What do caravans weigh

Some manufacturers do not include additions such as extra jerry can holders, generators, bike racks…etc. Payload is defined as the total combined weight of all items, that are loaded in the caravan. Payload includes any item added to the caravan, that is not part of the Tare weight specified by manufacturer.

This includes — water, fuel. Caravan manufacturers are required by law to provide a maximum permissible payload, that must be clearly stamped on the VIN plate of the caravan. The Caravan Industry Association of Australia recommends a minimum payload of kg for single axle, and kg for tandem axle caravans.

Caravan manufacturers usually only provide the minimum recommended payload. However, depending on the weight of the caravan and the rating of its axle and suspension components, some manufacturers will provide a kg payload, and in extremely rare cases even more. GTM is the maximum permissible mass or weight of the loaded trailer on the axles of the caravan only. In other words the GTM is the combined effect of the caravan weight and the payload on the axles. The GTM also determines the rating of the rims and tyres used on the caravan.

It must be noted that the GTM of a caravan at any given point is determined by the payload at the time. ATM is the maximum mass of the loaded caravan when carrying the maximum permissible payload as specified by the manufacturer.

The ATM includes the weight imposed by the caravan on the coupling or tow vehicle, when the caravan is perfectly horizontal. The weights that are mentioned in this section are all specified by the manufacturer car or tow vehicle. They are mentioned in the car's handbook and are usually tabulated and quite detailed. Understanding these weights and what they mean means knowing the limitations of your car. Similar to a caravans the car also has a Tare weight or Kerb weight, which is the empty weight of the completed car, with all standard options fitted.

The GVM of a car is the maximum that the vehicle can weigh at any given point of time. The cars suspension, rims and tyres are designed to handle the specified GVM of the car, which acts directly on the four wheels of the car and onto the road. Then choose a caravan with a lower height profile and shorter drawbar to reduce drag.

Caravans weighing over kg GTM must use electronically controlled brakes at all times — although we recommend electronic brakes on all caravans, regardless of weight. Since there is less push from behind, electronic brakes allow for controlled braking, shorter stopping distances and a lower likelihood of jack-knifing.

But how much do they actually weigh? How much does a small caravan weigh in comparison to a large one? We compared the most popular caravans on the market and found considerable variation in Aggregate Trailer Mass ATM — even for caravans of similar lengths. In general, common foot caravans have ATM figures in the kg range.

Smaller, hybrid pop-top varieties weigh in at kg. Some full-bodied caravans such as the Adria Altea PK Sport have lightweight designs, allowing them to compete as respectable alternatives to pop-tops or hybrids. The Kokoda Cadet Platinum is one of the heftier caravans for its size. It is, however, well equipped. The caravan features separate toilet and shower, solar panel array and a large fridge. There is also checker plate protection on the sides and underside of the caravan for off-roading.

Despite being slightly longer, the Kokoda Squadron is almost kg lighter than the Cadet. The extra weight savings in the Squadron are thanks in part to a smaller hot water system and a lack of heavy duty off-road suspension and protection. Some of the features include a litre hot water system, top loading washing machine and reverse cycle air conditioning.

The Bailey Unicorn Barcelona is constructed of the same combination of aluminium and composite as the Gemini. Try to make sure you are balancing the weight of items either side of the axle. This will mean the caravan has good on the road performance without excessive pitching and snaking. The RAC has produced quite a good towing guide for caravanners. Before you set off after loading up your caravan you should really check the nose weight of the caravan once fully laden. The nose weight is the force the caravan is placing on your cars tow ball.

Each car has a different rating for nose weight on the tow ball. It depends on the cars chassis and suspension setup. Cars with long overhangs from the rear wheels generally have low nose weight limits.

You will also typically find PHEVs and electric tow cars have lower nose weight limits. Cars with air suspension usually have higher nose weight limits. The reason being the air suspension can up the pressure to stop the back of the car dipping down too much. Some cars have a nose weight limit as low as 60kg, larger 4x4s will be rated around kg, sometimes even higher.

Always check the manual for your car to find its nose weight limit. Depending on how much stuff you have in your caravan and its position it can be challenging to keep the nose weight under control. Remember, a caravan motor mover can increase the noseweight of your caravan , also reducing your user payload. If you breach your nose weight limit and have an accident your insurance company could refuse to payout. It can also be very unsafe to exceed the nose weight rating.

More weight on the back of the car will potentially lift the front. The front of your car obviously provides the steering. Less contact of your steering wheels on the road can lead to handling issues and potential accidents. Most people will have seen cars on the road which are clearly breaching their nose weight limit. The rear wheels of the car almost disappear into the arches, and the tow bar is practically dragging against the ground.

When it comes to towing a caravan, especially with a driving licence post the weight of the caravan you choose has significant implications.