1. Stability and Sway Risks

When the front of your caravan or trailer sits too low, the rear is raised. This uneven balance shifts too much pressure onto the front axle (on tandem setups), often exceeding the axle’s design limits.

The result? A pendulum effect. Your caravan starts behaving like a swinging weight behind you, increasing the risk of sway—especially dangerous on freeways like the Monash or when overtaking road trains on rural highways.

2. Tow Ball Mass (TBM) and Weight Distribution

Ride height directly affects Tow Ball Mass (TBM)—the weight your trailer presses down on your tow vehicle’s hitch.

A low front end increases TBM, which then eats into your Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) capacity. If you’re close to your maximum GVM, even a small shift can push you over the legal limit.

Exceeding GVM or TBM isn’t just unsafe—it can leave you liable in the event of an accident, and insurance may refuse a claim.

3. Suspension and Braking Performance

Hook up a heavy caravan or horse float incorrectly, and your vehicle’s suspension will sag at the rear. Not only does this reduce comfort (bumpier rides, poor steering control), but it also compromises braking efficiency.

Think about it: with extra weight pressing down unevenly, your rear brakes are overloaded, while the front struggles to maintain grip. In an emergency stop, this imbalance could cost you precious metres.

4. Long-Term Vehicle Wear and Tear

Even if you don’t notice immediate problems, consistently towing with incorrect ride height accelerates wear on:

• Rear suspension components
  
• Tyres (uneven wear)
  
• Braking systems
  

For 4WDs and dual cabs popular with tradies and weekend travellers (Hilux, Ranger, D-Max, LandCruiser), this extra stress could lead to higher maintenance bills and reduced vehicle lifespan.

How to Get It Right: Weighing and Setup

This is where a service like Weigh My Ride, based in the Yarra Ranges and servicing all of Victoria, becomes invaluable. They come to you with mobile weighing services and give you a complete picture of your setup.:

Here’s what’s included:

• Individual wheel, axle and tow ball weights checked against manufacturer’s legal limits.
  
• Ride height assessment to identify whether suspension upgrades are needed.
  
• Payload distribution check to ensure weight is balanced across the setup.
  
• Tow hitch evaluation to confirm it’s appropriate and safe.
  

Every client receives a detailed report covering:

• GVM (Gross Vehicle Mass)
  
• GCM (Gross Combination Mass)
  
• Tow Ball Mass (TBM)
  
• GTM (Gross Trailer Mass)
  
• ATM (Aggregate Trailer Mass)
  
• Allowable payload
  
• Practical recommendations for a safer, more comfortable trip

By understanding these numbers, you can adjust your load, suspension setup, or towing equipment to make sure your rig is level and compliant.

Practical Tips for Safer Towing

• Check ride height before each trip – your trailer should sit level when connected.
  
• Distribute weight evenly inside your trailer. Heavy gear should sit low and central.
  
• Invest in suspension upgrades if your tow vehicle regularly sags under load.
  
• Use weight distribution hitches where appropriate (but make sure they’re fitted correctly).
  
• Get weighed professionally at least once a year, or whenever you significantly change your setup.
  

Final Thoughts

Towing a trailer isn’t just about hooking up and hitting the road. Ride height directly impacts safety, comfort, and compliance. In Victoria—where enforcement of towing limits is increasing—making sure your setup is level and legal is non-negotiable.

Whether you’re heading out of Melbourne for a race or recreational outing, setting off on a caravan trip, or towing tools for work, a professional weighing service gives you peace of mind that you’re doing it right.

Stay safe, protect your investment, and enjoy smoother travels across Victoria. Contact Weigh My Ride today!