Caravan Weights and Payloads

Caravan weight is one of the most important things to consider when buying a touring caravan. It affects which car you can tow with, how much equipment you can carry and whether your fully loaded outfit stays within the applicable limits.

Whether you're choosing your first caravan or looking to understand the figures for a caravan you already own, the following guide will help you make sense of the terminology and know what to check.

1. Why Do Caravan Weights Matter?

Every caravan has a maximum permitted loaded weight. Your towing car also has limits covering the weight it can tow, the weight it can carry and, where applicable, the maximum combined weight of the car and caravan.

Understanding these limits helps you choose a suitable caravan, avoid overloading and make sure you have enough capacity for the belongings and accessories you want to take away.

2. Caravan Weight Terminology Explained

Caravan specifications use several abbreviations that can look confusing at first. These are the main terms you'll come across when comparing models or checking your existing caravan.

Other weights you need to know

These figures describe different things, so don't treat them as interchangeable. Always use the correct figure for the question you're trying to answer.

3. How to Calculate Caravan Payload

Payload is the additional weight available for your belongings and equipment. You can calculate the stated payload by subtracting the MIRO/MRO from the MTPLM.

In this example, the caravan has a stated payload of 150kg. That allowance must cover the additional weight you carry, including personal belongings and any accessories not already included in the manufacturer's running-order figure.

What counts towards your payload?

It's easy to underestimate how quickly your available payload can be used up. Depending on what is already included in the caravan's specification, additional weight may come from:

• Clothing, shoes and personal belongings.
• Food, drinks and kitchen equipment.
• Bedding, towels and toiletries.
• Outdoor chairs, tables and camping equipment.
• An awning, poles, pegs and associated equipment.
• A leisure battery, if it is not included in the stated running-order weight.
• A motor mover or other optional fitted equipment.
• Solar panels, air conditioning and additional accessories.

4. Where Can You Find Your Caravan's Weight Figures?

Start with the caravan's weight plate, handbook and manufacturer specifications. These should help you confirm the relevant weight limits for your exact model.

What should you check?

• MTPLM: Confirm the maximum permitted loaded weight.
• MIRO/MRO: Check the stated running-order weight and what it includes.
• Payload: Calculate the difference between the two figures.
• Optional extras: Find out whether fitted accessories are included in the stated weight.
• Model specification: Make sure the details relate to the exact model year and version.

The position of a caravan's weight plate varies by manufacturer. Check your handbook if you cannot find it, or ask your dealer to help identify the correct figures.

If you're buying a used caravan, don't rely solely on an online listing or the specification of a similar model. Equipment and weight limits can vary between model years and individual caravans.

5. How to Match Your Caravan to Your Car

Choosing a caravan involves more than checking whether your car is advertised as capable of towing. You need to make sure the particular car and caravan combination is suitable when the caravan is loaded and the car is carrying its passengers and luggage.

Check your car's maximum towing limit

Look in your car's handbook or manufacturer's documentation for the maximum braked trailer weight. Compare that limit with the caravan's actual loaded weight. The caravan must not exceed the applicable towing limit.

Understand the 85% towing guideline

A commonly used recommendation for people new to caravanning is to aim for a fully laden caravan weighing around 85% or less of the towing car's kerbweight.

For example, if a car has a kerbweight of 1,800kg, 85% of that figure is 1,530kg. This guideline would suggest looking at caravans with a fully laden weight of around 1,530kg or less.

The 85% figure is a matching guideline, not a universal legal towing limit. It does not guarantee that an outfit is suitable, and it does not override the manufacturer's towing limits or any other applicable restrictions.

Don't forget the car's own weight limits

Passengers and luggage contribute to the weight of your car. Check its maximum authorised mass, axle limits and gross train weight where applicable, and ensure the complete outfit remains within all relevant limits.

Other towing considerations

• Driving licence: Check your current entitlement against the vehicle and trailer weights.
• Towbar: Make sure the towbar is suitable and that its permitted limits are not exceeded.
• Noseweight: Check the limits for the car, towbar and caravan.
• Caravan size: Consider the roads you travel, the space available for storage and the destinations you visit.
• Towing confidence: If you're new to caravanning, consider professional towing or manoeuvring training.

6. What Is Caravan Noseweight?

Noseweight is the downward force the caravan hitch applies to the tow car's towball. It changes according to the way the caravan is loaded, which is why it's important to check it rather than guess.

The caravan, towbar and towing car can each have a specified maximum noseweight. You must stay within the lowest applicable limit.

How do you measure noseweight?

A purpose-made noseweight gauge can help you measure the load. Follow the gauge instructions and take the measurement on suitable, level ground, with the caravan and hitch set up as instructed by the manufacturer.

Can loading change noseweight?

Yes. Moving belongings can change the load applied at the hitch. If you make significant changes to your packing or the position of heavier items, recheck the noseweight before travelling.

7. How to Load Your Caravan Safely

Once you know your available payload, think carefully about what you pack and where you put it. The aim is to keep the caravan within its weight limits while ensuring that belongings are distributed appropriately and secured for travel.

Practical caravan loading tips

• Keep heavy items low and secure. Use suitable low-level storage where possible.
• Distribute weight carefully. Avoid concentrating heavy items at either end and follow the manufacturer's loading advice.
• Secure loose belongings. Items should not move around during the journey.
• Account for accessories. Remember awnings, batteries, motor movers and other equipment where applicable.
• Keep track of your payload. Estimate or weigh the items you add, and check the loaded weight against the MTPLM.
• Use a weighbridge if you're unsure. A suitable public weighbridge can help you establish the actual weight of your loaded caravan.

Moving belongings into the car may reduce the weight carried by the caravan, but the car has its own payload, axle and gross train weight limits. Check those limits before moving heavy equipment into the vehicle.

8. Can You Increase Your Caravan's Payload?

Some caravans may be eligible for an approved weight upgrade. If the permitted MTPLM can be increased, this may provide additional payload, but eligibility depends on the particular model and its technical specification.

Any upgrade must be authorised through the relevant manufacturer or approved provider. The chassis, axle, tyres and other components must be suitable for the revised limit.

Never alter a weight plate yourself or assume an upgrade is available simply because a similar caravan has a higher MTPLM.

If you regularly find that your payload is too limited, ask your dealer or manufacturer whether an approved upgrade is available for your exact caravan.

9. Your Caravan Weight Checklist

Before setting off, run through these checks, particularly if you've added new accessories or changed what you carry.

• I've checked the caravan's MTPLM.
• I've confirmed the correct MIRO/MRO figure.
• I've calculated the available payload.
• I've accounted for accessories and personal belongings.
• The loaded caravan is within its permitted weight.
• My car's towing limit is suitable for the loaded caravan.
• I've checked the car's other relevant weight limits.
• Noseweight is within all applicable limits.
• Belongings are distributed sensibly and securely.
• My driving licence permits the combination.
• I've checked the relevant vehicle and caravan documentation.

10. Caravan Weights and Payload FAQs

 

Always check the manufacturer's specifications and current government guidance before towing. The suitability of a car-and-caravan combination depends on the specific vehicles, loading, permitted weight limits and driving licence entitlement.