We use essential storage to run the site. With your permission, we use Google Analytics to understand site use and improve our services. We do not use analytics to collect the details you enter in calculators or forms.

Privacy Policy
Free Tool

Caravan Weight Calculator Australia

Use this free Australian caravan weight checker to estimate loaded caravan mass and compare it with ATM, GTM, payload and towball limits. Towball mass is an input to the check; the calculator does not measure it. Enter your caravan’s compliance plate figures and tow vehicle limits to compare estimated trailer weights and identify figures that need verification. All calculations happen in your browser — no account needed. New to caravan weights? Read our guide on what to ask before buying a caravan.

Caravan Identity (optional)

Older, custom, imported or unlisted caravans are welcome — leave blank if unknown.

Can’t find your vehicle, caravan or trailer? Enter the specifications manually.

Caravan Figures

Unloaded caravan weight (from compliance plate)

Aggregate Trailer Mass — maximum loaded weight

Maximum permitted trailer axle-group mass from the compliance plate

Measured loaded coupling mass; follow manufacturer instructions and coupling limits

What you plan to load (water, food, gear, etc.)

Tow Vehicle Limits

Your tow vehicle's maximum braked towing capacity

Maximum tow ball download allowed by your vehicle

Enter figures to see results

Start with Tare and ATM from your caravan's compliance plate.

Want a detailed automated assessment of your combination?

For a vehicle and caravan you are considering, our detailed Vehicle + Caravan Assessment identifies the key payload, GCM, towball and axle-load questions to verify before you commit.

Not sure which review? Choose the right review

How do I calculate tow ball weight?

Actual towball download depends on the loaded caravan and load position. This calculator requires measured towball download as an input; it cannot determine it from ATM, tare or a nominal percentage.

Use an appropriate weighing service or suitable coupling-load measuring equipment following its instructions and the caravan manufacturer’s guidance. Record the travel load and measurement conditions. A reading at the jockey wheel is not automatically the same as a reading at the coupling.

For compatible measurements of the same load and setup, actual total trailer mass minus actual trailer axle-group mass gives coupling download. Do not subtract the plated ATM and GTM ratings to estimate today’s towball weight.

Transport for NSW: trailer mass definitions and weighing arrangements

Caravan payload and GTM: worked example

Illustrative inputs: tare 1,850 kg, ATM rating 2,500 kg, intended payload 400 kg, measured towball download 180 kg, GTM rating 2,300 kg, vehicle tow capacity 3,500 kg and ball limit 350 kg.

Rated payload allowance = 2,500 − 1,850 = 650 kg. Estimated loaded caravan mass = 1,850 + 400 = 2,250 kg. Estimated trailer axle-group mass = 2,250 − 180 = 2,070 kg. The planned payload leaves 250 kg of the rated allowance.

These comparisons do not establish that the whole combination is suitable. Current tare can differ after accessories or modifications. Verify actual loaded mass, vehicle GVM, GCM, both axle loads and applicable towbar, coupling and manufacturer limits separately.

Transport WA: towing capabilities and towball limits

Is 10% towball weight always correct?

No universal percentage proves a setup is acceptable. Follow the relevant manufacturer’s loading instructions and limits. This tool’s displayed percentage uses the ATM rating as its denominator; it is a reference ratio, not the percentage of actual loaded caravan mass or a pass test.

Explore how entered towball load changes axle loads in the free leverage model

What should I do after this free check?

Have measured axle weights and want to explore the complete combination yourself? The $29 Weight Distribution Calculator & Report provides digital self-service calculations using your supplied figures.

Want a structured review of your proposed vehicle and caravan setup? Compare the $99 Vehicle + Caravan Assessment scope before buying. Neither option supplies physical weighing or engineering certification. Prices are in Australian dollars.

View the $29 calculator and reportReview the $99 towing assessment scopeView sample reports before choosing

Australian caravan weights: ratings and actual loads

ATM and GTM on the compliance plate are limits, not a weighbridge reading of your packed caravan. Tare describes a stated unloaded condition; equipment fitted later, water and travel supplies can change the starting mass. Check the exact caravan plate and manufacturer documents rather than substituting figures from a similar model.

Worked example: water uses payload quickly

For an illustrative caravan with 2,400 kg tare and 3,000 kg ATM, nominal payload is 600 kg. Adding 180 litres of water (about 180 kg), 120 kg of equipment and 160 kg of food, clothing and luggage gives 460 kg added load. Estimated loaded caravan mass is 2,860 kg, leaving 140 kg against ATM. Include only items absent from the tare basis; batteries, gas and dealer accessories must not be counted twice or missed.

Check GTM separately

If that same loaded caravan has a measured 260 kg towball load, its estimated axle-group load is 2,860 − 260 = 2,600 kg. Compare that with its plated GTM and applicable axle and tyre ratings. Being below ATM does not establish that the axle group, towball, tow vehicle or combination is within its own limits.

Weigh it as you intend to travel

Record vehicle front and rear axle readings, trailer axle-group mass and total combination mass with your travelling passengers, fuel, water and luggage. Arrange a separate caravan total-mass and coupling-load measurement with the weighing operator. Keep the loading unchanged between readings and record the hitch configuration. Ask the operator about suitable access and weighing procedures before visiting.

Towball Weight Calculator: what a percentage can tell you

Towball percentage is measured coupling load ÷ actual loaded caravan mass × 100. For 260 kg and 2,860 kg it is about 9.1%. A percentage alone is not a stability test or a universal pass band. Use the manufacturer’s loading instructions and vehicle, towbar and coupling limits. The free leverage tool below explains the separate effect on the vehicle axles.

Can a caravan’s ATM be higher than the vehicle tow rating?

ATM is a rated maximum; actual loaded mass is a different figure. Queensland guidance distinguishes the two. Do not interpret an ATM-only comparison as a verdict on the proposed trip: establish loaded mass, all applicable ratings and manufacturer conditions, and check the road authority guidance for your circumstances.

How to obtain loaded towball weight

Pack the caravan for the intended trip, including water, gas and fitted equipment. Arrange a coupling-load measurement with a caravan weighing service, or use a suitably rated towball scale according to its instructions on firm, level ground at the specified coupling height. Keep the load unchanged between measurements. A jockey-wheel reading is not automatically the same as the load at the coupling.

Do not subtract the plated GTM rating from the plated ATM rating to claim that you have measured today's towball load. Ratings describe limits. With suitable measurements in the same loading condition, total trailer mass minus the load supported by its axle group gives the coupling load. Ask the weighing operator to confirm the method.

For example, measured total caravan mass of 2,860 kg and axle-group mass of 2,600 kg indicate 260 kg at the coupling. That is about 9.1% of the actual loaded mass. Enter the 260 kg into the calculator; a percentage target cannot replace the manufacturer's loading instructions.

Calculate the resulting axle-load change, read why rear-axle load rises by more than towball load, or check how towball load counts towards GVM.

Choose your next step

Free tools help you understand individual checks. Choose the report that matches the decision you need to make.

Australian reference guidance: Queensland towing weights and vehicle selection, towing equipment and road authority guidance by state. Examples above are illustrative calculations. Verify the exact ratings and loaded weights for your setup. See our editorial methodology.

Still deciding before you buy?

If you have a vehicle and caravan in mind, our detailed Vehicle + Caravan Assessment identifies the key payload, GCM, towball and axle-load questions to verify before you commit.

Not sure which review? Choose the right review