Maryland Boating Certification Practice Exam

What will happen if the tongue weight is too light?

1. The trailer will become unstable

2. The trailer will swing from side to side, or "fishtail"

3. The boat will capsize

4. The hitch will disconnect

The correct answer is: The trailer will swing from side to side, or "fishtail"

When the tongue weight of a trailer is too light, it can lead to the trailer swinging from side to side, which is referred to as "fishtailing." This occurs because the lack of adequate downward force at the hitch reduces the trailer's stability. Ideally, the tongue weight should be around 10-15% of the total trailer weight to ensure proper balance and control. When this balance is off, it compromises steering and can create a dangerous situation, especially at higher speeds or during turns. In contrast, having excessive tongue weight can also create other issues, such as putting too much stress on the hitch or the vehicle's rear suspension. While the other options highlight problems that might occur under different conditions, they do not directly relate to the specific consequences of having insufficient tongue weight, which primarily leads to instability and the potential for fishtailing.