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14
Using the Caravan
Weights and Payload Capacities
The information plate attached to the drawbar of your caravan displays the relevant weights and weight capacities
of the van.
How to Load Your Caravan
It is important to load your caravan correctly to distribute weight evenly and achieve a suitable ball weight load and
prevent loading in a manner that can cause a Caravan to sway and/or roll excessively left and right. The industry
optimum ball weight on a caravan is between 9 and 11%
WARNING: BALL LOADING (DOWNWARD LOAD ON TOW HITCH) MUST NOT EXCEED 350KG
OR THE MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE LOAD BY THE VEHICLE MANUFACTURER OR TOW BAR
RATING, WHICH EVER IS THE LOWEST. Exceeding these limits may result in an accident causing
serious injury or death and/or property damage.
• Always load evenly to both sides of the caravan
• Load heavy weight over or as close to over the axle as possible and as low as possible
• Overhead cupboards should only be used for lightweight items such as clothes, personal items, bedding etc.
• Heavy cooking equipment should be stored in lower cupboards.
• Tinned food, bottled goods for cooking etc should be stored in the pantry cupboard.
• Never load in a manner that causes the ball weight to exceed the limit of the tow vehicle.
• Ensure no items can move during travel. Secure all items to prevent damage to the caravan.
• Consider water tank levels and how they may affect the balance front and back and the percentage
of ball weight.
• Never store heavy items in overhead cupboards.
Load Distribution Guide
The diagram below illustrates best placements of items based on weight.
Ball Weight
When loading your caravan, the ideal ball weight once loaded is approximately 10% of the total weight of the
caravan. Use a ball weight scale to identify the ball weight and load the caravan in a manner that achieves the desired
10%. Ideally, once loaded the rst time, take the caravan to a weigh bridge, and measure the total weight loaded
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