Does tow-ball download reduce my towing capacity?

Not directly — towing capacity is measured separately. But it does reduce your available payload and counts towards GVM, so it can limit what you can carry in the vehicle.

How do I measure tow-ball download?

Use a dedicated tow-ball scale (around $80–$150). Position the loaded caravan on level ground, fit the scale to the coupling, and lower the jockey wheel.

Is too much tow-ball weight dangerous?

Yes. Excessive tow-ball weight overloads the rear axle, reduces front-wheel grip, and can cause poor steering, braking and increased tyre wear.

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Tow-Ball Download Explained: Why 10% Matters

Tow-ball download (or tow-ball mass) is the vertical force a loaded trailer applies down onto the tow vehicle's tow ball — typically 8–10% of the trailer's ATM for caravans.