Finding out the right towing weight
To know what is the right tow weight that is needed, you can look at the tow-related numbers on the compliance plate. You can also find this information on the owner’s manual or the manufacturers specification sheets. This will give you information on the Tare Mass that tells you what the caravan weighs when it is empty and the Gross Vehicle Mass (GMV) that tells you the legal weight that is needed for you to tow.
Understanding the trailer weight
Trailers are usually assessed by their total weight which is also known as tare weight. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, Aussies gravitate towards caravans in the weight range of 2 to 2.5 tonne. A tare weight is basically the weight of the caravan when it is not loaded.
This is then combined with the maximum payload that it is legally allowed to carry which needs to be checked, also known as the Aggregate trailer mas (ATM). The gross trailer mass (GTM) is another important weight that you can check when it comes to towing a caravan properly. This is the weight of the trailer on its own axle which tends to be less than the ATM. Keep in mind that this is not the Gross trailer weight.
Things to keep in mind
The key thing to keep in mind when understanding the right vehicle to caravan ratio is:
- The maximum weight of the trailer equipped with brakes
- The maximum tow ball download
- The maximum weight allowed for your vehicle and the trailer combined
This can help you refine your search for caravans that will be compatible with your vehicle, which means less damage for your vehicle. Remember to create a buffer between the maximum towing capacity and the intended load at about 20%.
What will happen when you pair the wrong vehicle to the wrong caravan?
Choosing the wrong caravan to attach to your vehicle can not only cause a risk for you when you are driving on the road, but it can also affect your vehicles fuel economy and response time. When you operate your vehicle at the limit of its towing capacity it can consume more fuel than it usually does. It can also increase the wear and tear on the tyres, brakes, drivetrain, and suspensions to name a few. This, in turn, can create a domino effect that can cause your car to react poorly to unexpected turns that can cause you to jackknife or swerve badly.