Tiny House Weight Calculator
Calculate Tongue Weight & Total Weight using the CAT Scale Method.
How this works
You need two weight certificates from a certified scale (like a CAT scale).
Certificate #1 (Truck + House)
- Steer Axle (A)
- Drive Axle (B)
- Trailer Axles (C)
Certificate #2 (Truck Only)
- Steer Axle (D)
- Drive Axle (E)
Results
Total Tiny House Weight
0 lbs
Tongue Weight (TW)
0 lbs
TW Percentage
0%
Target: 9% – 15%
Calculation Breakdown
Truck Axles with House (A + B):
0
Truck Axles Empty (D + E):
0
Tongue Weight Result:
(A+B) – (D+E)
Weight Alert
Understanding Safety Limits
Why 9% – 15%?
Tongue Weight (TW) is the downward force your house applies to the truck’s hitch. It acts as a pivot point for stability.
- Under 9% (Dangerous): The trailer becomes “tail-heavy.” At highway speeds, this causes the trailer to sway violently (fishtail), often leading to loss of control.
- Over 15% (Stressful): The trailer pushes the back of your truck down, lifting the front steering wheels. This reduces your steering control and braking power.
How the Math Works
This calculator uses the physics of your truck’s suspension to “weigh” the tongue without lifting it directly.
Tongue Weight =
(Truck Axles Attached) – (Truck Axles Empty)
Example: If your truck axles weigh 7,000 lbs with the house attached, but only 5,500 lbs when empty, that extra 1,500 lbs is the weight of the Tiny House pushing down on the hitch.
* Always respect your trailer’s GVWR. Check your axles, tires, and safety chains to ensure they are rated for your Total Tiny House Weight.