Practice question

When loading a trailer you should put about:

  1. 60 percent of the weight to the front half of the trailer
  2. 60 percent of the weight to the rear half
  3. Weight distributed evenly
  4. Weight concentrated near the hitch

Answer: A — 60 percent of the weight to the front half of the trailer

Loading a trailer in a way that keeps it stable behind the tow vehicle is all about weight distribution. Placing about 60 percent of the load toward the front half (the end toward the hitch) puts more weight on the trailer’s tongue. That extra tongue weight helps the trailer stay in line with the tow vehicle, improves steering response, and reduces sway during braking, gusts, or quick maneuvers. If too much weight sits toward the back, the tongue can lift and the trailer becomes harder to control and more prone to fishtailing. An even split can leave too little weight on the hitch to stabilize the trailer, while concentrating weight near the hitch too much can overload the hitch and affect handling. So, about sixty percent forward is the recommended balance for stability.

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