What does tongue weight refer to?

Tongue weight specifically refers to the downward force exerted on the hitch of a towing vehicle by the trailer's tongue. This is crucial for safe towing, as it affects the vehicle’s stability and handling. Proper tongue weight ensures that the trailer remains stable and does not sway while being towed, which can result in dangerous situations if not managed correctly.

In general terms, this concept involves the weight balance; a properly loaded trailer might typically have its tongue weight at about 10-15% of its total weight. This weight is critical for maintaining control and preventing swaying or fishtailing during towing. While other options mention different aspects of trailer weight and load distribution, they do not accurately define tongue weight, which is specifically related to the force applied to the towing vehicle's hitch. Understanding this helps ensure safe towing practices and overall vehicle balance while transporting trailers.