What weight can my caravan tow?
Your caravan can be towed up to the smaller of your vehicle’s maximum braked towing capacity and the caravan’s MTPLM (maximum technically permissible laden mass). Always account for nose weight, load distribution, and the vehicle’s overall limits.
How to determine your safe tow weight
To determine the safe tow limit, gather the key figures for both the tow vehicle and the caravan and apply them with careful loading and distribution. The steps below guide you through the process.
- Find your vehicle’s maximum braked towing capacity (kg). This figure is published by the manufacturer and appears in the owner’s manual, on the vehicle’s placard, or on the manufacturer’s website.
- Find your vehicle’s Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR). This is the maximum allowed weight of the vehicle plus any attached trailer, including passengers and cargo.
- Find the caravan’s MTPLM (Maximum Technically Permissible Laden Mass). This is the maximum weight the caravan is designed to carry when fully loaded, including fluids, gear, and supplies.
- Compare the two numbers. The safe towing limit is the smaller value between the vehicle’s braked towing capacity and the caravan’s MTPLM. Do not exceed this figure when loading both together.
- Consider nose weight. The hitch (tongue) weight is typically 7–15% of the caravan’s MTPLM. Ensure this weight is supported by the vehicle’s hitch and front axle load capacity, and adjust how you load the caravan accordingly.
When planning, remember that real-world conditions—such as road grade, weather, and extra cargo inside the car—can affect performance. If you’re unsure, consult the vehicle’s dealer or a qualified tow specialist.
Reading caravan and vehicle ratings
Caravans and tow vehicles use standardized ratings to indicate safe operating limits. Understanding these terms helps you compare and plan accurately.
- MTPLM (Maximum Technically Permissible Laden Mass) — the maximum weight the caravan is permitted to carry when loaded, including all fluids and equipment.
- MAM (Maximum Authorised Mass) — a related rating used in some regions; in practice, it typically aligns with MTPLM for towing purposes.
- Nose weight (tongue weight) — the downward force the caravan exerts on the tow ball; aim for roughly 7–15% of MTPLM for stable towing.
- Braked vs unbraked — most caravans require a braked trailer; the towing capacity figures usually refer to braked trailers, which are safer and have higher limits than unbraked ones.
Always verify the exact terminology on the plate or in the manuals for your specific make and model, as definitions can vary by country and year.
Practical safety considerations when towing
Beyond the numbers, practical loading and towing practices influence safety and performance on the road. These guidelines help minimize risk and improve stability.
- Distribute weight evenly between the caravan and its payload, and position heavier items low and close to the axle to reduce sway.
- Ensure nose weight is within the recommended range and that the vehicle’s front axle load capacity is not exceeded.
- Use a braking system compatible with both the vehicle and caravan; ensure electric brake controllers are properly configured where required.
- Check tyre pressures and condition on both vehicle and caravan, including spare tyres.
- Plan routes with appropriate braking zones and consider weather and road conditions that affect stopping distance.
In all cases, adhere to local laws and the vehicle and caravan manufacturers’ guidelines. If you’re new to towing or upgrading equipment, seek professional guidance.
What if you’re planning a journey soon?
Before you tow, do these checks
Preparing in advance helps prevent problems on the road. Use the checklist below to verify readiness.
- Re-check the vehicle’s tow rating and the caravan’s MTPLM to ensure compatibility.
- Measure the actual nose weight with a weighing system or by using manufacturer-provided methods and adjust loading as needed.
- Test-tow with a lighter load first to observe handling, braking, and sway characteristics before a longer trip.
- Ensure all lights, indicators, and the trailer brake system (if installed) are functioning correctly.
- Carry essential towing equipment and a first-aid kit, and be prepared for contingencies on the road.
By following these checks, you’ll be better prepared for safe, stable towing and can adjust weight distribution as necessary for different caravans or loads.
Summary
The practical limit for towing a caravan is the smaller of your vehicle’s braked towing capacity and the caravan’s MTPLM. Always factor in nose weight, load distribution, and the vehicle’s GCWR, and use manufacturer guidance for exact figures. Understanding these ratings, properly loading the caravan, and performing pre-tow checks are essential steps toward safe and enjoyable caravanning.
How much weight can a caravan pull?
Caravan towing capacity is the maximum weight a vehicle can tow, which varies significantly by model and year, so you must check your specific vehicle's specifications. To determine your caravan's weight, find its Aggregate Trailer Mass (ATM), typically listed on a compliance plate, and ensure it is below your vehicle's maximum towing capacity. Remember that this includes all gear, fluids, and passengers, and towing a caravan that is too heavy can cause accidents.
How to find your vehicle's towing capacity
- Check the vehicle's manual or manufacturer's website: This is the most reliable source for your specific model's towing capacity.
- Locate the VIN plate: Look for a plate on the driver's side door jamb, under the hood, or on the dashboard. It may contain information like Gross Train Weight (the maximum weight of the vehicle and a trailer combined).
- Calculate if necessary: You can calculate the towing capacity by subtracting your vehicle's Maximum Allowable Mass (MAM), also called Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW), from the Gross Train Weight. For example, a Gross Train Weight of 6,445kg6 comma 445 k g6,445𝑘𝑔 and a MAM of 2,945kg2 comma 945 k g2,945𝑘𝑔 would give a towing capacity of 3,500kg3 comma 500 k g3,500𝑘𝑔 (6,445−2,945=3,5006 comma 445 minus 2 comma 945 equals 3 comma 5006,445−2,945=3,500).
How to find your caravan's weight
- Check the caravan's compliance plate: This plate, usually found near the door, lists the Aggregate Trailer Mass (ATM), which is the maximum loaded weight of the caravan itself.
- Account for all gear: The ATM is the total weight when the caravan is fully loaded with gear, water, and people. Be sure to add the weight of all your belongings before you tow.
- Use the 80% rule as a guideline: To stay safe, it is recommended to not tow a trailer with a GVWR that is more than 80% of your vehicle's maximum towing capacity.
What happens if you exceed the capacity
- Engine, brakes, and transmission strain: Towing too much weight puts excessive strain on your vehicle's components, which can lead to damage and failure.
- Increased risk of accidents: Overloaded vehicles have an increased risk of accidents, such as loss of control and brake failure.
- Severe penalties: Exceeding weight limits can result in significant penalties or fines.
What is the 80% towing rule?
Many RVers are strict followers of the 80% or 80/20 rule of towing, and it's a great rule to live by if you want to ensure you don't overload your tow vehicle. The 80% towing rule is less of a “rule” and more of an idea: don't pull a trailer with a GVWR that is more than 80% of your vehicle's maximum towing capacity.
How do you find out your towing capacity?
To find your vehicle's towing capacity, first find your Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) and your vehicle's curb weight (or Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)), which are typically on a sticker in the driver's side doorjamb or in the owner's manual. The towing capacity is calculated by subtracting the curb weight from the GCWR: GCWR - Curb Weight = Towing Capacity.
Detailed steps
- Locate the necessary information:
- Check the sticker inside the driver's side doorjamb or the owner's manual.
- Look for GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating), which is the maximum allowed weight of your loaded vehicle and its trailer combined.
- Look for your vehicle's curb weight or GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating), which is the maximum weight of the vehicle itself plus all its occupants and cargo.
- Calculate your towing capacity:
- Use the formula: GCWR - Curb Weight = Towing Capacity.
- For example, if your GCWR is 15,00015 comma 00015,000 lbs and your curb weight is 9,0009 comma 0009,000 lbs, your towing capacity is 6,0006 comma 0006,000 lbs (15,000−9,000=6,00015 comma 000 minus 9 comma 000 equals 6 comma 00015,000−9,000=6,000).
- Consider payload:
- Remember that your total payload capacity also needs to be considered. This includes the weight of passengers, cargo, and the trailer's tongue weight. The payload capacity is often the most limiting factor.
- Verify online:
- If you can't find the information on the vehicle, you can look up the specifications online using your vehicle's VIN or by its make, model, and year on the manufacturer's website.
Important safety note
- Always stay within your vehicle's weight ratings to ensure safety and prevent accidents.
- Do not operate your vehicle within 10%10 %10% of its towing capacity.
How do I know what weight caravan I can tow?
It's the combined weight of the tow car's GVW and the caravan's MTPLM. It's shown on the data plate in the picture as 3790kg. To find the weight of the maximum allowable caravan weight, you subtract the GVW figure from it. In this case, a caravan weighing up to 1675kg could be towed.
