Australian Caravan Towing Weight Calculator

Your Results:

Towing Capacity Check:

Tow Ball Weight Check:

Combined Mass Check:

How to Use Your Caravan Towing Weight Calculator in Australia

Planning a caravan trip across Australia? Before you hit the Nullarbor or tackle the Great Ocean Road, there’s one crucial task: ensuring your vehicle can safely tow your caravan. Our caravan towing weight calculator takes the guesswork out of this process. Here’s how to use it effectively.

Step 1: Gather Your Numbers
Start with your vehicle’s kerb weight – what it weighs empty (check your owner’s manual). Next, find your Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) – the maximum loaded weight from your compliance plate. For your caravan, you’ll need its Aggregate Trailer Mass (ATM) – its fully loaded weight from the manufacturer’s plate.

Step 2: Input Your Details
Enter these numbers into the calculator’s first three fields. The fourth field asks for your tow ball weight – measure this at a public weigh bridge with your caravan hitched but vehicle unladen.

Understanding the Results
The calculator checks three critical Australian standards:

  1. Towing Capacity: Your vehicle’s GVM minus kerb weight must equal or exceed the caravan’s ATM. If you see a warning here, you’re legally overloaded.

  2. Weight Distribution: Your tow ball weight should be 5-10% of the ATM. The calculator shows this percentage. Outside this range? Adjust your caravan’s load.

  3. Combined Mass: Most Australian vehicles have a Gross Combination Mass (GCM) limit of 6000kg. The calculator alerts you if GVM + ATM exceeds this common threshold.

Pro Tips

  • Always use actual weighed values, not estimated figures

  • Check your specific vehicle’s GCM in its manual

  • Re-calculate whenever changing your setup

  • Leave a 10% safety margin on all limits

Remember, getting these calculations right isn’t just about compliance – it’s about keeping yourself and other road users safe. Overloaded caravans account for 15% of fatal towing accidents in Australia according to the NTC. Use the calculator before every major trip, especially if you’ve made modifications to your vehicle or caravan.

Need help finding your weights? Visit any certified weigh bridge – most truck stops have them. For caravans, many storage facilities now offer weighing services. Stay safe, stay legal, and enjoy the freedom of Australia’s open roads with confidence!

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