THE CARRIER STANDARD — TRAILER TONGUE WEIGHT / TRIP CHECK
Printable measurement record | For conventional bumper-pull trailers

This is a recording aid, NOT an equipment rating or safety approval.
For many conventional trailers, manufacturers often recommend 10–15% of
ACTUAL loaded trailer weight. Check the exact manuals; some types differ.

DATE / TRIP / DRIVER ______________________________________________
TRAILER MAKE / MODEL / YEAR ________________________________________
TOW VEHICLE / CONFIGURATION ________________________________________
LOAD DESCRIPTION __________________________________________________

BEFORE LOADING — RECORD MANUFACTURER LIMITS
Tow vehicle remaining payload before tongue load      ______ lb
Tow vehicle GVWR / front GAWR / rear GAWR / GCWR       ______ / ______ / ______ / ______ lb
Tow vehicle maximum trailer rating (correct setup)   ______ lb
Receiver AND ball mount tongue rating (correct mode)  ______ / ______ lb
Trailer GVWR / trailer loading recommendation         ______ lb / __________
Weight-distribution hitch used and permitted?        Yes / No / Confirm

AFTER LOADING — RECORD MEASURED DATA
Actual TOTAL loaded trailer weight (not GVWR)         ______ lb
Measured tongue weight at towing height              ______ lb
Tongue percentage = TW / total loaded trailer x 100  ______ %
Actual axle scale readings / ticket reference        ___________________
Date and equipment used for scale measurement        ___________________

DECISION NOTES — NEVER MARK AN UNKNOWN VALUE 'PASSED'
Tongue loading within exact trailer instructions?     Yes / No / Unverified
Payload after hitch/load all passengers accounted?   Yes / No / Unverified
Front and rear GAWR checked on actual load?          Yes / No / Unverified
Tow vehicle GVWR, GCWR and towing rating checked?    Yes / No / Unverified
Receiver, ball mount and trailer ratings checked?    Yes / No / Unverified
Trailer load secured and hitch/brakes/lights checked? Yes / No / Unverified

ACTION IF SOMETHING FAILS OR IS UNKNOWN
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________

AFTER MOVING CARGO / CHANGING PASSENGERS OR FLUIDS
Loaded trailer total changed?  Yes / No  New total   ______ lb
New measured tongue weight                            ______ lb
New tongue percentage                                ______ %
Any manufacturer / axle / payload limit unresolved?  Yes / No

DECISION:  STOP / REWEIGH / GET PROFESSIONAL CHECK / VERIFIED TO GO

Original educational worksheet. Ratings and measurements take precedence.
Sources: Chevrolet 2026 Trailering Guide; CURT Tongue Weight Guide.
https://www.chevrolet.com/content/dam/chevrolet/na/us/english/index/trucks/trailering-and-towing/news/chevrolet-trailering-guide-three.pdf
https://www.curtmfg.com/trailer-parts/couplers/learn-more
Last source review: 2026-10-22. No actual field testing is claimed.