Understanding towing capacity, payload, and legal limits
Towing a caravan isn’t just about hitching up and hitting the road. Whether you’re new to caravanning or upgrading your setup, understanding how much weight you’re towing—and whether your vehicle can legally and safely handle it—is essential. Misunderstanding weight terms can lead to safety risks, insurance issues, or even fines.
Here’s a simple breakdown to help you tow confidently and stay compliant.
Towing Capacity
Towing capacity is the maximum weight your vehicle can legally tow, as specified by the manufacturer. This includes everything the caravan carries—water, gas, food, gear, and modifications.
There are two key numbers to know:
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Braked towing capacity is the limit when the caravan has its own brakes.
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Unbraked capacity applies when the trailer doesn’t have brakes (usually much lower).
Always check your vehicle’s owner’s manual or compliance plate for accurate figures.
Payload
Payload refers to how much weight your caravan can legally carry beyond its empty (Tare) weight. This includes water in the tanks, gas bottles, tools, food, clothes, and anything else loaded into the caravan.
Overloading is one of the most common mistakes caravan owners make. It not only puts pressure on tyres, brakes, and suspension but may also make your setup unsafe in emergency situations.
To calculate payload: subtract the caravan’s Tare weight from its Aggregate Trailer Mass (ATM)—this gives you the allowable load.
Legal Limits and Compliance
Every vehicle and caravan has a range of legal weight limits to follow. These include:
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GVM (Gross Vehicle Mass): maximum weight your tow vehicle can weigh fully loaded.
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ATM (Aggregate Trailer Mass): maximum weight of the caravan, fully loaded and unhitched.
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GCM (Gross Combination Mass): maximum combined weight of your tow vehicle and caravan, fully loaded.
If your loaded caravan exceeds your car’s towing limit or pushes the GCM over the limit, you’re in breach of the law—and potentially putting yourself and others at risk.
Accurate weight checks are crucial. Use a public weighbridge to verify your figures. It’s the best way to ensure you’re within the limits before a big trip.
Towing Weight distribution
Even if you’re within legal towing limits, placing too much weight at the front or rear of the van can create sway, poor handling, or added strain on your tow vehicle. Ideally, about 10% of your caravan’s weight should be on the tow ball to maintain stability.
Accessories like weight distribution hitches can also help balance the load. Tyre pressures must be adjusted to match the weight you’re carrying—both on the tow vehicle and caravan.
Regularly checking load balance and tyre pressures will make your setup safer and far more comfortable on the road.
Why It Matters
Getting these weights right isn’t just about ticking boxes—it’s about safety, drivability, and protecting your investment. A properly loaded caravan towed within your vehicle’s limits will handle better, brake more predictably, and reduce wear and tear on both car and van.
Ignoring these basics could void insurance or cause problems during roadside checks.
Need Help Getting It Right?
At AllBrand Caravan Services, we can help you assess your setup, check compliance, and get your caravan road-ready. Whether you’re new to towing or want peace of mind before a big trip, we’ve got the experience and tools to help.
📞 Call: 07 3869 2969
📍 Visit: 101 Connaught Street, Sandgate QLD 4017
📧 Email: info@allbrandcs.com.au
Tow smart. Travel safe. Let AllBrand make sure you’re ready to roll.
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