How much weight on the tongue?

[overboard]

I can't seem to find any info. on this, everything I found is for a bare trailer.
Approximately how much weight should be on the tongue with both the boat and trailer?
I set up another trailer, and with the boat on it I can barely lift the tongue by hand and have to rely on using the jack.
Was just wondering if there is a guide for this.
I just moved the axle 2" forward and it helped somewhat, but still plenty heavy, of course it can't be too light either.
Before I move it anymore, I figured I better get some input on this.
On a 17' StarCraft I also have, I can put 2 fingers under each side of the coupler and lift the tongue pretty easily. Seems light, but that's the way it was when I bought it and never had a problem towing it.

 

[ggoldy]

I remember someone saying 2/3's of the weight should be in front of the axle. It made sense to me.

 

[Fordracing2105]

I think it's 10%.

 

[Keystone]

10% of the entire trailer weight is the ideal weight.

 

[overboard]

So if the complete boat and trailer weigh, lets just say 1200 lb., that would be 120 lb. tongue weight.
That's what I'm wondering about, seems heavy and would take quite a bit of effort to manually lift the tongue.

 

[ggoldy]

I'd like to take back my earlier statement of 2/3rd's. 10% sounds MUCH better. Ummm...OPPS. I'll remember that!

 

[earl60446]

Rule of thumb is approx 10% but if it tows ok, leave it alone.

Tim

 

[overboard]

OK: just found this on the Shorelander trailer website.
5-7% of total boat/trailer at tongue.
So a total package - boat trailer, motor, etc., that weighs 3400 lb., and using 6% as the multiplier, would have a tongue weight of 204 lbs. using their figures.
That's what I was trying to get the answer to, guess that's why they make the tongue jacks!
Thanks for the replies.

 

[JoshKeller]

I like at least 200 lbs on the vehicle, no matter the boat weight, if possible. I've found that 200 lbs keeps the back tires firmly into the ramp, and since i launch on several steep, dirt/gravel ramps, it keeps me from spinning so I dont have to use 4x4.

 

[nowgrn4]

I've always heard around 10% for boats and RV's.

Precision weighed on an old bathroom scale.