Trailer Tongue Weight Scale [7 Best Scales]

Disclosure: We may get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.

If you tow a trailer behind your truck, SUV, or car and don’t have a clue if the tongue weight is within the acceptable range, you could be headed for a disaster. It’s essential to know the tongue weight, and you can do so by using a trailer tongue weight scale. What are the best trailer tongue weight scales?

Our top 7 best trailer tongue weight scales are as follows:

  1. Sherline 5780 Trailer Tongue Weight Scale Click here to see it on Amazon – Our #1 Top Pick!
  2. Weigh Safe WS6-2.5-KA Trailer Hitch Ball Mount with Built-in Scale Click here to see it on Amazon
  3. Weigh Safe WS6-2 Trailer Hitch & Ball Mount with Built-in Scale
  4. Weigh Safe Universal Tow Ball WSUN-1
  5. Weigh Safe Drop Hitch
  6. Weigh Safe WS6-2.5 Adjustable Ball Mount with 6″ Drop and 2.5″ Shank
  7. CURT 51701 BetterWeigh Mobile Towing Scale with TowSense Technology (OBD2)

Read on to learn more about these 7 trailer tongue weight scales, including the specs and features for each.

Trailer Tongue Weight Scale [7 Best Scales]

1. Sherline 5780 Trailer Tongue Weight Scale

First on our list of the best trailer tongue weight scales is the Sherline 5780 Trailer Tongue Weight Scale:

Click here to see it on Amazon.

The Sherline Trailer Tongue Weight Scale (5780) is a hydraulic pressure gauge that measures trailer tongue weights up to 2,000 pounds.

This tongue weight scale uses a simple hydraulic principle to convert pressure into a reading in pounds or kilograms on the gauge. You can use this without any delicate electronics and batteries but with only one moving part. It’s available with gauges reading to 1000 pounds, 2000 pounds, or 5000 pounds for 5th wheel trailers, which usually carry a larger percentage of the overall weight on the gooseneck.

This scale is machined from solid billet steel and aluminum with a 3.25″ body diameter. It’s about 4.5″ high without the included screw-on hitch extension and 6.75″ with an extension installed. Its actual weight is 4.4 pounds, with a gauge diameter measuring 2.75 inches. 

You can also stop guessing and start towing safely because this trailer tongue weight scale gives you an accurate measurement of how much weight is on your tongue. It’s reasonably priced and great for trailer dealers and travel clubs too.

  • Has a 2,000-pound capacity
  • Hydraulic pressure gauge
  • Accurate reading
  • Dual scale (measures both kilograms and pounds)
  • Reasonable price for trailer owners
  • 1-year guarantee

2. Weigh Safe WS6-2.5-KA Trailer Hitch Ball Mount with Built-in Scale

Next on our list of the best trailer tongue weight scale is the Weigh Safe WS6-2.5-KA Trailer Hitch Ball Mount with Built-in Scale:

Click here to see it on Amazon.

This proprietary trailer tongue weight scale features a built-in high-strength stainless steel scale that makes managing your trailer’s weight distribution safer. It helps ensure a properly balanced trailer load by instantaneously providing a tongue weight measurement every time you couple your trailer. With this scale, there’s no need to buy additional tongue weight scales, which can cost hundreds of dollars.

The Weigh Safe WS6-2.5-KA also features an adjustable ball mount. It has a 6-inch drop hitch, which allows you to tow trailers of different heights with the same vehicle. The drop hitch adjusts in 1″ increments so that you get the perfect fit every time. 

This scale, including all Weigh Safe ball mounts, come standard with a high-strength dual-pin lock, which secures your trailer to your drawbar. Additionally, all Weigh Safe locks come standard with a custom-fitted dust cover to increase longevity. It fits 2.5” Receivers – F-250/350+, Chevy 2500/3500+, Ram 2500/3500+, and more.

Its also made of 18 lbs. of solid aircraft grade billet aluminum and stainless steel. Therefore, this hitch is as tough as they come, with a towing capacity (GTW) of 18,500 pounds on the 2 5/16″ ball, 8,000 pounds on the 2″ ball, and 2,200 pounds maximum tongue weight.

It includes a stainless steel locking hitch pin (WS05) keyed the same as the dual-pin lock to maximize ease and convenience when switching trailers or vehicles.

  • Built-in stainless steel scale
  • Adjustable ball mount
  • With 2 corrosion-resistant stainless steel hitch balls
  • Heavy-duty towing capacity
  • Keyed alike stainless steel receiver pin
  • Lifetime gauge warranty
  • 1-year limited ball mount warranty

3. Weigh Safe WS6-2 Trailer Hitch & Ball Mount with Built-in Scale

Another excellent trailer tongue weight scale is the Weigh Safe WS6-2 Trailer Hitch & Ball Mount with Built-in Scale:

Click here to see it on Amazon.

Weigh Safe leaves you with peace of mind since the Weigh Safe Drop Hitch is the only trailer hitch with a built-in scale, which signals you to adjust your load before hitting the road. This results in a much safer towing experience. 

Its hitch with built-in scale is simple to operate, and it automatically provides a measurement every time you couple your trailer. Thus, eliminating the need for separate or commercial scales. 

When attached, your trailer’s weight will push down on the hitch ball, which in turn pushes down on an internal hydraulic piston, which rests on a bed of oil. And when the piston drops into the oil, the pressure reading is sent to the scale. 

The ball mount, with two included hitch balls, lets you hook up your trailer to your tow vehicle. Its adjustable height lets you tow trailers with different heights and with the same vehicle, while the 2 different sized hitch balls let you tow trailers with different coupler sizes. 

You can use this hitch in the rise position to gain 1 inch. If it’s not towing, just pull off the slider and turn backward to stow underneath your vehicle. 

Its also made of 18 lbs. aluminum and stainless steel with a towing capacity (GTW) of 10,000 pounds on the 2 5/16″ ball, 8,000 pounds on the 2″ ball, and 1.500 pounds maximum tongue weight.

  • Built-in scale
  • Size: 6″ drop hitch 
  • Made of aluminum with stainless steel balls
  • Adjustable ball mount
  • Heavy-duty towing capacity
  • Lifetime gauge warranty
  • 1-year limited ball mount warranty

4. Weigh Safe Universal Tow Ball WSUN-1

Next on our list of the best trailer tongue weight scale is the Weigh Safe Universal Tow Ball WSUN-1.

Click here to see it on Amazon.

The Weigh Safe Universal Tow Ball WSUN-1 particularly comes with a clam shape tow ball converter, which is made from high corrosion-resistant 303 and heat-treated 416 stainless steel components. 

It provides a connection point for your trailer’s coupler with a tongue weight scale built into the hitch ball to help you balance your trailer. Overall, it promotes safe towing by letting you know if your load needs an adjustment before towing. 

It’s also easy to operate since it automatically provides a measurement every time you couple your trailer. Moreover, it’s efficient and doesn’t need a separate or commercial scale. 

This design works with 2″ and 2-5/16″ couplers and is SAE J684 certified and VESC Regulations V-5 compliant. 

  • Built-in stainless steel scale
  • Corrosion-resistant construction
  • Heavy-duty towing capacity
  • Simple operation
  • Hassle-free and efficient
  • Includes a clam shell adapter
  • 1-year hitch warranty 
  • Lifetime warranty on scale

5. Weigh Safe Drop Hitch

Another best pick from the same manufacturer is the Weigh Safe Drop Hitch:

Click here to see it on Amazon.

The Weigh Safe Drop Hitch is an aluminum, adjustable drop hitch with a built-in gauge that measures tongue weight. This product comes standard with both the 2″ and 2-5/16″ tow balls. It’s the only trailer hitch with a built-in scale that signals you to adjust your load before you hit the road. 

Gauging your trailer’s tongue weight was a real hassle before this ball mount. However, with its built-in scale, measuring your tongue weight is as easy as coupling your trailer to your ball mount. You just simply hook up your trailer to the Weigh Safe ball mount as you would any other ball mount. 

Your trailer’s weight will push down on the hitch ball that in turn pushes down on an internal hydraulic piston, which sits on a bed of oil. And when the piston drops into the oil, the pressure reading is sent out to the scale.

Its also made of 19 lbs. of solid aircraft grade billet aluminum and stainless steel. Thus, this hitch is as tough as they come, with a towing capacity (GTW) of 12,500 pounds on the 2-5/16″ ball, 8,000 pounds on the 2″ ball, and 1,500 pounds maximum tongue weight.

  • Built-in tongue weight scale into the ball mount platform 
  • Promotes safe towing 
  • Simple and easy operation 
  • No need for separate, commercial scales
  • Durable with superior strength
  • Solid block construction 
  • Rustproof with a clean finish

6. Weigh Safe WS6-2.5 Adjustable Ball Mount with 6″ Drop and 2.5″ Shank

The Weigh Safe WS6-2.5 Adjustable Ball Mount with 6″ Drop and 2.5″ Shank is next on our list for the best trailer tongue weight scale:

Click here to see it on Amazon.

The Weigh Safe 6″ Drop Hitch is another built-in scale that measures tongue weight to ensure a proper tow. It’s a well-designed product with a durable aluminum finish. 

This 6″ drop model from Weigh Safe allows you to pull the most common cargo trailers. It includes both 2″ & 2-5/16″ stainless steel balls and accurately measures the tongue weight. 

Additionally, it can be mounted, so it extends below or above the receiver. Either way, the ball mount can be mounted to the hitch with the ball up. Like other Weigh Safe products, it’s also V5 & J684 certified. 

  • 6″ drop length, 2.5″ shaft
  • Weighs 18 pounds
  • Product Dimensions: 16.5″ x 3.5″ x 10.5″
  • Accurate tongue weight
  • Adjustable ball mount
  • Superior and heavy-duty construction
  • Aluminum finish

7. CURT 51701 BetterWeigh Mobile Towing Scale with TowSense Technology (OBD2)

Next on our list of the best trailer tongue weight scales is the CURT 51701 BetterWeigh Mobile Towing Scale with TowSense Technology (OBD2):

Click here to see it on Amazon.

CURT 51701 BetterWeigh Mobile Towing Scale is a mobile-friendly vehicle and trailer scale. You can install it in seconds, and it wirelessly connects to your smartphone, displaying real-time vehicle and trailer weights. It also shows gross weight, cargo, tongue weight, payload, pin weight, and weight distribution. 

This compact device is Bluetooth-enabled and plugs into your vehicle’s diagnostic port (OBD-II) under the steering wheel. It requires no wiring, splicing, or installation modifications. You just plug it in, wirelessly connect to your phone, and then start getting active readouts of your towing and hauling weights. 

This device is perfect for towing a bumper pull trailer, 5th wheel trailer, gooseneck trailer, or accurately measuring the weight of your cargo. It also makes the brake controller and weight distribution hitch setup a breeze. What’s unique with this tongue weight scale product is that it’s smartphone-ready. Moreover, the app is compatible with Apple or Android devices.

  • Smartphone-ready (uses Bluetooth connectivity)
  • Real-time weighing
  • Plug-and-play design 
  • Installs in seconds
  • Fits any vehicle diagnostic port 
  • Insightful measurements
  • Enhanced safety

About Tongue Weight Scales

Tongue weight means the weight that the fully loaded trailer exerts on the hitch ball of the tow vehicle.

Did you know that tongue weight is typically 10 percent of your gross trailer weight? And it must not exceed 15 percent. For example, a 10,000-pound trailer should have a tongue weight between 1,000 and 1,500 pounds.

Adjustment of your trailer’s tongue weight is made by adding or removing cargo or redistributing your trailer’s load. It’s important to note that the tongue weight must not exceed your tow vehicle capacity, hitch, or any towing components.

It’s also important to know that too much weight could damage the trailer tongue, leading to a catastrophic failure on the highway. On the other hand, too little weight on the hitch can go into an uncontrollable fishtail at highway speeds.

So, how can you be sure if you’re loaded properly? The answer is to use a good trailer tongue weight scale, like the ones we list in this article.

What Is GCWR? [Meaning and How to Calculate]

Trailer Tongue Weight Scale [7 Best Scales]

So to recap, what is the best trailer tongue weight scale? Our top 7 picks for the best trailer tongue weight scales are as follows:

  1. Sherline 5780 Trailer Tongue Weight Scale
  2. Weigh Safe WS6-2.5-KA Trailer Hitch Ball Mount with Built-in Scale
  3. Weigh Safe WS6-2 Trailer Hitch & Ball Mount with Built-in Scale
  4. Weigh Safe Universal Tow Ball WSUN-1
  5. Weigh Safe Drop Hitch
  6. Weigh Safe WS6-2.5 Adjustable Ball Mount with 6″ Drop and 2.5″ Shank
  7. CURT 51701 BetterWeigh Mobile Towing Scale with TowSense Technology (OBD2)

Read next:

Service Trailer Brake System – What It Means and How to Turn Off