A complete guide to caravan weights

As a caravan owner, understanding caravan weights is vital for towing safely and responsibly.

In this guide, we explain different caravan weights, tow car limits, how to weigh your caravan, common mistakes to avoid, and much more.

 

Understanding caravan weights

Caravan weight types

• MRO (Mass in running order)

A caravan’s MRO is its total weight upon leaving the factory before you put anything in it. The MRO includes the weight of fluids and standard equipment. It’s important to know your caravan’s MRO to calculate its MTPLM.

• MTPLM (Maximum technically permissible laden mass)

Your caravan’s MTPLM is the maximum amount it can weigh once you and your belongings are inside. The MTPLM is calculated by the caravan manufacturer and can often be found on a weight plate fixed onto your vehicle. If you exceed your caravan’s MTPLM, it can become unstable and may be unsafe to tow.

• Payload

A caravan’s payload is the weight of items you can carry in your caravan before it exceeds its MTPLM and becomes unstable. To calculate the payload of your caravan, subtract its MRO from its MTPLM.

• Nose weight

You may be surprised to discover that your caravan has a nose—this is the part of the vehicle that connects to your car. The nose weight is important, as your car and/or towbar will have a maximum weight they can carry. Exceeding the recommended nose weight can result in unsafe towing and damage to your car.

Related: Does my car insurance cover towing a caravan?

 

Tow car weights

• Kerb weight

Your car’s kerb weight is essentially the weight of your car before passengers and cargo are added. It includes the car’s weight, standard equipment, and fuel tank. Knowing your kerb weight is important as your caravan shouldn’t weigh more than your car. Towing a caravan less than 85% of the weight of your car is considered best practice – although more experienced drivers could increase this to 100%.

• GVW (gross vehicle weight)

GVW, or gross vehicle weight, is the total weight of your tow vehicle once all passengers, luggage, and fluids are inside.

• MAM (maximum authorised mass)

The MAM of a tow vehicle refers to its maximum weight once passengers, luggage, and fluids have been loaded. Your car’s GVW must not exceed its MAM, as this can make it unsafe to drive.

• GTW (gross train weight)

A tow car’s GTW is the total maximum weight of the car and caravan combined plus passengers, luggage and fluids. Exceeding a vehicle’s GTW can mean that different components of the car, like its brakes, won’t work effectively.

• MTL (maximum towing limit)

A vehicle’s MTL can be calculated by subtracting the GVW from the GTW – this will tell you the maximum weight your car can safely tow.

 

Why caravan weights matter

These different caravan weights can be confusing and overwhelming, but understanding them is vital as a caravan owner. Getting them wrong can cause different issues, including:

• Braking and handling issues which can lead to dangerous driving and potential accidents
• You may be fined if your caravan and tow vehicle don’t meet legal requirements
• Your insurance may be invalid should you have an accident due to exceeding weight limits
• If you tow a caravan that’s too heavy, your vehicle will be less energy-efficient
• Tyres will degrade quicker on vehicles that exceed their maximum weight limits

Related: The 10 best small caravans on the market 

 

How to measure and calculate caravan weights

Tools and methods for accurate measurements

• Weighbridge: A weighbridge is a huge set of scales that can weigh vehicles and their contents. The government has an online tool to help you find your nearest weighbridge. Weighbridges are typically owned and run by private companies, so check costs and opening times before you make the trip.
• Owner manual or plate: Your caravan may have a plate on it, typically near the door, which will highlight its weight. Alternatively, the MRO of your caravan should be listed in your owner’s manual.
• Check with the manufacturer: If you can’t find out the weight of your caravan, check with the manufacturer, who should be able to assist you.

 

Common mistakes to avoid

There are a few common mistakes that are easy to make when loading your caravan. These include:

• Overloading: Exceeding your caravan’s payload by putting too many items in it is an easy mistake, but it can result in numerous issues, such as uneven handling, stress on the brakes, and accelerated wear and tear.
• Uneven loading: Loading items into your caravan without considering weight distribution can also cause issues with steering and braking. Light items should be stored in lockers or towards the back of the caravan. Heavy items should be placed over the wheels. And medium-weight items shouldn’t be stacked higher than the windows.
• Poor maintenance: Proper maintenance is vital so your caravan can be towed safely. If you tend to pack it quite full when you go on trips, wear and tear can occur quickly, especially to the brakes and tyres. Before you head out onto the road, check everything thoroughly to avoid issues. Ensure you stay up to date with getting your caravan serviced, too.

 Related: How to tow a caravan

 

Legal and safety considerations for caravan weights

Staying within legal limits

To stay within legal limits when towing a caravan, you must ensure that you do not exceed your tow car’s gross train weight (GTV). You’ll be able to find the limit for your car in your owner’s manual or on the car’s vehicle identification number plate. This can typically be found under the bonnet or inside the driver’s door.

If your car doesn’t have a GTV, you should not use it to tow your caravan.

 

The impact on towing and vehicle performance

If you don’t stay within your vehicle’s GTV, you’ll not only be breaking its legal limits but can also cause damage to your car and caravan. It will also be unsafe to drive. Should you try to tow a load that’s too heavy, your brakes, steering, and engine will be under stress and could result in leaving the road, breaking down or causing an accident.

 

Caravan weight FAQs

What is the 85% rule for caravans?

The 85% rule for caravan owners states that your caravan shouldn’t weigh over 85% of the weight of your car. This isn’t a legal limit but is used as a guideline for many caravan owners. It’s advised to stick to this rule if you’re new to caravan towing. Those with plenty of experience may have the confidence to raise this to 100%. 

 

What is the average weight of a caravan in kg?

Caravans typically weigh between 800kg and 2000kg, depending on their size and number of beds. Some larger static caravans can weigh up to 3500kg.

 

What caravan weight can I tow?

The caravan weight you can tow depends on your tow car. Check your owner’s manual or the car’s VIN plate to find out its limit. If there is no limit, your car should not be used as a tow vehicle.

 

Where can I find the weight of my caravan?

The weight of your caravan should be on its weight plate or in your owner’s manual. If not, you can ask the manufacturer, who will be able to help.

 

Specialist caravan insurance through Ripe

Now you’re clued up on caravan weights, you may want to consider specialist insurance for added peace of mind before you hit the road.

Through Ripe, tourers are covered against theft, loss or damage up to the value of £75,000 and static caravans up to the value of £175,000. You can also opt for additional cover to protect your contents and awnings.

Click here to learn more about how we can help or get an instant online quote.