Weight and loading of your RV  – Caravan & Camping SA

Weight and loading of your RV

Before heading off on your next road trip, understanding your towing weights and how to load your RV safely is essential. Towing a caravan, camper or motorhome that’s not loaded correctly can affect handling, stability and braking.  This may also make your setup illegal on Australian roads.

Watch this quick Safety Series video to learn the basics of weight and loading.

Sensible loading 

How you pack your caravan or camper has a big impact on how it behaves on the road. Distributing weight evenly, avoiding overloading, and securing heavy items low and close to the axle helps keep your setup stable and reduces the risk of caravan sway.

Packing light can be a challenge, especially when travelling with family. But sensible loading can make all the difference to your towing experience and safety.

Here’s a simple example of what sensible loading looks like:

  • Nothing loose that could shift while driving
  • Heavy items stored low and over the axle
  • Lighter gear packed in overhead cupboards or towards the ends
  • Even side-to-side weight distribution

Know Your Caravan Weights

Before you hit the road, make sure you understand the key weight terms for your tow vehicle and RV:

  • Tare Mass: The empty weight of your RV as it leaves the factory
  • Aggregate Trailer Mass (ATM): The maximum allowed weight of the trailer when unhitched
  • Gross Trailer Mass (GTM): The maximum weight supported by the wheels when the trailer is hitched
  • Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM): The maximum legal weight of the tow vehicle, including passengers, fuel and cargo
  • Gross Combination Mass (GCM): The maximum combined weight of the loaded vehicle and the loaded trailer
  • Tow Ball Weight (TBW): The weight the trailer applies to the vehicle’s tow ball – usually 8–15% of the ATM for stable towing

Exceeding these weights can affect stability, void insurance, or breach road laws. If in doubt, visit a public weighbridge or use a mobile caravan weighing service before you travel.

Tyres, Brakes and Legal Requirements

A heavier load means more stress on your tyres, suspension and braking systems. Make sure:

  • Your tyres are rated for the weight you’re carrying and are inflated to the recommended pressures
  • Your braking system is appropriate for your trailer’s weight

Australian Design Rules (ADR) require that any trailer with a GTM over 750 kg must have an effective braking system fitted, regardless of the tow vehicle’s capacity. Trailers over 2,000 kg GTM must have electric brakes with a breakaway system that applies the brakes if the trailer becomes detached.

For detailed requirements, check the national towing guide. 

Ask for Help

If you’re unsure about weights or loading, speak with:

  • Your RV manufacturer
  • The dealership where you purchased your RV
  • A qualified towing expert or weighbridge service

Staying within legal limits and loading your RV sensibly keeps you, your passengers and other road users safe.

This information is provided as a general guide and may not cover every situation. We recommend seeking advice from a qualified expert for information specific to your circumstances.