Poor caravan weight distribution is the #1 cause of caravan sway and one of the biggest contributors to overweight axles, unsafe towing, and dangerous handling on Australian highways.
At Caravan Weight Check, over half of the caravans we weigh across Western Australia are at risk, not because they exceed legal limits – but because their weight is loaded in the wrong places.
This guide explains exactly how to load your caravan safely, where heavy items should go, what to avoid, and how to achieve safe, stable towing anywhere in Australia.
Why Caravan Weight Distribution Matters
A caravan behaves like a seesaw. Where caravan weight distribution is positioned affects stability, sway resistance, tow ball weight, axle loads, braking performance, and steering control. Poor distribution can make a caravan unsafe even when it is technically under legal limits.
Where Should Heavy Items Go
Centre and Low: The safest place for heavy items is low and close to the centre of the caravan. This includes batteries, tools, food, water containers, and heavy pantry items.
Over the Axles: This is the ideal location for weight. Placing items close to the axle line minimises sway and reduces changes to tow ball weight.
Front Storage (with caution): Front storage increases tow ball weight. This can improve stability, but excessive front loading can overload the tow vehicle’s rear axle.
Rear Storage – High Risk: Rear loading is the leading cause of caravan sway. Heavy items at the back reduce tow ball weight and create instability.
Tow Ball Weight Explained
Too little tow ball weight causes sway. Too much overloads your vehicle and affects braking and steering. The safe range is typically 8–12 percent of the caravan’s total weight.
Water Tank Effects
Front tanks increase towball weight.
Rear tanks reduce towball weight.
Filling only rear tanks is a common and dangerous mistake.
Common Loading Mistakes
Storing tools in rear tunnel boots.
Mounting bikes or generators on rear bumpers.
Placing heavy items high in van
Uneven left/right loading.
How To Fix Caravan Weight Distribution Issues
Move heavy items forward.
Load weight low and central.
Reduce A-frame accessory weight if it is causing the rear axle of the car to exceed its limits.
Empty the rear tanks first.
Balance weight evenly side to side.
Why Professional Caravan Weight Distribution Matters
Only a professional caravan weighing provides individual wheel weights, axle loads, tow ball weight (hitched and unhitched), left/right balance, and legal compliance data.
Tow Safer across WA
Check the WA Department of Transport website.
Correct weight distribution is one of the easiest and cheapest ways to improve towing safety.
Head to Caravan Weight Check today and book your fully accredited weigh service. Don’t leave safety to guesswork – get weighed, stay compliant, and travel with confidence! https://caravanweightcheck.com.au/caravan-weight-check/
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Until the next time.
