RV Club Australia Tow Weight Compliance Calculator – Free Online Towing Capacity Checker
Ensure your caravan and tow vehicle setup is both safe and legal with the RV Club Australia Tow Weight Compliance Calculator. This free, easy-to-use online tool helps RVers and caravan owners calculate critical weight limits including ATM (Aggregate Trailer Mass), GVM (Gross Vehicle Mass), GCM (Gross Combined Mass), and towing capacity.
How it Works:
Just enter key figures for your caravan (tare weight, ATM, tow ball download, and contents) and your car (kerb weight, contents, GVM, GCM, and towing capacity). The calculator instantly checks if you're within the legal and manufacturer-recommended limits. Results are clearly colour-coded: green if compliant, red if overweight—so you can make informed decisions fast. You can even export a complete PDF report for your records or insurance.
Why It Matters:
Incorrect weight distribution or exceeding legal limits can lead to loss of vehicle control, increased braking distance, insurance voiding, mechanical damage, and even heavy fines or legal issues. Staying within safe limits protects you, your passengers, your vehicle, and everyone else on the road. Proper weight compliance is essential for safe, stress-free travel around Australia.
Weights explained below...
Tare Weight
The empty weight of your caravan or vehicle with no passengers, luggage, water, or gas—just as it came from the manufacturer.
ATM (Aggregate Trailer Mass)
The maximum total weight of a fully loaded caravan, including water, gas, luggage, and the tow ball download. This is the absolute upper limit allowed for your caravan.
GVM (Gross Vehicle Mass)
The maximum allowable weight of your fully loaded vehicle (including passengers, fuel, luggage, and the tow ball download from the caravan).
GCM (Gross Combined Mass)
The maximum allowable combined weight of your fully loaded vehicle plus your fully loaded caravan, as specified by the vehicle manufacturer.
Tow Ball Download (TBD)
The weight pushing down vertically on the tow ball of your vehicle from the caravan. It’s a portion of the caravan’s weight and must be included in your vehicle’s GVM.
Towing Capacity
The maximum weight your vehicle is legally allowed to tow, typically referring to the ATM of the trailer/caravan. Always check your owner’s manual or compliance plate for the correct figure.
Disclaimer:
This calculator is provided as a guidance tool only. All results are based on the data you input and may not reflect exact compliance. Always refer to your vehicle and caravan’s compliance plates and consult with your manufacturer or a certified weighbridge. RV Club Australia takes no responsibility for incorrect entries, calculations, or misuse of this tool.