Frequently Asked Questions………

Why Weigh Ahead?

  • SAFETY

    Overloaded or unbalanced caravans and trailers travelling at high speeds can be very dangerous. Load correctly and travel with peace of mind. Safety first.

  • The LAW

    It is illegal to overload your limits. If you are ever pulled over and checked you will cop a hefty fine. If in an accident if not compliant significant penalties also. Just not worth it...

  • INSURANCE

    If you have an accident in an overloaded vehicle and trailer then it is likely to have your claim denied and potential liability for any other 3rd party damage.

What could go wrong if my trailer is not compliant?

QLD Police Video

This is the moment a vehicle towing a caravan rolled over in Gumlu on July 29, 2019. Thankfully no-one was seriously injured. Unbalanced weight distribution.

9 News

Caravan trailer sway near miss accident in South Australia December 19 2023. Unbalanced weight distribution.

The Project

More Australians are taking to the road in a caravan. This warning follows multiple horrific incidents. June 16 2022.

What weight restrictions do I need to legally comply to?

  • GVM (Gross Vehicle Mass): The total mass of a fully loaded motor vehicle including fuel, passengers, cargo, vehicle accessories (tow bar, larger wheels, roof rack, bull bar etc) PLUS the TBM.

  • TBM (Tow Ball Mass): The amount of weight the fully loaded caravan/trailer puts on the tow bar of the tow vehicle. The guideline for acceptable TBM in Australia is around 10% of your ATM.

  • ATM (Aggregate Trailer Mass): The total laden weight of a trailer, which includes the tow ball mass and whatever you add as payload e.g. water, gas, luggage. The ATM is measured with the caravan unhitched from your towing vehicle and is the total downwards mass of the caravan’s axle group and tow ball.

  • GTM (Gross Trailer Mass): The total weight on the trailer’s axle(s) when connected to the tow vehicle. The TBM is carried by the tow vehicle hence GTM = ATM - TBM.

  • GCM (Gross Combined Mass): The total weight of the vehicle and the trailer combined. GCM = GVM + GTM.

Where do I find the required GVM/ TBM/ ATM/ GTM/ GCM ?

All the above have maximum weight limits specified by the manufacturer which the driver must legally comply to. They are typically listed on the vehicle and trailer compliance plate. You will send these numbers to Weigh Ahead to prepare for your assessment.

Vehicle Compliance Plate

(suspension upgrade)

Caravan Compliance Plate

When we conduct the weigh assessment we accurately measure the ACTUAL GVM/TBM/ATM/GTM/GCM and compare it the legally required figure.

Weigh Ahead provides the client with a detailed report to show the status of the available/exceeded Payload and what you need to change. This may include an option for a suspension upgrade or engineering inspection to increase the legal payload of your vehicles.

The report also includes commentary regarding the weight distribution and advice on how to tailor your payload for safety, compliance and improved driving.

Do I receive a report after the Weigh Ahead assessment?

Weigh Assessment analysis (which we supply along with a set of simple recommendations for your rig set up)