Trailer tongue weight regulation

[psj12]

I have often heard, and read on the web, that a rear pull type trailer tongue weight should be 10-15% of the trailer gross weight. Does anyone know if this is covered in some federal or state regulations? If so what is the reg and where can it be found? I need this for my work.

[quikduk]

I am not sure but I did find these links.

www.towingworld.com/articles/TowingLaws.htm

ops.fhwa.dot.gov/freight/publications/size_regs_final_rpt/

www.longhorntrailers.com/guidelines.htm

[PJ]

I've been pulling conventional trailers for more years than I care to remember and never have I heard any mention of the proper hitch weight. It would depend on the length and weight of the trailer and the load you want to put on it. I use an equalizer hitch and sway control while pulling a loaded trailer. Rule of the thumb is, never have a negative load on the ball. If you opt not to use an equalizer hitch, and you have to much weight on the ball, you'll notice the steering will become sloppy and unstable, this problem is what an equalized hitch solves as it transfers weight forward on the tow vehicle and the vehicle profile is as close to normal as it can get. Hope this helps somewhat.