Ever packed up your caravan for a trip and wondered, “Am I over the limit?” With caravans getting bigger and holiday gear piling up, weight management is more crucial than ever. Adding bike racks, toolboxes, or extra storage might seem harmless, but those kilos add up fast.
Exceed your caravan’s weight limits, and you could face safety risks, hefty fines, or even get pulled over at a mobile weigh station. That’s where a Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) upgrade becomes essential.
What is Caravan Weight Ratings?
When it comes to caravanning, weight limits aren’t just guidelines, they’re essential for safety and legal compliance. Your caravan’s compliance plate displays key weight ratings you need to know:
- Tare Weight
The caravan’s weight when empty
- GVM/GTM (Gross Vehicle Mass / Gross Trailer Mass)
The maximum weight your caravan can safely be when fully loaded and hitched to your tow vehicle.
- ATM (Aggregate Trailer Mass)
The total permissible weight of your fully loaded caravan when standing alone on a weighbridge.
Why Consider a GVM Upgrade?
It’s easy to underestimate how quickly extra gear can push your caravan over its legal weight limit. A few handy additions like these can make all the difference:
- Bike racks and bicycles for off-road adventures
- Generators to keep things powered up off-grid
- Extra water tanks for those longer trips
- Toolboxes and storage compartments for all your essentials
- PVC pipe storage for awning poles and other accessories
Before you know it, all these additions could mean you’re towing more than your caravan is legally allowed to handle. A GVM upgrade ensures your setup stays safe, compliant, and adventure-ready.
Stay safe and legal on the road! If you’re unsure about your caravan’s weight limits or whether you need an upgrade, consult with an expert to get the right advice and modifications for your setup.
Visit Bold Trailer and Caravan Repair Centre or contact us at (02) 8544 8114 or visit us at 1/82-84 Bellingara Rd Miranda NSW 2228.
Safe travels, mate!
