If your weight distribution system isn’t fitted or adjusted correctly, you could be putting yourself, your passengers, and other road users at risk. Key checks include: ensuring clearance for the load distribution bars, considering added accessories on your tow vehicle, and checking suspension changes after installation. In Melbourne and across Victoria, mobile caravan weighing services can help you get it right—keeping your setup safe, smooth, and compliant with Australian towing laws.
For the purpose of this article, “Trailer” refers to a caravan, horse float, or any other trailer.
Why Weight Distribution Systems Matter
Melbourne’s love affair with caravanning, 4WD touring, and horse floats is stronger than ever. But with more traffic on our highways and stricter road safety rules, it’s critical that your towing setup meets legal and practical requirements.
A weight distribution system (WDS) isn’t just about comfort—it’s about safety, compliance, and protecting your investment. Installed properly, it balances the load between your tow vehicle and trailer when connected. It improves handling, reduces sway, and ensures braking efficiency. Installed incorrectly, it may not be functioning at all which could compromise stability and potentially make your setup illegal.
For anyone towing—whether you own a race car trailer, a caravan, a commercial vehicle, or a horse float—getting the weights right is essential.
Key Checks for Your Weight Distribution System
1. Clearance for Load Distribution Bars
One of the most common mistakes is bars that sit too low or rub against the drawbar. If you notice either:
- The wrong setup may have been chosen for your tow ball weight, drawbar depth, or coupling position.
- Clearance is not just a technical detail—it’s essential for safe towing and preventing damage.
In Victoria’s diverse conditions—from the Hume Highway to rougher bush tracks—getting this wrong could spell disaster. Always confirm the right bar design for your specific trailer.
2. Accounting for Accessories on Your Tow Vehicle
Got a bull bar? Roof rack? Drawer system in the back? These extras are almost standard for Melbourne and regional VIC drivers heading on long trips, but they all impact axle loads.
The issue? If your WDS was fitted based only on empty weights or generic figures, your axles might already be overloaded before you hitch up the trailer. Overloaded axles:
- Reduce braking effectiveness.
- Put you at risk of voided insurance in an accident.
- May get you fined if stopped by police roadside checks.
The solution: weigh your fully loaded vehicle and trailer—fuel, passengers, gear, everything included. This ensures compliance with limits such as Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM), Gross Trailer Mass (GTM), Gross Combined Mass (GCM) and Aggregate Trailer Mass (ATM).
3. Suspension Height Changes After Installation
A good WDS should visibly rebalance your setup. Signs of correct adjustment include:
- The rear of the tow vehicle lifting slightly.
- The front dipping slightly—restoring even axle load.
If you see no difference in ride height after fitting, chances are the system isn’t set up properly or isn’t functioning at all. That means your handling, stability, and braking are still compromised.
Why Professional Weighing Is a Game-Changer
DIY measurements and guesswork don’t cut it anymore. With Victoria’s roads busier than ever, getting professional help ensures your towing setup is both legal and safe.
Services like Weigh My Ride (operating across metro Melbourne and regional VIC) bring mobile scales to you. That means:
- Accurate axle, tow ball, trailer and vehicle weight readings.
- On-site installation or adjustment of your WDS if required.
- Genuine advice on towing solutions required to get your setup safe and legal, ranging from adjustable tow hitches, to weight distribution systems or advice on the type of suspension upgrade required.
- Peace of mind knowing you’re set up is safe and legal.
Knowing the tare weight of your trailer is just as important as knowing your loaded figures—it ensures accuracy in your towing calculations and compliance.
Final Thoughts: Stay Safe, Stay Legal
Towing safely in Melbourne—or anywhere in Victoria or Australia—comes down to preparation. The right weight distribution system, properly installed and adjusted, makes the difference between a smooth trip and a dangerous one.
Don’t leave it to guesswork. If you’re setting up for your next caravan holiday, heading out bush with the camper, or transporting horses around regional VIC, take the time to get your system checked and weighed. It’s a simple step that could see your setup meet the required weight limits without compromising the daily comfort of your tow vehicle when not towing – which is typically the case with suspension upgrades that become a full time change to your vehicle.
Book a mobile weighing session today and travel with confidence.
