Practical guide
Keep trailer, hitch, tow, and combined ratings separate
Several ratings appear in a tow worksheet, but they do not use the same number. TowLedger keeps the loaded trailer whole for its own checks and subtracts tongue weight once only when combining totals.
Use loaded trailer weight whole
The default 8,500 lb loaded trailer is compared with the 9,000 lb trailer GVWR, 10,000 lb tow rating, and 10,000 lb hitch trailer rating. Tongue weight is checked against its separate 1,000 lb hitch tongue rating.
trailer and tow checks use loaded trailer weight without subtracting tongue weight
Combine the totals once
The tongue is already present in both the loaded tow-vehicle and loaded trailer figures. Subtract it once when producing the combined loaded result; the defaults produce 14,400 lb against a 16,000 lb combined rating.
combined loaded = tow vehicle loaded + loaded trailer - tongue weight
6,600 + 8,500 - 700 = 14,400 lb.
Read the status as an entered-rating comparison
The default worksheet reports Within entered ratings. Replace every rating with the exact vehicle, hitch, trailer, tire, and configuration data before discussing a trip plan.
Check your own scenario
Replace the illustrative inputs with measured values and dated specifications.
Open TowLedger RV Load CheckMethod and references
Read the full calculation method and its limits
Method and examples reviewed 2026-09-30. Examples are illustrative; input values and specifications are not independently verified.