RV FEATURE
“HOW MUCH CAN YOU LEGALLY AND
SAFELY STORE INSIDE YOUR TRAILER?”
Last month, we looked at the weight ratings of
towing vehicles and examined some of the pitfalls
you may encounter when trying to figure out what
your vehicle is capable of towing. This month,
we will look at the weight ratings of trailers,
specifically caravans and campers.
But before I go on, I need to make a point.
The number of possible combinations and
configurations make it impossible to cover every
issue you may encounter. That said, for the vast
majority of readers, the biggest question you will
face is, how much can you legally and safely store
in your trailer?
Let's start by looking at the key ratings on the
trailer's compliance plate. All definitions come
from the Technical Requirements – Types of
Trailers covered under VSB1 as published by the
federal Department of Infrastructure, Regional
Development and Cities.
DEFINING THE TERMS
"Tare Weight, or the empty weight of the trailer,
is the total mass of the trailer when not carrying
any load, but when ready for service and with all
fluid reservoirs (if fitted) filled to nominal capacity
except for fuel, which shall be 10L only, and with
all standard equipment and any options fitted.
This includes any mass imposed onto the drawing
vehicle when the combination vehicle is resting on
a horizontal supporting plane (towball weight)."
Of special note, fluid reservoirs do not include
water tanks and waste water tanks, such as those
fitted to caravans.
This definition may seem clear enough, but the
reality is that each manufacturer could interpret it
differently and there is no real way to know other
than to ask them. For instance, you will need to
clarify whether the Tare weight includes items
like the mattress, the empty gas cylinders, any
options fitted post manufacture, such as extra
solar panels, etc.
This is particularly important if you're purchasing
a van off the showroom floor and you ask for
modifications to be made. Ask for a weighbridge
certificate if you like, but take note of the date it
was obtained and clarify what was fitted at the
time the certificate was obtained.
If purchasing second-hand, look at the Tare weight
on the compliance plate and ask the owner what
modifications have been made to get an idea of
how much weight has been added. At the end of
the day, if you want to be absolutely sure of the
Tare weight of your trailer, empty it out yourself
and take it to a weighbridge.
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