Cub H16 - Weights and Loads Explained

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Weights & Loads

Before packing your vehicle and trailer, it is important to understand the following about your

TOW-VEHICLE by the vehicle (car) manufacturer.

1. GROSS VEHICLE MASS (GVM): The maximum legal weight of the tow-vehicle when it is

fully loaded. (This includes everything: the driver, passengers, equipment fitted to the

vehicle such as roof racks and bull-bars, luggage, fuel, weight on the tow ball etc.)

2. GROSS COMBINATION MASS (GCM): The maximum legal COMBINED weight of the loaded

tow-vehicle AND the loaded trailer.

3. TOWING CAPACITY: The maximum weight of a fully loaded trailer that the tow-vehicle can

legally tow. NOTE: If the towbar fitted to the vehicle is a factory-fitted or dealer-fitted item,

it will inevitably match this rating. However, if the towbar is a non-genuine after-market

fitment, check the plaque fitted to the towbar to verify its Towing Capacity.

4. TOW BALL MASS (TBM): The maximum downward load that can be applied to the tow-

ball (or equivalent). NOTE: It is also important to verify that the TBM rating of the towbar

can comfortably accommodate a ball load of at least 10% of the trailer’s ATM.

Similarly, fully understand the following terms and loading limitations imposed upon the

TRAILER by the trailer manufacturer (i.e., in this case Cub Campers):

5. TARE MASS: The weight of a trailer as it is delivered (i.e., with no water or gas in their

respective tanks.)

6. ATM (AGGREGATE TRAILER MASS): The maximum permissible weight of a free-standing,

fully loaded trailer (i.e., unhitched).

7. GTM (GROSS TRAILER MASS): The maximum permissible weight of a fully loaded trailer as

applied to the ground by the main wheels only (i.e., hitched).

NOTE: All these loading limits must be adhered to, and in particular the GCM! If the GVM and

TOWING CAPACITY add up to a higher figure than the GCM, then the loads upon the Tow-

Vehicle, Trailer, or both must be reduced to adhere to the GCM limit. Failure to comply with

these limitations may affect safety, risk police penalties and void prospective insurance claims.

Ultimately, it is the responsibility of the user to ensure that the caravan is used for its intended

purpose and that it is never over-loaded.