This is my impression only ...
If you look at a TM in comparison to other trailers, the axle is pretty far back. What this means is that most of the stuff you put in the TM will be forward of the axle, rather than balanced fore and aft of the axle. This in turn means that the loaded TM will have a higher tongue weight ratio than other trailers. I believe that most weigh-in's reported on this board (and there aren't many) put the tongue weight at 14-15% of total weight. With other trailers, more symmetrically loaded, you start with 10-11%, and you end up with 10-11%.
Why is this? Many (most?) tow vehicles can't handle more than 700-800 pounds of tongue weight, maybe 1000 max for a big vehicle. The trailer manufacturer has to make sure that his loaded tongue weight doesn't exceed this number, and he also has to ensure that it falls within the 10-15% window. With a heavier trailer, the tongue weight has to fall at the lighter end of the percent scale. In other words, an 8000 pound travel trailer will probably have about 10% (800 pounds) tongue weight. A 4000 pound TM will likely be closer to 14-15% (560-600 pounds) of tongue weight. The latter is way more stable.
Did that make any sense? Hope so. Again, this is my impression. I have no magic knowledge.
Bill
|