Towing Capacity & Tongue Weight Calculator
Check whether a trailer is within a vehicle's towing rating and whether tongue weight is in the safe 10-15% range for stable towing.
Results
What is it?
A vehicle's towing capacity is the maximum gross trailer mass it can legally and safely tow. Tongue weight (the downward force the trailer hitch applies to the tow ball) must be within 10-15% of trailer gross weight to prevent dangerous trailer sway or rear-axle overloading.
How to use
Enter your vehicle's rated towing capacity (found in the owner's manual or compliance plate), the actual trailer gross weight (fully loaded), and the tongue weight measured at the hitch ball. Results show if you are within rating and if tongue weight is correctly balanced.
Example scenario
Vehicle rated at 3,500 kg towing a 2,500 kg loaded caravan: 29% safety margin � within rating. Tongue weight of 300 kg = 12% of trailer mass � ideal. If tongue weight were only 150 kg (6%), trailer sway risk becomes high. Redistribute cargo forward.
Pro tip
Never tow over-capacity even briefly � this is illegal and catastrophic in an emergency. Under-tongue weight (below 10%) causes trailer sway; over-tongue weight (above 15%) overloads rear axle and reduces front-axle traction and steering. Always weigh tongue with the trailer fully loaded and hitched.