What is typically the expected percentage of tongue weight relative to GTWR?

The expected percentage of tongue weight relative to the Gross Trailer Weight Rating (GTWR) is generally around 10%. This value is considered a standard guideline for ensuring safe towing practices. Proper tongue weight is crucial because it affects the stability and control of the vehicle and trailer.

A tongue weight of about 10% ensures that there is enough downward force on the hitch to maintain traction at the tow vehicle's rear wheels while preventing sway or loss of control during travel. Deviating significantly from this guideline can lead to handling issues, where too little tongue weight may cause the trailer to sway and too much can overload the rear suspension and lead to unsafe driving conditions. This is why the 10% figure is a commonly recommended target for maintaining towing safety and performance.