Whether you’re planning a big lap around Australia or simply upgrading to a roomier setup, understanding caravan weight is crucial. For those browsing caravans in Heatherbrae, knowing the ins and outs of towing, loading, and compliance can make all the difference in safety and performance. Let’s unpack what to expect from a 20-foot caravan — and what it means for your next road trip.
Average Tare Weight for a 20-Foot Caravan
A typical 20-foot caravan has a Tare weight (empty, no gear or water) between 2200kg and 2600kg. This depends on materials, layout, and brand. Models built with full composite construction tend to be lighter, while timber-framed vans with full ensuite and extra cabinetry are heavier. Don’t forget — this figure doesn’t include your stuff. That comes next.
Understanding ATM and Payload
ATM (Aggregate Trailer Mass) is the maximum loaded weight of your caravan — everything combined: water, gas, food, bikes, clothes, etc. For a 20-footer, ATM usually ranges from 2800kg to 3200kg, leaving you a payload of about 600kg. That might sound like a lot until you factor in water (180kg), gas bottles (30kg), a full fridge, annex, tools, and spare parts. It adds up quickly.
Water Tanks Add Real Weight
A full water tank (usually 2 x 90L) can add over 180kg to your caravan’s weight. Grey water tanks, if retained, add more. That’s before showers, drinking, or dishwashing. While water is essential, keep in mind that carrying full tanks while towing long distances affects your legal limits and fuel efficiency.
How Build Quality Affects Weight
Lightweight doesn’t always mean better. While aluminium or composite builds are popular for reducing weight, steel chassis and solid cabinetry increase durability — and load. Quality-built caravans like Retreat or Silver Valley prioritise weight balance alongside structural integrity, often striking the right balance for Aussie conditions. If you’re comparing caravans for sale in Newcastle, check the undercarriage just as closely as the interiors.
Impact of Optional Extras
Adding a slide-out kitchen? Satellite dish? Bike rack? Lithium battery upgrade? These extras can easily add 50–200kg. That eats into your payload and can tip you over your legal limit. Always check how much load capacity is left after factory inclusions. Better still, weigh your fully packed van before your trip.
Towing Considerations
Your tow vehicle needs to legally and safely haul the loaded van. Check its braked towing capacity, GCM (Gross Combination Mass), and Tow Ball Weight. Just because a ute says it tows 3500kg doesn’t mean it can when loaded with passengers and gear. Always calculate full weights — and weigh your setup properly at a public weighbridge.
What Happens If You Overload?
Overloading a caravan beyond its ATM is illegal — and unsafe. It can void your insurance, cause premature wear on brakes and tyres, and increase sway risk. Worse, in the event of an accident, you could be found liable even if the other driver was at fault. Don’t risk it. Weigh everything and travel within your legal limits.
Tips for Managing Weight
- Use plastic or aluminium gear instead of heavy steel
- Pack lighter clothing and collapsible furniture
- Carry only essential water and refill along the way
- Store heavier items low and over the axle
- Balance load from side to side to avoid sway
Light doesn’t mean weak — it means smart. With a bit of planning, a 20-foot van can give you space and comfort without tipping the scales.
FAQs
1) How Do I Check My Caravan’s Weight Accurately?
To accurately check your caravan’s weight, start with a public weighbridge — they’re available across Australia and typically inexpensive. First, weigh the caravan on its own, fully packed and unhitched from the tow vehicle. This gives you the ATM (Aggregate Trailer Mass). Then weigh only the caravan’s wheels on the weighbridge with the jockey wheel lifted — this gives you GTM (Gross Trailer Mass). To find GCM (Gross Combination Mass), weigh your car and the caravan hitched together. Don’t forget to record weights with and without passengers or gear in the car. If you’re tech-savvy, portable caravan scales can be used but ensure they’re calibrated correctly. Always subtract known figures to isolate others. For example, subtract the car’s weight to calculate the caravan’s impact. Your compliance plate usually lists Tare, ATM, and payload capacity — compare these to your measured weights. Staying under all your limits is essential for road safety and insurance compliance.
2) Is a 20-Foot Caravan Too Heavy for Most Utes?
It depends entirely on your vehicle’s true towing capabilities and what else you’re carrying. Many popular utes — like the Ford Ranger, Isuzu D-MAX, or Toyota Hilux — boast towing capacities up to 3500kg. But those figures are only achievable when the ute itself is nearly empty. Add passengers, tools, roof racks, fuel, and a canopy full of gear, and suddenly your remaining capacity shrinks. This is where Gross Combination Mass (GCM) and payload become critical. A 20-foot caravan typically weighs around 2800–3200kg loaded. So while the numbers might look okay on paper, the real-world setup may be too heavy. Exceeding any limit risks fines, voided insurance, and compromised safety. For heavier 20-foot vans, full-size 4WDs like the LandCruiser 300 Series, Patrol, or even a RAM 1500 might be more suitable. Always weigh your rig fully loaded, and if in doubt, consult a towing specialist or weighbridge technician.
3) Can I Upgrade My Caravan’s ATM?
Yes, but it’s not something you can do casually or DIY without consequences. Upgrading your caravan’s ATM (Aggregate Trailer Mass) requires engineering certification and sometimes physical modifications. These might include installing upgraded axles, enhanced suspension, stronger coupling systems, or even chassis reinforcements. After the modifications, an engineer must inspect the van and issue a new compliance plate with the revised specs. Expect the process to cost between $1000 and $3000 depending on complexity and parts. It’s not always approved — if your caravan’s original build wasn’t designed with higher specs in mind, the upgrade may be denied. Even if approved, you must notify your insurer and update your registration details. It’s worth noting that some manufacturers, like Retreat or Option RV, may pre-engineer their vans for potential ATM upgrades, so always check with them before purchasing or modifying. If you’re close to the original ATM, an upgrade might be the safest route forward.
4) What Is Tow Ball Weight and Why Does It Matter?
Tow Ball Weight (TBW) is the vertical weight your caravan applies to the tow hitch of your vehicle. It’s usually around 8–12% of the caravan’s ATM. For a van with a 3000kg ATM, your TBW should sit between 240kg and 360kg. Too little weight on the ball can cause the van to sway at speed, making towing unsafe. Too much weight puts pressure on your vehicle’s rear axle, impacting braking, steering, and suspension — and may even exceed your payload or GVM (Gross Vehicle Mass). TBW isn’t fixed — it changes depending on how your van is loaded. Store heavy items centrally and low to maintain balance. Use a tow ball scale or weighbridge to measure accurately. Many modern utes and SUVs have a TBW limit of 350kg, but always check your vehicle’s compliance plate. Managing TBW properly is essential for legal towing and safe handling, especially in high winds or hilly terrain.
5) Does Size Always Equal Weight in Caravans?
Not necessarily. While it’s a reasonable assumption that a longer van would weigh more, this isn’t always true. A 20-foot caravan with a full ensuite, solar setup, and timber cabinetry might outweigh a 22-foot van with a minimalist design and composite materials. Inclusions like slide-outs, stone guards, lithium battery banks, and steel-framed furniture all add kilos. Conversely, some premium brands focus on lightweight construction using aluminium frames, composite floors, and CNC cabinetry. So even a slightly shorter van could tip the scales harder. Off-road models are also typically heavier due to reinforced chassis and heavy-duty suspension. The point? Always ask for Tare weight, ATM, and payload when comparing vans — don’t go off size alone. If you’re inspecting caravans in Heatherbrae or the Newcastle region, reputable dealers like 7th Street Caravans will walk you through the specs. Real-world weight is what matters most, not just tape measure length.
Speak With the Local Experts at 7th Street Caravans
Understanding your caravan’s weight isn’t just about compliance — it’s about safe, stress-free travel. The team at 7th Street Caravans has years of experience helping buyers match vans to vehicles, plan safe towing setups, and select models that suit your lifestyle. Whether you’re new to caravanning or upgrading to something bigger, a little advice goes a long way.
Start your journey with confidence — visit 7th Street Caravans or give our team a call on 02 4012 6009 for friendly, local advice.