Tongue/nose weight.....towing

[Andy Collins]

Can someone please explain the difference between the 2 please?

[Bald Ed]

Never heard of "tongue" weight, Sorry

[Andy Collins]

Well I googled it, and here is how to calculate tongue weight, something I never knew anyway. Hope it helps someone else.

http://auto.howstuffworks.com/auto-parts/towing/towing-capacity/information/tongue-weight1.htm

[b101uk]

they are both the same

 

Tongue weight (USA)

nose weight (UK)

 

or

 

"S" = static vertical load (Stutzlast)

 

Note: the lowest S value counts, i.e. if you trailers towing hitch has an S value of 350kg, your towing ball/pin a S value of 250kg & your vehicles towing hitch mounting has an S value of 150kg, them the maximum S/Tongue weight/nose weight is 150kg

[Andy Collins]

Cheers b101, thats useful as the part came from the States and mentioned the "tongue weight"

[Husky D]

We calculate tounge/nose weight when we train ATV trailer use to try to show why handling can be affected. When people load up the trailer they tend to know to put most of the weight over the axles but balance it too well and you get a negative weight on the ball hitch and leads to what we call the "tail wagging the dog" (ever followed that snaking caravan!) Many of the Atv's can only have a nose weight of around 14kg so it means arranging weight carefully.

[PeteB]

Generally speaking, nose weight on a trailor should ideally be between 80kg and 120kgs. Too much can reduce the breaking and steering efficiency and too little gets "tail wagging the dog" which can be very difficult to overcome. I've seen too many trailors/caravans on their side from that! Small er vehicles need lighter nose loadings. Most towed items of plant are within parameters but plant/log trailors can be easily overloaded on the front. A scale can be cheaply purchased from most trailor/caravan type outlets.