Everything You Need to Know About How Much Does a Small Camping Trailer Weigh
Planning a trip in a small camping trailer can be a huge endeavor- from weighing out all of your gear, to figuring out how many gallons of water you’ll need for your trip. But one of the most important steps in prepping for your camping trailer trip is knowing just how much your trailer will weigh once it’s packed and ready to go.
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As a father of three and experienced camper, I understand the importance of having an accurate weight reading on my trailer, and I know that a few hundred extra pounds can make a serious difference in how much stress your rig is under. After years of trial and error, I’d like to offer a comprehensive guide on how to accurately calculate the weight of a small camping trailer.
Factors Affecting RV Weight
Understanding your trailer’s weight requires knowing how much your gear, supplies, and the trailer itself weights. There are several factors that will affect the weight of your trailer, including:
- Size and Occupancy: The size and number of occupants in the trailer will affect the trailer’s weight. The more people and gear you pack into the trailer, the more it will weigh.
- Type of Trailer: Different types of trailers are constructed with different materials, which will add extra weight. Trailers also come with different features that will also factor into the weight.
- Supplies: The supplies you’re bringing on your trip- such as water, food, and clothing- will also add to the total trailer weight. It’s important to take all of these factors into consideration when planning a camping trip.
How to Calculate Weight Of A Small Camping Trailer
Now that you’re aware of the factors that will impact the weight of your trailer, we can go step by step through what you’ll need to do in order to obtain a more accurate weight.
- Measure the trailer with unloaded gear: Before packing up the trailer, weigh it with all of the gear and supplies you plan on bringing on the trip. That way you don’t have to guess how much the gear will weigh- you’ll already have the exact weight.
- Start calculating the weight of your gear: Begin by taking inventory of the items that will be inside the trailer, and then weigh each item separately. This will give you an accurate idea of the weight of the trailer once it is fully loaded.
- Calculate the total trailer weight: After weighing each item, add the individual weights together to get the total weight of the trailer and all of the gear inside.
- Consider the tongue weight: Don’t forget to calculate the tongue weight as well- this is the weight of the trailer that rests on the hitch ball of the vehicle that is towing the trailer. This should also be taken into consideration when figuring out the total trailer weight.
Tips for Loading and Balancing the Trailer’s Weight
Now that you know how to calculate the total weight of your trailer, you need to also consider how to safely load and balance the trailer. Here are some tips to ensure your trailer is safe and secure:
- Distribute weight evenly: When packing the trailer, it is important to make sure that weight is distributed evenly over the trailer. This will help reduce stress on the frame and tires.
- Securely fasten items: Make sure to secure the items inside the trailer with ropes or straps, to ensure they are firmly in place during transport.
- Use heavy items on the bottom: Put your heavier items towards the bottom of the trailer, as this will help balance the weight on the trailer.
- Pack heavier items closer to the axle: The weight of the trailer should be toward the centre of the trailer, so make sure to place all of the heavier items closer to the axle. This will help the trailer remain stable on the road.
Knowing how much your small camping trailer weighs is an essential part of making sure your trailer is safe and secure while driving. Take the time to weigh your trailer and make sure it is evenly distributed before hitting the road.
If you’re still unsure of the correct weight for your trailer, it may be a good idea to contact an RV technician and have them check the weight for you. Knowing the weight of your trailer can help you in numerous ways- from ensuring that your trailer is safe to tow, to helping you plan more accurately for trips. With just a little bit of effort and attention, you can ensure that your trailer and all of its components are correctly weighed and balanced for safe travels.
Watch this informative video about how to properly load and balance your trailer.