7 Caravan Weights Explained: Keeping You Safe On The Road

Confused about caravan weights for towing, abbreviations and what they mean?

How often have you heard abbreviations like GCM, ATM, or GTM?

These are all weight abbreviations for caravans and cars.

If you are driving a vehicle and towing a large trailer or caravan, you need to know what these weight abbreviations mean and how they affect caravan weights for your trailer/caravan and vehicle load-carrying capabilities.

This ensures you are not only legal on the road, but also safe on the road.

When RACQ’s technical researcher Russell Manning from RACQ was asked, “Why is it important to weigh your caravan?” He answered,

To ensure it’s legal and safe to tow. Caravans usually have limited carrying capacity (payload) so it can be easy to accidentally overload them.

The weight details are attached to your caravan or vehicle by the manufacturer so you know the safe operating capacity of the vehicle or caravan.

Click Here To Use Our FREE Caravan Weight Calculator

Car and Van Weights — *^{Do you know the weight of your car and caravan?}*

These figures on your vehicles and vans’ compliance plates are maximum weights. You must stay under these weights to ensure your vehicle/s are not overloaded. As a rule, they should be in kilos.

Caravan Weights Explained

Table of Contents

Here is a list of these terms and their meanings.

GCM – Gross Combination Mass

This can also be GCVM, Gross Combination Vehicle Mass. Both GCM and GCVM have the same meaning.

This is the total weight of the tow vehicle and trailer while travelling down the road. This figure will include fuel, people, gear, water food, etc.

Your vehicle will have a maximum GCM figure attached to it on a compliance plate under the bonnet or a sticker around the driver’s door frame.

Your vehicle’s actual GCM needs to stay under this figure. The GCM figure attached to your vehicle is the maximum your vehicle combination can weigh while travelling.

Weight Abbreviations - GCM — *_{GCM – Tow Vehicle and Van on the Weighbridge}*

GVM – Gross Vehicle Mass

This is the maximum weight allowed on the vehicle to which this plate is attached. This includes all extras, people etc. This is the weight as it would be with you in it, driving down the highway.

Weights Abbreviations - GVM — *^{GVM – Just the Vehicle that this figure refers to on the Weighbridge}*

ATM – Aggregate Trailer Mass

This is the total weight of the trailer while uncoupled from the tow vehicle. This figure is the maximum weight your trailer can be and will be on the trailer’s compliance plate. The total of the axle weight and weight on the jockey wheel.

Weights Abbreviations - ATM — *^{ATM – All of the Trailers Weight on the Weighbridge, Uncoupled from the Tow Vehicle}*

GTM – Gross Trailer Mass

This is the weight on the axle/s of the trailer while coupled to the tow vehicle. This figure is also on the trailer’s compliance plate and will always be lower than the ATM, as part of the trailer’s weight is on the back of the car.

Weights Abbreviations - GTM — *^{GTM- The Weight on the Trailers Axle while still hooked to the Tow Vehicle}*

Ball Weights

This is the weight on the vehicle’s tow hitch while the trailer is coupled – caravan ball weight. As a rule, this is about 10% of the trailer’s ATM. If you know the trailer’s ATM and GTM, the difference between these two figures will give you a close ball weight.

If you are travelling and doing the lap of Australia occasionally, you may need an accurate reading when you add, subtract or change items around in your caravan. For peace of mind, you could consider carrying a tow-ball weight scale for measuring tow-ball weight. We carry one with us at all times.

Tare Weight Caravan

Caravan tare is the bare weight of the vehicle or van as it rolls off the production line. It is the weight before any extras are fitted, such as bull bars, roof racks or drawer systems. In the case of a caravan, it is the weight without removable accessories, no water in tanks etc.

Caravan Payload Weights

This is the difference between the Tare and GVM or ATM. The payload is the weight you can put in or on the vehicle.

All Around Oz has also put together a video that you can watch for a more detailed explanation.

You can find it here :

Caravan Weights For Towing Calculator

If you know your car caravan towing weights, then you can use this handy calculator.

Caravan Weights FAQs

How Much Does A Caravan Weigh?

When towing a caravan, it’s important to know your caravan’s towing weights to avoid exceeding the towing weight limits recommended by the manufacturer. This applies to both your caravan and 4×4.

The weight of a caravan can vary greatly depending on its size, make and model. Generally speaking, a small caravan can weigh around 800-900kg, while larger ones can weigh up to 3,500kg or more.

It’s worth noting that the weight of your caravan can also change depending on how fully loaded it is, so it’s important to factor in everything you’re planning to take with you on your trip, including clothing, food, and other essentials.

Additionally, it’s also crucial to make sure that your towing vehicle is capable of safely towing the weight of your caravan.

If you’re unsure about the weight of your caravan, it’s always best to check the manufacturer’s specifications (found on the VIN plate) or consult with a professional in the industry. Being informed about the weight of your caravan can ensure a safe and enjoyable journey on the road.

How To Weigh A Caravan?

You can take your caravan to a public weighbridge or Google “mobile caravan weighing near me” and have a weight compliance specialist come to you for caravan weighing.

No matter what state of Australia you are in, you will find either a weighbridge or a mobile caravan weighing business that will help you with your 4×4 and towing caravan weights.

What Is The Average Caravan Weight?

The average weight of a caravan is around 2,300kg empty. Including no water in the tanks or no extra caravan gear added to your caravan

SUMMARY

We hope this helps you understand what caravan weights and weight abbreviations mean when towing a large trailer or caravan. We think it is really important that you know what your rig weighs, as in the unfortunate event of an accident, if you are overweight, your insurance company may choose not to pay your claim.

If you are unsure what your vehicle/s weighs, it may pay you to take it and get it weighed.

There are Public Weighbridges available for use in many areas of Australia. Click on the link to find one in your area. There are now also lots of mobile weighing businesses for caravan weighing services that will come to you and weigh your set-up.

Click Here To Use Our FREE Carvan Weight Calculator

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Annette

Owner at All Around Oz

Hi, I’m Annette Jones, the voice behind All Around Oz!

With years of experience travelling Australia in a caravan, I’m passionate about helping others embark on their own unforgettable adventures. From off-grid camping tips to expert advice on planning the ultimate big lap of Australia, I share stories, practical hacks, and inspiration to make your journey stress-free and exciting. Whether you’re a seasoned traveller or just starting out, join me as I explore the beauty of Australia, one road at a time!