What does "tongue weight" refer to when towing a trailer?

Tongue weight specifically refers to the downward force exerted at the hitch connection of a tow vehicle by the trailer. This force is crucial for safe towing because it affects the handling and stability of both the vehicle and the trailer. A proper tongue weight ensures that the trailer remains stable while on the road, minimizing the risk of swaying or losing control. Typically, a recommended tongue weight ranges from 10% to 15% of the total trailer weight, promoting efficient weight distribution.

The other choices relate to aspects of towing but do not accurately define tongue weight. The weight of the trailer is a total measurement and does not specify the force applied to the hitch. The total loaded weight refers to the entire weight of the trailer when it is fully loaded but does not address the specific downforce at the hitch. Similarly, the weight of the trailer's contents only pertains to the items inside the trailer and doesn't account for the hitch dynamics involved in towing.