Are you a horse owner preparing for your next event, trail ride, or transport? Towing a horse float with precious cargo on board demands precision—overloading can lead to instability, sway, or worse, an accident that endangers you, your equine partner, and other road users. That’s where horse float weight checks come in. At Caravan Weight Check, our mobile service helps equestrian enthusiasts like you verify axle loads, tow ball weights, and overall compliance with Australian standards, all for a flat fee of $150.
Unlike general trailer weighing, our horse float-specific assessments account for the unique challenges of transporting live animals: shifting weights from fidgety horses and added tack, hay, and water barrels. We go beyond basic scales to deliver actionable insights, ensuring your setup is balanced, legal, and ready for the road from Perth surrounds to Margaret River or beyond.
Why Professional Horse Float Weighing Matters for Australian Equestrians
In Australia, horse floats fall under the same rigorous regulations as caravans and trailers, governed by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) and state road rules. Exceeding limits on Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM), Gross Trailer Mass (GTM), Aggregate Trailer Mass (ATM), or Gross Combination Mass (GCM) isn’t just a fine waiting to happen—up to $10,000 in penalties in WA—it can void your insurance, damage your tow vehicle, or compromise braking performance.
Did you know? Studies from road safety authorities show that improper loading contributes to over 90% of towing-related incidents. For horse floats, this risk amplifies: a 500 kg horse can shift suddenly on corners, turning a minor imbalance into a major hazard. Our mobile horse float weighing service identifies these issues early, providing peace of mind whether you’re heading to the Ag Show, endurance rides, or vet appointments.
Common Horse Float Weight Pitfalls and How We Fix Them
Uneven Axle Distribution: Horses loaded too far forward overload the front axle, causing tow ball download to spike beyond the safe 10% of ATM (typically 150-250 kg for a standard float).
Hidden Overloads: Add gear like saddles (20-30 kg each), generators, or camping setups, and your tare weight (unloaded float mass) can balloon past the 2,000-3,500 kg ATM common in Australian models.
Tow Vehicle Strain: Many 4WDs like the Toyota LandCruiser have a braked towing capacity of 3,000 kg, but real-world payloads (fuel, passengers) eat into that quickly.
Our certified wireless scales measure every wheel and axle individually, revealing side-to-side imbalances that could cause fishtailing on highways.
Our Comprehensive Horse Float Weight Check Process
We bring the expertise to you—home, stable, or event site—in south-west Western Australia. No need to unhitch or unload awkwardly; here’s how it works:
- Preparation: Arrive with your horse float loaded as it would be for travel. Include horses (if safe), water tanks half-full for transit simulation, feed, rugs, and any extras.
- On-Site Weighing (30-45 Minutes): We position portable scales under each wheel for precise readings. This includes:
- Individual axle and wheel weights.
- Tow ball mass (TBM) to confirm 8-12% of ATM.
- Total GVM, GTM, ATM, and GCM calculations.
- Optional tow vehicle check (+$50) to verify combined setup against manufacturer specs.
- Expert Analysis: Our family-owned team explains findings in plain English—no jargon overload. We’ll spot issues like rear sag from heavy tailgate storage or front-heavy bias from bridle racks.
- Custom Recommendations: Get tips tailored to equestrian life, such as repositioning hay nets low and central or upgrading to air suspension for better stability.
- Detailed Report: Walk away with a digital PDF summary, photos, and compliance notes—perfect for insurance or rego renewals.
This isn’t a quick glance; it’s a full audit ensuring your float complies with WA’s roadworthy standards and NHVR guidelines.
Real Results: Horse Float Weighing Success Stories
We’ve helped countless riders across WA stay safe:
- Endurance Rider in Bunbury: A 2-horse angle-load float was 200 kg over on the rear axle due to water barrels at the back. Our redistribution advice—moving them forward and balancing with lighter gear—cut sway by 40% on test drives, saving fuel and nerves.
- Show Jumper near Albany: Loaded for a multi-day event, their gooseneck float exceeded GCM by 150 kg with extra fencing panels. Post-weigh tweaks, including lighter alloy ramps, kept them under limits, and they passed a random checkpoint hassle-free.
- Family Float in Mandurah: A straight-load model for one horse and pony showed 15% tow ball overload from stacked saddles. Simple rack relocation dropped it to 10%, improving steering and preventing hitch wear.
These aren’t hypotheticals—our clients report fewer close calls and smoother hauls to places like the Perth Royal or Collie Pony Club.
Horse Float Towing Tips – Beyond the Weigh-In
To maximize safety between checks:
- Match Your Rig: Pair a float with 2,500 kg ATM to a vehicle with at least 3,000 kg towing capacity and a 77% weight ratio (tow vehicle kerb weight to float ATM).
- Load Smart: Keep 60% of the payload (excluding horses) forward of the axles. Secure horses with padded partitions to minimise shifts.
- Maintenance Checks: Re-weigh annually, after float mods (e.g., adding a kitchenette), or seasonal gear changes. Monitor tyre pressures (35-45 PSI cold) and brake controllers.
- Licence Awareness: Most floats under 4.5 tonnes fall under a standard C-class licence, but loaded combos may tip into LR territory – we will flag this in your report.
For off-road adventures, like towing to the Karri Valleys, opt for floats with independent suspension to handle corrugations without upsetting your horse. Also learn more about Australian towing laws for horse floats here !
Book Your Horse Float Weight Check Today
Don’t guess—verify. Our $150 flat fee service operates across Perth, Bunbury, Busselton, and regional WA. Spots fill fast during show season, so book now or call for availability. Safe travels for you and your four-legged crew! Serving equestrians for many years, Caravan Weight Check: Precision weighing for worry-free towing.
