TARE MASS

This is the total unladen weight of the caravan ( disconnected from the tow car and resting on the jockey wheel ). This figure should be noted on the van ’ s compliance plate but will only reflect the van ’ s unladen weight as it left the factory . While this figure should be correct when the van is brand new , any repairs or alterations will alter it and therefore have a bearing on the van ’ s payload capacity . If you are unsure about the true Tare weight of your van , consider having it independently weighed .

AGGREGATE TRAILER MASS

This is not so much a tip as it is a law . Never exceed your van ’ s Aggregate Trailer Mass rating . If it says 2500kg ATM on the compliance plate , then that ’ s all your van can weigh ( disconnected from the tow car ) after it ’ s been loaded up . End of story .

RV FEATURE

GROSS TRAILER MASS

No matter how many times someone tells you that payload capacity is calculated by subtracting Tare from Gross Trailer Mass , they are wrong . Instead , it ’ s Aggregate Trailer Mass minus Tare . GTM is a rating that refers to the maximum allowable weight of the trailer when it ’ s hitched up , i . e ., the maximum weight resting on the axles / tyres of the van minus the towball weight .

TOWING CAPACITY

This should go without saying , but your first task as a new caravanner , or when purchasing a new van , is to understand your vehicle ’ s towing capacity , which is stipulated by the manufacturer of the vehicle . Naturally , you need to know the maximum towball mass , too . Never exceed these two ratings , or the vehicle ’ s Gross Combined Mass ( see page 20 ).

Tip : even if your vehicle ’ s tow ratings are quite low , don ’ t despair . Visit the RV shows , get online , and speak to as many RV dealers as possible – the incredible thing about Australia ’ s RV industry is that there truly is something for all needs .

IN-DEPTH : CARAVAN WEIGHTS

BALL WEIGHT GUIDE

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