue weight is pretty close to the weight of the tool chest and beer.
Good, Luck,
Jim Henderson
