Mobile Caravan Weighing

Towing capacity can be reduced when the vehicle is at its Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) limit. Passengers, cargo, vehicle accessories and Tow Ball Mass (TBM) can quickly absorb the vehicle’s payload. Cars also have Tow Ball Mass (TBM) and axle load limits to consider when loading. Each setup is different, applying weight to various areas of the vehicle. Car and caravan weighing is the only way to identify how close you are to these limits. 

Your towing height – the height of the tow hitch in comparison to the caravan coupling – is of vital importance. If your setup is not at the optimal level, you are at risk of increased vehicle sway. If the tow hitch is too low, the rear of the caravan may be high, possibly causing the caravan to fishtail with reduced rear axle connection to the road. If the tow hitch is too high, the front of the caravan may be too high, possibly causing the ‘tail to wag the dog’ – the caravan will sway the car, with reduced front axle connection to the road. 

Importantly, the Tow Ball Mass (TBM) of the caravan is included in the vehicle GVM. Payload also includes fuel, cargo and vehicle accessories. Cargo can include passengers, car seats, luggage, fridges etc. Vehicle accessories can include tow bar, larger wheels, long range fuel tank, roof rack, bull bar, winch, lights, roof rack, snorkel, drawer systems, additional batteries etc.  

Caravan payload includes anything that was installed post-manufacture, including additional accessories at the time of build/purchase, such as tool boxes, water tanks, batteries, solar panels, bike racks etc. It also includes gas, water in tanks and hot water service, bikes, food, drinks, luggage, crockery, BBQs, hoses, cables etc.