Question 1

What's the difference between ATM, Tare and GTM?

Accepted Answer

Tare is the empty weight of the caravan as it left the manufacturer. ATM (Aggregate Trailer Mass) is the most the loaded caravan may weigh when unhitched. GTM (Gross Trailer Mass) is the maximum weight the caravan's own axles may carry when it's hitched to a tow vehicle; the tow ball share isn't on them. It's a separate limit, not simply ATM minus a tow ball figure. Payload is ATM minus Tare.

Question 2

How much does an average Australian caravan weigh?

Accepted Answer

A typical Australian full-size touring caravan has a Tare weight of around 2,200–2,800 kg and an ATM of 2,800–3,500 kg. Off-road and family vans often sit at the 3,500 kg ATM ceiling that most popular tow vehicles are rated to tow.

Question 3

How do I weigh my caravan?

Accepted Answer

Use a public weighbridge (most council and transport depots have one). Weigh the caravan hitched and unhitched for the figures to compare with GTM and ATM, then weigh the tow vehicle separately for GVM. The difference between hitched and unhitched tow vehicle front and rear axle weights gives tow ball mass.

Question 4

What should a caravan's tow ball weight be?

Accepted Answer

In Australia, around 10% of the caravan's loaded weight is a common guide for stable towing (8–15% is the usual range), though it's a guide rather than a rule. It must also be at or below your tow vehicle's maximum tow ball download rating, your towbar's rating, and must not push the vehicle over its GVM or rear axle limit.

Question 5

Is my caravan likely to be overweight?

Accepted Answer

Yes — industry weighbridge surveys (Caravan Industry Association of Australia) consistently find 60–70% of caravans on Australian roads are overweight in at least one metric, most commonly ATM or tow ball mass. The most common cause is loading water, batteries, gas, food and gear that together exceed the van's payload.

Question 6

Does caravan tare weight include full water tanks?

Accepted Answer

Usually no. Caravan tare is the manufacturer's empty reference weight and the compliance-plate definition should be checked for the specific van. Full water adds roughly 1 kg per litre, so add the water, gas, batteries, food and touring gear to tare when estimating the loaded weight. A weighbridge reading is the reliable check.

Question 7

Do you need electric brakes to tow a caravan?

Accepted Answer

A caravan with an ATM above 750 kg must have an effective braking system under Australian trailer rules. Electric brakes are common on caravans, but the exact system and breakaway requirements depend on trailer mass and the applicable state and territory rules. Check the caravan's equipment and have the system tested before towing.

Question 8

Do you need towing mirrors for a caravan?

Accepted Answer

You must have a clear view to the rear and along both sides of the combination. If the caravan is wider than the tow vehicle or blocks the standard mirrors, extension towing mirrors are generally required. They must be securely fitted and must not create an unsafe projection.

Question 9

Does car insurance cover towing a caravan?

Accepted Answer

Some policies cover towing, while others require the caravan and its use to be declared. Check the Product Disclosure Statement and tell your insurer the caravan's value, intended use, modifications and towing vehicle. A claim can be affected if the combination is overloaded or outside the policy terms.

Question 10

Are you allowed to sit in a caravan being towed?

Accepted Answer

No. People must not travel inside a caravan or trailer while it is being towed on public roads in Australia. Everyone must travel in an approved, belted seat inside the tow vehicle.

Caravan Weight Calculator — ATM, Tare, GTM & Ball Weight