How to read weight figures and examples
- Ratings are maximum limits, not measurements of your loaded setup. Confirm the exact variant and approved ratings.
- Measure loaded coupling weight. A percentage or the difference between ATM and GTM ratings does not establish today's coupling weight.
- An added load changes both axle reactions according to its position. A change is not a total axle load; use measured starting axle weights and add each load once.
- Combination mass is unhitched loaded vehicle plus total loaded trailer, or the sum of all coupled axle readings. Count coupling mass once.
- Examples and AI suggestions are planning aids, not verified measurements or compliance clearance. Unknown figures require measurement; active weight-distribution hitches and gooseneck arrangements need their own assessment.
Understanding Caravan Weight Compliance
Your caravan's weight distribution affects both its own compliance and your tow vehicle's safety. Proper packing and load management are essential for stable, legal towing.
Key Caravan Weight Terms
TARE Weight: The caravan's weight when empty (no water, gas, or gear).
ATM (Aggregate Trailer Mass): The maximum total weight the caravan can be loaded to, including everything you add.
TBM (Tow Ball Mass): Actual downward coupling load for a particular loading condition; not a fixed percentage of ATM.
Payload Capacity: ATM minus TARE = your available payload for gear, water, gas, and accessories.
Common Risk Signs
Caravan Overloading: Tyres running hot or showing excessive wear, suspension bottoming out on bumps, excessive sway at highway speeds.
Poor Weight Distribution: Caravan nose-high or nose-low when hitched, tow vehicle rear suspension sag, caravan instability in crosswinds.
Packing for Optimal Distribution
Heavy Items (batteries, gas bottles, water containers): Position near or slightly forward of the axle, keep low in storage compartments.
Medium Items (tools, cooking gear, food): Distribute evenly side-to-side, balance front-to-rear.
Light Items (clothing, bedding, soft goods): Use to fine-tune weight distribution.
Water Weight Considerations
Water weighs 1kg per litre. A 200L water tank adds 200kg when full. Consider traveling with partial water tanks and filling up at destinations.
Practical Next Steps
1. Find your caravan's TARE and ATM ratings (compliance plate)
2. Calculate available payload (ATM - TARE)
3. Weigh your caravan loaded at a weighbridge
4. Ask a suitable weighing service for the loaded coupling measurement and axle readings in the intended hitch configuration
5. Confirm load placement and coupling requirements with the trailer manufacturer. Do not move heavy items rearward merely to meet an assumed percentage.
For vehicle and caravan questions, choose the $99 towing assessment. The $49 Risk Scan covers vehicle-only payload and modification observations; neither replaces weighing or certification.
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