28' travel trailer weight

This is How Much a 28 FT Travel Trailer Weighs (15 Examples)

Travel trailers come in various sizes, ranging from 13 to over 40 feet.

However, one of the most popular sizes is the 28-foot travel trailer, thanks to its perfect balance between the smallest and largest options.

As it provides plenty of space for features and amenities without being unmanageable.

If you’re considering towing a 28-foot travel trailer though, it’s important to know its weight to ensure your tow vehicle can safely handle it.

So, how much does a 28-foot travel trailer weigh ?

Generally, a 28-foot travel trailer has a dry weight ranging from 5,000 to 6,500 pounds and a fully loaded weight of 5,500 to 7,000 pounds .

Depending on the trailer’s make and model, as well as the amount of cargo inside

If you’re interested in the specifics of the 28-foot travel trailer though, including its hitch weight, cargo carrying capacity, and gross vehicle weight rating, keep reading.

As we did a ton of research to find the weights of the most popular 28-foot travel trailers and then compiled this data into a comparison table for easy reference.

So you could easily compare one trailer’s weight to another.

28-Foot Travel Trailer Weights (Lightest to Heaviest)

Understanding travel trailer weight.

While some RV weights are self-explanatory, others are not so clear.

So let’s take a few minutes to explain all the different RV weights, as it’s important to understand the different weights associated with a travel trailer.

As these weights can have a substantial impact on towing as well as the type of vehicle needed to pull the camper.

There are five main trailer weights you should be familiar with, including dry weight, fully loaded weight, cargo carrying capacity, hitch weight, and gross vehicle weight rating.

Dry Weight (Unloaded Vehicle Weight)

Dry weight, also known as unloaded vehicle weight, is the weight of the trailer without any cargo or fluids.

Sometimes, it’s also referred to as factory weight, since it represents the trailer’s weight as it leaves the factory.

The dry weight on a travel trailer provides a great baseline for weight.

But it’s important to remember that this is just the starting weight of the trailer, which leads us to the fully loaded weight.

Fully Loaded Weight

Fully loaded weight is the combined weight of the trailer and everything inside it , including camping gear, personal belongings, propane, batteries, water, etc…

This is one of the most important RV weights to know, as it represents the travel trailer’s actual weight you’ll be towing.

Determining a camper’s loaded weight can be tricky though since it depends on how much you pack.

As some RVers are minimalist travelers while others bring everything.

Generally, though, you should plan on adding between 500 and 1,000 pounds of cargo weight to a 28-foot trailer, for a moderate load out .

This brings us to the topic of cargo-carrying capacity.

Cargo Carrying Capacity (Payload Capacity)

Cargo carrying capacity, or payload capacity, indicates the maximum weight of cargo a travel trailer can handle.

It’s imperative never to surpass this capacity, as it can stress the trailer’s axles, tires, and frame, which can compromise the camper’s stability, handling, and safety.

Hitch Weight

Hitch weight, or tongue weight, is the weight exerted on the hitch ball of the towing vehicle by the trailer.

Often overlooked, a trailer’s hitch weight is very important, as you never want to exceed the tow vehicle’s max hitch weight, as this can compromise the stability and safety of both the trailer and the tow vehicle.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating

The gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) is the highest allowable weight for the travel trailer, which includes both the trailer’s weight and its cargo.

RV manufacturers set the GVWR based on structural components of the trailer like the axles, suspension, and frame.

It’s important to never exceed the trailer’s gross vehicle weight rating, as this can lead to safety issues and potential damage to the trailer.

Factors that Affect the Weight of a 28-Foot Travel Trailer

Despite their similar lengths, 28-foot travel trailers can vary significantly in weight.

In fact, there can be as much as a 2,000-pound weight difference between the lightest and heaviest options.

Which can have a big impact on the type of tow vehicle you need to pull the camper. ( More on this later. )

So for those trying to stay on the lighter side, we created this list, highlighting the biggest factors that affect the weight of a 28-foot trailer.

Construction and Building Materials

RV manufacturers use a wide range of construction techniques and materials to produce a travel trailer, which can have a significant impact on its weight.

For example, a trailer built using aluminum framing will always weigh less compared to one using traditional wood framing.

RV Slide-Outs

Another factor that can have a substantial impact on a trailer’s weight is the number of slide-outs it has, as even one slide-out can add 800 pounds to the weight of a trailer .

It’s not just the number of slide-outs though that can affect the weight of a travel trailer, as slide-out type also has an impact.

There are four main types of RV slide-outs, including electric, hydraulic, cable, and tip-out, which all have their own weight ranges.

Layout or Floorplan

Surprisingly, the layout or floor plan of a trailer can have a significant impact on weight.

A front kitchen layout, for instance, concentrates more weight at the front of the trailer, which can add considerable weight to the hitch.

Features and Amenities

The features and amenities of a trailer play a crucial role in determining its overall weight.

For example, a camper decked out in solid wood cabinetry, residential furniture, larger appliances, solid surface countertops, and dual ACs can add hundreds of pounds to the trailer.

Which is why luxury RVs always weigh more than their entry-level counterparts.

28-Foot Travel Trailer Weight Compared to Other Trailer Lengths

Generally, the longer a travel trailer is, the heavier it tends to be.

However, this broad observation isn’t particularly helpful when trying to determine the appropriate size travel trailer for your tow vehicle based on its towing capacity.

So to offer more detailed insight, we created the table below.

Which highlights the most popular trailer lengths alongside their respective weight ranges.

Vehicles that Can Tow a 28 FT Travel Trailer

While 28-foot travel trailers aren’t the heaviest campers on the road, they’re certainly not the lightest either.

As trailers of this size generally have a fully loaded weight ranging from 5,500 to 7,000 pounds.

Because of this, less capable tow vehicles, such as compact and mid-size SUVs or small trucks will generally not be able to tow the camper.

However, if you’re in search of specific vehicles that can handle a 28-foot trailer, we’ve got you covered, as the list below highlights some of the most popular tow vehicles for a 28-foot travel trailer.

• Ford F-150 – 5,000 to 11,300 Pounds
• Dodge RAM 1500 – 6,180 to 8,330 Pounds
• Lincoln Navigator – 6,200 to 8,300 Pounds
• Dodge Durango – 6,200 to 8,700 Pounds
• Chevrolet Suburban – 7,400 to 7,800 Pounds
• Ford Ranger – 7,500 Pounds
• Cadillac Escalade – 7,500 to 7,700 Pounds
• GMC Yukon – 7,500 to 7,900 Pounds
• Chevrolet Tahoe – 7,600 to 7,900 Pounds
• Nissan Armada – 8,500 Pounds
• Chevrolet Silverado 1500 – 8,900 to 11,000 Pounds
• Nissan Titan – 9,053 to 9,323 Pounds

Jason is an avid lover of RVs and the RV lifestyle. He is both a writer and editor for RV Owner HQ and has been RVing and camping for over 20 years.

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Average Weight Of A Travel Trailer (With 35 Examples)

• BEGINNERS GUIDE

G. Yoganand

Travel trailer weight is a significant parameter if you are about to buy either a new or used one. So, how much do travel trailers weigh normally? This is an important thing to know if you want to know all options for your car or truck.

The weight of trailer camper is generally mentioned by the manufacturer, but they also mention many other ratings which should not be overlooked.

A trailer weight is not only the weight it carries when build, but will also include all other things you pack in.

Their weight depends on length, and many other factors. Lets see some examples and draw conclusion on the weights of travel trailers or campers.

How much do travel trailer weigh on an average

Many people buy travel trailer due to their cost and size. A travel trailer is very popular option in rv’s. One question that many people often have is how much do the travel trailers weigh.

Travel trailer weight varies widely and on an average it is between 1000 lbs to 8800 lbs.

Most of the popular travel trailer have lengths between 15 feet to 35 feet.

Comparing several travel trailers and their wights below is the average weight of travel trailer for different lengths.

The weight of travel trailer depends on the size or length. When understating the weight parameters in pounds there are multiple thing that you should understand rather then just going by the weight called out by the dealer in manual.

In this post, we will see average weight of travel trailers and various other terminologies related to travel trailer weight.

Understanding the weigh of a travel trailer is important because you are supposed to pull it using a car or suv.

A car will have certain limit and if your trailer exceeds that limit then that could be a problem. Towing a trailer initially can be tough but following the tips that i gave in my previous article can make it super easy, do check it out.

When you head out for camping, you end up packing lots of things and with a full gas tank plus a full water tank, will mean lots of weight. Thus, it becomes more important that you have fair idea of where the weight is heading. Apart from understanding the dry weight of travel trailer, get a fair idea of other weights related to it.

In case, you want to know how to find dry weight , do check linked detailed guide.

A hitch should also be good enough to handle the overall weight. Also, with a rv, you are supposed to follow certain rules related to weight. Once you cross certain weight limit even the drivers license requirement change in some states.

Read : 17 Tips to reduce RV Weight

One thing many people try to check is if they can find smaller travel trailer that have less weight. A smaller less weight travel trailer lets you pull it easily.

We will also see how travel trailer weight varies by length. Once you have that idea, it can be helpful to determine the approximate weight based on length.

Travel trailer weight variation on the basis of length

Main reason why people want to know about the weight of their travel trailer is to determine if their car or truck can tow the trailer or not. A travel trailer has length that ranges from 17 feet to 40 feet.

More the length, more is the weight of travel trailer. A 15-18 feet travel trailer will obviously weigh less than a 30 feet one. That is to say, we can almost say that weight of the travel trailer is proportional to its length. This however, may not be always be correct as with new models, construction type material the weight is varies.

New year models released and built are less heavy and thus, we can also say weight is inversely proportional to year make of the travel trailer. On an average a 16 feet length travel trailer will have a unloaded weight of around 2200 lbs to around 3400 lbs. A 30 feet travel trailer can weigh around 7000 lbs to 7800 lbs.

This may however, be not true for all makes and brands, it will always vary. But, on an average you will find the numbers to be very close. A 20 feet travel trailer can be as heavy as 2700 lbs to 2900 lbs. With advances in the way travel trailers are manufactured, you will also find a 15 feet travel trailer weighing just above 1500 lbs unloaded or even an 13 feet long travel trailer weighing below 1200 pounds.

Travel trailer are smaller rv’s, they sleep 2-3 people at times and can also be lengthy about 40 feet long. A travel trailer weight also depends on the floor plan, kind of dinner built in, position of the bath, kitchen positioning, entry exit doors, window positioning, bed style (this things require changes, adjustments then lead to weight variations).

How much do small travel trailers weigh

Lets see some examples of travel trailers along with their weight and length. This should give a fair idea of relation between length and weight of a travel trailer. These are some of the smaller travel trailer that are popular under the weight of 4000 pounds.

• Forest River Flagstaff E-Pro 12RK – 11 feet long and weighs around 1150 lbs
• ALiner Ascape camp travel trailer – 13 feet long and weighs around 1495 lbs
• Forest River Flagstaff E-Pro 14FK – 14 feet long and weighs around 2010 lbs
• ALiner Ascape plus travel trailer – 13 feet long and weighs around 1150 lbs
• KZ Sportsmen Classic 130RB travel trailer – 15 feet long and weighs around 2126 lbs
• ALiner Ascape MT travel trailer – 13 feet long and weighs around 1170 lbs
• ALiner Ascape ST travel trailer – 13 feet long and weighs around 1575 lbs
• Forest River Flagstaff E-Pro 16BH – 18 feet long and weighs around 2870 lbs
• KZ Sportsmen Classic 150BH travel trailer – 17 feet long and weighs around 2260 lbs
• Forest River Flagstaff E-Pro 17PR – 20 feet long and weighs around 3160 lbs
• KZ Sportsmen Classic 151RB travel trailer – 18 feet long and weighs around 2530 lbs
• Forest River Flagstaff E-Pro 17RK – 20 feet long and weighs around 2930 lbs
• KZ Sportsmen Classic 180BH travel trailer – 20 feet long and weighs around 2620 lbs
• Forest River Flagstaff E-Pro 19FBS – 20 feet long and weighs around 2960 lbs
• Jayco Hummingbird 16FD travel trailer – 18 feet long and weighs around 2535 lbs
• KZ Sportsmen Classic 160QB travel trailer – 22 feet long and weighs around 2740 lbs
• Jayco Hummingbird 16MRB travel trailer – 19 feet long and weighs around 2780 lbs
• Forest River Flagstaff E-Pro 19FD – 20 feet long and weighs around 2825 lbs
• Jayco Hummingbird 17BH travel trailer – 19 feet long and weighs around 3015 lbs

We can determine a fair idea of weight based on travel trailer length. But that may not be always true. A length cannot be the ultimate decider to figure out the exact weight of a travel trailer, as seen from examples a 20 feet long travel trailer (of not only different make, but even same brand) weighs differently. Thus, it also depends on the floor plan, amenities and many other things packaged in the trailer.

How much do longer travel trailers Weigh

As we already saw a longer travel trailer will weigh much more and it is almost proportional to its length. A 40 feet travel trailer will have enough weight to make you think if the car you have, is good enough to pull it or not.

Even a 25 feet or 30 feet long travel trailer is much heavier and you need to be sure about the capacity of your pulling car. Lets see some of the examples to understand better and draw some conclusion on length-weight relation for heavier travel trailers.

Examples here in are also some of the best travel trailers you could buy in the range of 28 feet and 30 feet with weights under 5000 pounds and so on. While some are quoted just to see how the best and average travel trailers weigh in different segments of lengths.

• Keystone RV Passport 175BH Express travel trailer – 22 feet long and weighs around 3250 lbs
• Keystone RV Passport 195RB Express travel trailer – 23 feet long and weighs around 3805 lbs
• Forest River RV Flagstaff Classic Super Lite 831CLBSS travel trailer – 35 feet long and weighs around 8105 lbs
• Forest River RV Flagstaff Classic Super Lite 832FLBS travel trailer – 35 feet long and weighs around 8621 lbs
• Keystone RV Passport 195RBWE Express travel trailer – 23 feet long and weighs around 3812 lbs
• Keystone RV Passport 2200RBWE Grand travel trailer – 25 feet long and weighs around 3805 lbs
• Forest River RV Flagstaff Classic Super Lite 831BHDS travel trailer – 34 feet long and weighs around 7970 lbs
• Forest River RV Flagstaff Classic Super Lite 31BHWSS travel trailer – 34 feet long and weighs around 8386 lbs
• Keystone RV Passport 234QBWE Express travel trailer – 25 feet long and weighs around 3870 lbs
• Keystone RV Passport 239ML Express travel trailer – 25 feet long and weighs around 4140 lbs
• Prime Time RV LaCrosse 2911RB travel trailer – 31 feet long and weighs around 6516 lbs
• Prime Time RV LaCrosse 318BHS travel trailer – 36 feet long and weighs around 8022 lbs
• Keystone RV Passport 2400BH Grand Touring travel trailer – 28 feet long and weighs around 4840 lbs
• Keystone RV Passport 2670BH Grand Touring travel trailer – 30 feet long and weighs around 5344 lbs
• Prime Time RV LaCrosse 324RST travel trailer – 37 feet long and weighs around 8334 lbs
• Prime Time RV LaCrosse 329BHT travel trailer – 37 feet long and weighs around 8815 lbs

From the examples we could see that a 26 feet long travel trailer on an average weighs around 3800 lbs to 4150 lbs . A 28 feet long travel trailer weighs in the range of 4300 lbs – 4900 lbs. A travel trailer between the length of 32 feet to 38 feet weighs 7200 lbs – 8500 lbs .

This should be enough to paint a fair idea of how a length of travel trailer is related to its weight. But, the weights are unloaded weights and should not be confused with the overall weight of travel trailers

 Understanding the travel trailer weight terminology

A travel trailer weight or weight of any other rv need to be understood correctly. The numbers that you get from the manufacturer or dealer could be misleading and misunderstood.

The weight details of various sized travel trailers that we saw are the unloaded weights. You basically need to do the math properly to see if the travel trailer weight is within limits for your car to pull.

Weight understanding in case of travel trailer is much more important than motorhomes which drives themselves (which is not the case for travel trailer or fifth wheel or pop up campers or any other towable trailers). Its important you understand the rv weight terminology .

A rating provided by manufacturer cannot be changed. Normally weight and load are same when you talk weight of rv’s. Basically, a weight of rv puts load on rv tires, axles and hitches.

This load is used to calculate various rating like GAWR (gross axle weight Rating), GCWR (gross combination weight Rating), GVWR (gross vehicle weight Rating). Lets, try to understand what exactly these things mean and how you should interpret values for these.

Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)   – This rating basically is the maximum load that the axle of the trailer can support. Trailer manufacturer provides this rating and it basically depends on axle, tire, wheels and the rating is based on the weakest link.

Unloaded Vehicle Weight (UVW) – This is the weight of the RV or travel trailer when it is fully unloaded without any extra things on it. Usually the weight that you see when it is at the dealer and not yet sold.

The weights that we saw above were unloaded weights. Most times people are confused with this weight, and assume the unloaded weight as the final towing weight. But, in reality the weight increases when you actually pull the trailer with all the things packed in.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)  – This rating means the maximum weight that is allowed on the RV including all the things like the passengers, driver, water, fuel. The trailer and the towing vehicle will both have their own GVWR.

Gross combination Weight rating  (GCWR) – Unlike GVWR, the GCWR is the combination rating for both the trailer and the towing vehicle. It gives the maximum combined limit for the tow vehicle and the travel trailer.

Cargo carrying capacity (CCCC) – This basically means the weight of the trailer without the optional accessories, equipment in the trailer.

Net carrying capacity (NCC) – This is the weight of all own or personal things included on the trailer or rv. For example, the combined weight of fuel, water, food, gas, equipment tools etc

Sleeping Capacity weight rating (SCWR) – This basically gives the maximum weight limit depending on the number of sleeping positions designated by manufacturer. Each included person is assumed to be around 154 lbs and thus, a 2 sleeping travel trailer will mean its SCWR will be 208 lbs and so on.

Importance of Weight distribution in travel trailer

In case of travel trailer, the weight distribution is significant. An un-even weight distributed can be dangerous and the towing hitch and the trailer can be impacted.

You need to make sure the overall weight is properly distributed. The idea is to make sure weight is properly distributed along all sides, front to back and from both right and left sides.

Rv’s and travel trailer are originally designed with proper weight distribution, and when you tow the travel trailer you need to follow same when putting in more weight through other things.

The weight of both the tow vehicle and travel trailer should be properly distributed. Technically speaking, you also need to make sure the Gross Vehicle weight Rating and gross combined vehicle weight rating is not crossed at any time.

To understand the proper rules of weight distribution, you can read the manufacturer provided manual for your travel trailer or camper.

In most cases, the idea is to keep 60% of the weight ahead of the center of gravity of the travel trailer. To understand the correct weights of your travel trailer, its better to weigh it after it is fully loaded with all stuff.

An uneven distributed weight is notable with naked eyes, but may not always be visible hence its better to keep the weight within limits and properly distributed.

One can also use weight distribution systems to make it properly distributed. Weight distribution systems work using spring bars which correct uneven weight distribution.

What affects Weight of travel trailer  – which things put on extra weight

Lets try to understand how the weight of the travel trailer is affected. What all things put on that weight.?  An unloaded weight will be less but when you head out finally, the weight of the overall travel trailer could go out of limits and that’s what we should try to limit.

Water  –  Camping need lots of water. And water adds weight to your travel trailer ? yes, do not underestimate the power of water weight. It weighs almost 8 lbs per gallon. A 50 gallon water in a travel trailer will mean you already have put on 400 lbs extra on travel trailer.

Generator – A generator is a necessary thing in you rv. You get portable generators that weigh less but even then, they can be best weighted at 300-400 lbs and that is much to add to the limited capacity travel trailer.

More watts will generally mean more weight for the generator. Thus, getting the right size generator can be a wise thing to do. But, it may not be a simple calculation for many of us and that’s why i wrote this detail guide on how to choose the right size generator for your RV (You AC is mostly the deciding factor, check out how!)

Construction material affects weight  – A travel trailer construction material type is also responsible for its weight. A fiberglass made trailer generally weigh less as compared to aluminum ones.

This however, should not be your problem as this will be included in the unloaded weight which is not in your hands anyways. But, understanding the material type of your travel trailer can be helpful as choosing the right one will mean your travel trailers unloaded weight itself is less.

Slide outs Increase weight  – A slide out for your rv increases the overall weight. Its extra space but extra weight too. A slide out normally adds upto 1000 lbs on an average. Pop up are less heavy and that can be a good option as compared to slide outs if you are looking to reduce the overall weight on your travel trailer.

Read : Weight Holding capacity of Slide Out in RV

How to reduce weight on your travel trailer – tips to stay light

Weighing your rv often is the best thing you could do (in case you are confused on how to weigh your rv, here is a article that i posted about  it). Regularly checking the weight helps to plan and you will stay within the rating limits. Lets see some of the things you could follow to reduce the weight and stay in limits

1. Get rid of extra things on your rv. Extra tools, extra equipment, unused personal belongings like shoes, clothes, books etc. Unused kitchen items, bedroom, bathroom accessories you don’t use more often should be kept out. All smaller things add up to put on those pounds which add-on to become a big number.

2. Weigh the travel trailer separately with car and without car. This gives great picture of what is happening and where the weight is distributed.

3. Get good weight distribution system to make sure weight is properly distributed.

4. While heading out for camping make sure you pack things which are absolutely needed and do not pack out of limits

5. Have only number of people allowed as per manufacturer manual. A human weight of around 150 lbs can be more than enough to cause the imbalance of weight distribution

6. Make sure tires are properly inflated. Maintain correct tire pressure for both travel trailer and car at all times.

7. Use aluminum in case you want to do any repairs or modifications to your travel trailer. Aluminium is light weight and thus will not put on extra weight on your travel trailer. Many times, people do patch work like filling in holes, cracks or structural changes to the travel trailer. All these smaller things should be done with materials that are less in weight and should not add on weights.

8. Get rid of things that are not in use for months or have become old. A ladder that you hardly need, an awning that is broken or things like kayak that you occasionally need. Remove things that you don’t use often or things of past that need replacement, just go ahead and replace them. This will not only save space but also reduce the unnecessary weight.

9. Get the sliding doors replaced with curtains. Doors that aren’t used for privacy and are in place just, can be removed and replaced with curtains or any other such fabrics used instead of heavy doors.

10. Replace old heavy things with new lightweight ones. Drawers, bins, shelving that are heavy and old, could be putting in weight unnecessarily and you should try and get things that are new and less in weight. You will find lots of innovative products specially designed for RV that are compact and lightweight.

Travel trailer weight comparison with Other Rv’s (Class C RV and class A RV)

A mini motorhome or a class C rv on an average weighs around 10,000 lbs to 14,000 lbs. That is almost double than an average weight of a travel trailer.

Class C motorhome are also longer than travel trailers, they tend to be around 18 feet – 30 feet long. Class A motorhomes on the other hand are the heaviest ones, they weigh much more.

On an average class A rv’s weighs anything between 15,000 lbs to 30,000 lbs. They are really heavy, and much more than a travel trailer. With so much weight they tend to intimidate you on road. Remember, with weight also the license requirement changes.

Read : How much weight RVs roof are capable to support

There is limit on weight up-to which you can drive using normal non commercial license but if the weight goes beyond certain limit then you need special license.

The rule of weight is different for all states. Like in California, a weight more than 26,000 lbs for a non towable RV will need a class B Non commercial license. Most states have similar requirement but could be little different for some states (need to check with each states rules and regulations).

A travel trailer to be towed has a weight limitation of around 10,000 lbs in most states and beyond that you will need class B Non commercial license. Looking at these numbers of pound for travel trailer, most of the times you will be okay with the normal license unless you have that very big trailer weighing more than 10,000 lbs.

If you are ready to tow your travel trailer and start the RV adventure then do start by getting all the essentials for your trailer (this is a complete list that you will need)

A travel trailer weight measurement is of much importance since it has the power to affect many other things in the camper trailer.

Apart from getting to know just the unloaded weight of the trailer, knowing all the other ratings help in  towing car-trailer system smooth. A travel trailer weighs less as compared to other bigger rv’s however it is more important to know the weight in case of travel trailers. A travel trailer weight unloaded should not be your only way of judging the capacity of your car to tow.

Understanding overall weight when fully loaded and with full water/fuel tanks is more necessary. Going through manufacturer manual, weighing your trailer often are best practices to follow.

Keeping the travel trailer as light as possible can come good for your towing car or suv. Keeping the weight distribution proper is also important and proper hitches or distribution system can come handy. One should fully understand the towing capacity of the car and then manage the weight on travel trailer. Owning a very heavy trailer also needs special license requirements and thus better to make sure the weight is within limits.

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What does the Average Travel Trailer Weigh (With 15 Examples)

We researched 15 popular travel trailers from different manufacturers, looked into different lengths, and different styles and found some good answers to the average weight of a travel trailer. Travel trailers vary on weight per foot, this could be a sign of quality, or a sign of using heavier materials. We dive down into average weights below.

What does the average travel trailer weigh?

From our research of 15 examples of popular travel trailers, the average travel trailer weighs 5,215 pounds or about 191.43 pounds per foot of length. These numbers are dry weight from the manufacturer with no supplies, water, gear, foot, or any other items installed.

When searching for a travel trailer, there are several types, sizes, and they all have different weights. We have seen a 19’ travel trailer weigh 3,500 pounds and a 19’ travel trailer weigh 5,600 pounds. This difference in weight can be caused by several factors, how well it is built, how much insulation it has, does it have hardwood cabinets, is it wood frame or aluminum, and many other factors.

Average Camper Weight

We have searched the top 15 examples of popular travel trailers and found that on average, travel trailers weigh 5,215 pounds and weigh 191.43 pounds per foot of length. Different factors can cause these varying weights, but most trailers quality on this list are similar.

*Weights listed as dry weight are empty from the trailer manufacturer

What is Dry Weight?

Dry weight is a weight that is listed on the side of a travel trailer from the manufacturer. Dry weight that is listed from the manufacturer can be very misleading. Some manufacturers include two filled propane tanks and batteries in their dry weight calculations, and some manufacturers don’t even include the installed awning as it is listed as an option, which is in most cases mandatory.

To find your exact dry weight on your trailer, unload all of your gear, it is also best to leave on propane tanks and batteries, and go to your local weigh station. Once you have weighed with the trailer, unhitch your trailer from your vehicle and weigh just your vehicle. Subtract these two numbers, and you will have your travel trailer dry weight.

Gear and Fully Loaded Weight

To figure out how much weight you are loading into your RV to make sure you are within your loaded specs, you can complete this in two methods, the scale method and the weigh method .

Utilizing the scale method, you need to know your dry weight by weighing at your local weigh station or dump. First you will bring a scale down to the entrance of your RV. Next you will load your RV with all of your gear and supplies, but before you set your items down, take a weight of yourself holding the gear and subtract from your weight without gear. This will require a notepad to document the weight you have added. This method will take some time, but is simple to do at your house.

The second method to find your exact loaded weight would be to take a dry weight from your local scale. Now load up your trailer with all of your gear and go to the weigh station again. This will give your typical loaded weight. Every time you load up you may have different amounts of gear or food, but you will know if you are at risk of being overloaded or not.

When taking these weights, you will want to make sure you are staying within your cargo carrying capacity (CCC) of your trailer. This will be your dry weight subtracted from your gross weight. Typically your CCC is listed on your trailers sticker on the side, or in your door. You will also want to make sure to include the amount of water you will be loading into your trailer into your calculations. A gallon of water weighs 8.34 pounds. If you have 20 gallons of water, you would add another 166.8 pounds to your weight.

Slides have a high weight ratio for their size. Usually, if you have a travel trailer with a slide, this feature adds about 800 pounds for the special mechanical gear, frame, and motors. In most cases, a slide is always worth having the extra space, but if you have a specific weight limit you need to meet, you may want to forgo the slide addition. In addition to slides being on the heavy side, they can cause more maintenance and repair and could be a bad idea if you are looking for a smooth turn key trailer.

When determining if you need a slide, read our article on what to look for when buying a travel trailer .

Full Water Tank Weights

Full water, grey, and black tanks can weigh a lot on a travel trailer. For example, our RV has 31 gallons of fresh water capacity plus 6 gallons for the hot water tank. Both the black and grey tanks are 25 gallons each. In total, we can add 87 gallons of liquid in addition to our items in our travel trailer or another 725.58 pounds. Our travel trailer has a high CCC, but some others we have seen only give you about 800 pounds, so with full water tanks, you could not add any gear safely.

We usually fill our water tank about 50% before we travel so we have some water if we need to make a pit stop. Also, we have found some extra weight lower to the ground makes our trailer handle a bit better on the drive. We do travel sometimes at 100% full, but only if we are going off grid.

Theoretically, you would never have the fresh, black, and grey tanks full due to the fact that if you use water to wash, you are moving it from the fresh water to the grey water. The same goes for black tank usage. After a trip, we may drive back with 25% capacity in the fresh, 25% full in the black, and 50% or more in the grey. Read about how long fresh , grey , and black water tanks last.

Keep Towing Vehicle at 80% Capacity

When you are towing your trailer, you want some leeway in your towing capacity. Typically trailer guides recommend 20% extra capacity so you do not overwork your vehicle. This means, if you have a towing capacity of 10,000 pounds, you should only tow 8,000 pounds of trailer, gear, and water. Extensive gear in the back of a pickup could reduce this number as well.

In our case, our truck can tow 8,300 pounds. Our travel trailer dry weight is 3,700 pounds, add 258 pounds for a full tank of water, 500 pounds of accessories (batteries, awnings, propane, etc) 500 pounds of gear (bbq, chairs, generator, gas, power cable, etc.) and another 250 pounds for food and clothing. To estimate on the high side, this could make our trailer weigh 5,208 pounds or about 63% of our towing capacity. We make long trips through high mountains so we wanted some more leeway than 20% extra. We may be overestimating our wet trailer weight, but you can see how if you only had 800 pounds of cargo carrying capacity, you could get in trouble very fast by exceeding your weight.

½ ton Towable Travel Trailers

Many manufacturers are trying to trick consumers by producing marketing for ½ ton towable travel trailers . This may be acceptable in some cases, but we have seen one manufacturer with a 7,306 pound dry weight trailer they are trying to pass along as half ton towable. Technically it could be, but it may not be the best idea and certainly couldn’t be towed with older rigs.

Read our articles about our favorite travel trailers under 5,000 pounds and 3,000 pounds .

Towing Capacity

When checking your towing capacity, always look for the capacity of your specific vehicle. Some general guides may not differentiate your vehicle with a certain gear ratio and motor with another. You can search by your specific VIN to find the options on your vehicle if you do not have an original window sticker to make reference to. For a 1500 Dodge in 2006, one model tows 3,300 pounds and another 1500 with different options tows 8,900 pounds. Different items that could change your towing capacity could be engine size, wheel size, gear ratio, transmission, and bed size if the towing vehicle is a pickup.

To achieve the stated towing capacities, you may need a weight distribution hitch. Read about our favorite model here.

Related Questions

How much does a 16′ travel trailer weigh?

Using the 15 models we pulled weights from and an average weight of 191 pounds per foot, a 16′ travel trailer should weigh about 3,056 pounds.

How much weight do you add to a travel trailer?

On average, you may add 166 pounds of water to fill your 20 gallon tank, another 250 pounds of accessories such as propane and batteries, as well as your gear and food which could be about 300-400 pounds. You can easily add 700-800 pounds to your travel trailer.

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How Much Do Travel Trailers Weigh? (Camper Weight Chart)

If you’re planning on towing a travel trailer, you’ll want to know how much weight you can expect to be hauling. This information isn’t strictly for bragging rights—you need to be sure that your truck or SUV will be able to handle the load.

So, how much do travel trailers weigh, exactly? Don’t worry if you’ve never given the matter any thought before.

There are a few basic rules of thumb that will make it easier for you to calculate the weight of your travel trailer , whether it’s a new purchase or an older model that’s coming out of long retirement.

Table of Contents

How Much Do Average Travel Trailers Weigh?

The average weight of most recreational travel trailers is about 5,000 pound s, depending on size . What you’ll want to remember about this equation is that this number refers only to the “dry weight” of the unit.

This means that the weight is measured when the tanks are empty and the unit contains no gear or other incidentals.

If you have a background in construction, this measurement is similar to what’s commonly known as the “dead load” —an immutable base number that doesn’t include goods or inhabitants.

Once the fuel and water tanks are full and the unit is loaded with camping gear (thereby adding the “cargo weight”), you can expect the number to increase.

In general, the camper will weigh about 250 pounds per foot of trailer length, although it can vary depending on the size of the camper and the type of gear you pack. This total is known as the gross trailer weight , or GTW for short.

To make this concept easier to grasp, here’s a guide that uses some of the most popular trailer lengths as examples. Note that the measurements refer to the total box length of the camper, not counting the trailer hitch.

Basic Gear Weight

Most trailers come equipped with 48-gallon freshwater tanks. Since water weighs in at about eight pounds per gallon, a full tank will add nearly 400 pounds to the weight of your trailer.

When making your calculations, assume that the water tank will be full at all times (even though it obviously won’t be). This will help you to err on the safe side and avoid putting too much stress on the vehicle.

Larger camper trailers can obviously accommodate more gear, but that’s no reason to go overboard. You can expect to add at least 500 pounds of gear to the GTW ( gross trailer weight ) even if you stick to the basics.

Don’t be tempted to overload the trailer just because you have more space. When it comes to camping, it’s always best to err on the lighter side.

Understanding Dry Hitch Weight

You might also come across the term “dry hitch” weight, and be surprised at how low the number is compared to the total weight of the travel trailer.

That’s because it refers to the amount of weight that’s put on the trailer ball itself—usually about 10 percent of the trailer’s dry weight.

For example, if you’re towing a 26-foot trailer, you can expect the dry hitch weight to be between 500 and 550 pounds.

Towing Capacity Breakdown

How to tell if your vehicle can handle the weight.

Since we’ve already discussed the importance of finding the (GTW) gross trailer weight versus the dry weight , you’re off to a good start.

The next step is to find your vehicle’s towing capacity or gross vehicle weight rating. Some larger trucks and SUVs might have this information listed on the VIN sticker (usually found just inside the front driver’s side door).

Here is a great tool you can use to find the specifics on your vehicle.

Note: You don’t necessarily need a truck or SUV in order to haul a trailer. Some cars and crossover models are equipped with tow hitches as well.

Tip: Just follow the directions listed above to make sure the vehicle can handle the weight of your camper before you head out.

Here is a video for further help with finding the vehicle’s weight ratings.

Other Considerations

Here are a few other things to keep in mind when it comes to towing a travel trailer:

• You should keep in mind that you should never exceed whatever is the lowest-rated component of your towing setup. This will be the weakest link and can cause issues.
• If possible, invest in a truck with a diesel engine if you’re planning on towing a heavy camper often. Since these engines are built for towing, you’ll get much better mileage, but this only makes sense depending on travel trailer weight.
• Learn to spot the difference between wooden and aluminum frames. Wooden ones are distinguished by thick stripes on the exterior of the camper and add a significant amount of weight. Campers with aluminum frames will feature a smooth exterior and sleek design.
• If you can’t locate any information about your camper’s dry weight, take it to a roadside scale to get a reading. It’s imperative to keep the total weight below the vehicle’s maximum towing capacity or gross vehicle weight rating; otherwise, you could risk damaging the transmission.

Best of luck, and happy camping!

Checkout our article on: Ultra Lightweight Travel Trailers Under 2000 Pounds

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How Much Does a Travel Trailer Weigh? (Explanation & Examples)

Writen by Tom Hank

Fact checked by Joseph Varney

Before making any purchasing decision, carefully considering your travel trailer’s weight is crucial since this determines which kinds of trucks or SUVS will be able to securely tow the camper or how the trailer handles the road, fuel efficiency, and other aspects.

The secret to joyful and worry-free RVing is to keep track of your camping trailer’s total weight. However, measuring the vehicle’s weight is not as simple as putting it on a scale. Calculating the RV trailer weight is a difficult procedure that requires numerous examination.

Therefore, this discussion is the right place for those looking for a detailed breakdown of “How much does a travel trailer weigh?” In this article, I will deliver a comprehensive explanation on the weight of a camper, as well as approach other categories such as:

• Important camper’s weight terms to understand
• Elements influencing the trailer’s weight

Different travel trailers’ weights

Moreover, within each part of the discussion, we will include practical examples and tips to manage your camper weights in real situations. So, make sure to follow this post until the end!

Table of Contents

Important Camper’s Weight Terms to Understand

Before discussing more about a travel trailer’s weight, we need to understand some technical terms that are often used to describe the specification related to the weight and performance of each particular camper van. Continue reading to learn more!

UVW (Unloaded Vehicle Weight)

UVW or dry weight relates to the camper weights when it leaves the factory. Any dealer-installed extras, cargo, fluids, or LP gas are not included in the UVW. Before the travel trailer is ready to travel on the road, this is the basic structural weight.

The typical dry weight of a travel trailer ranges from approximately 1,000 to 9,000 pounds, but as a rough guide, the average camper container’s dry weight is around 5,200 pounds.

Towed units, as contrasted to self-driving modules, will be lighter but they will need a vehicle with the appropriate towing capacity to commute. Self-driving units are clearly not reliant on an additional towing vehicle, yet they will have a significantly larger dry weight.

Hence, before loading luggage and equipment, you should consider the type of your travel trailer as there are many differences between the dry weight in each kind. Moreover, selecting the right towing vehicle using dry weight is certainly crucial.

GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating)

Technically, the most relevant response to the issue “How much do campers weigh?” is GVWR. This weight is your trailer’s weight when your tanks are entirely full and the luggage container within the trailer is fully loaded.

Depending on extra amenities and the amount of the cargo load, the gross weight of the same travel trailer might vary. This is also the maximum weight your container should carry. Hence, The GVWR is said to be a very important factor to consider when determining the towing weight capabilities of your tow vehicle.

The best method to measure the total motorhome’s weight is to fill up all the tanks within your trailer, pack your equipment or supplies, then weigh everything in a truck scale. The ultimate weight should be below this figure to guarantee safety for you and your travel trailer.

CCC (Cargo Carrying Capacity)

This is the cargo’s total weight capacity. Don’t carry more than the recommended CCC for safety management. Subtract UVW, the weight of water supply, full tank weight, and sleep capacity load rating (154 lbs x number of bedding positions) from the GVWR to get the Cargo Carrying Capacity. Don’t forget to deduct any dealer-installed extras.

Tongue Weight

Tongue Weight, also known as Vertical Load Rating, is the maximum vertical weight that your hitch can support the trailer. Make sure you know how much your tongue loads before you start towing. If the weight restriction is exceeded, try relocating the contents to the back of the trailer. Likewise, the inverse is true. Move content ahead if the tongue weight is below the limit.

Sleeping Capacity Weight (SCWR)

This type of weight is supposed to be included in the CCC, however it has been separated recently so that trailer owners can customize their resting area easier. SCWR is calculated by multiplying the number of sleeping positions indicated by the manufacturer by 143 pounds.

Elements Influencing the Travel Trailer’s Weight

As we can see, there are many factors that contribute to your travel trailer weights than simply the RV itself. Therefore, it is critical to study these details to manage the weights of travel trailers efficiently and keep them under the GVWR for more secure travelling. Here are some components that add to your total camper weights:

Construction Materials

Lighter materials are used by RV and camper makers, especially in modern vehicles.

However, some latest trailers, such as Airstream motorhomes, weigh more due to its structure and brand, which includes the use of heavier building materials.

RV trailer weight is also affected by fixtures and furniture, and more luxury, residential-style designs may weigh more. Construction materials and interior furnishings are all included in the dry weight of your camper but it’s something to consider before you purchase any RV.

If you own a small SUV or towing automobile with less pulling capability, you’ll need a lightweight trailer, which means one made of lighter materials.

Another heavy item that is often included in dry weight yet still needs to be acknowledged is slide-outs. Although slide-outs provide additional interior space while parking, the heavy-duty structure required for stability will contribute to your trailer’s total weight.

A single slide-out may add up to 1,000 pounds to the dry weight of your trailer. On the other hand, slide-out models that come with pop-up tops are good options if you wish for extra interior space yet still want a lighter trailer.

Pop-ups are a great way to add a second level of sleeping space or more headroom to your camper while parked, and they are less heavy compared to slide-outs.

Generators and A/C systems

Although it is common for modern RVS these days to be equipped with air conditioning systems and generators beforehand, not all camper vans in the market come with these kinds of features, especially with second-hand travel trailers.

If your camper originated with a generator and/or air conditioning units, the weight of these devices and their fluids is factored into the dry weight of the camper. However, if you or a former owner installed the system, it isn’t included and must be subtracted from your CCC.

A portable generator typically weighs from 300 to 400 pounds, with each A/C unit weighing approximately 100 pounds. The greater the wattage, the heavier the system.

Fuel and Water

Water is a hefty item that does not count in the dry or unloaded weight of your trailer. Fuel and water are both rather heavy, with water weighing almost 8 pounds per gallon.

You might be persuaded to fill up your camper’s fresh water tank before a road trip if it holds 100 gallons, but this might add 800 pounds to your luggage weight! Therefore, you should only fill up a few gallons and continue to supply water after you have reached your way stations or destinations.

Meanwhile, even though cooking (and/or heating) fuel is likewise weighty, it is still much lighter than water. As most campsites don’t provide propane hookups, it’s more important to pack the entire quantity you’ll need for the trip.

Each kind of trailer serves a different purpose, and as a result, each trailer’s weight varies. Trailers come in a wide range of capacities, widths, or construction. Due to those differences, people may get confused while purchasing travel trailers which match their needs in terms of weight.

In the final part of this discussion, we will together go through each type of travel trailer and its weight specification so you can calculate your travel trailer and select the best one for your family.

5th Wheel Camper weight

The average 5th wheel weight of an empty 5th wheel camper is 12,700 pounds. The lowest 5th wheel weight is around 5,000 pounds, while the biggest camper trailer weigh up to 16,000 pounds.

The standard load capacity is 6,000 pounds, giving enough of room for camping equipment, tools, freight, and fluids. Most 5th wheel campers have a GVWR of 17,000 to 20,000 pounds when fully loaded and ready to hit the road.

Toy Hauler weight

When emptied, toy haulers weigh anywhere from 3,600 to 11,400 pounds, with an standard of around 7,600 pounds. Toy haulers include a bigger cargo capacity as they’re designed to handle smaller cars. The average weight is around 10,000 pounds.

Toy hauler trailer gross vehicle weight ratings range from 15,000 pounds to over 22,000 pounds.

Jayco Pop up Camper weight

The Jay Sport is one of Jayco’s pop-up camper models. Depending on the floor design, it weighs anywhere from 1,570 to 1,895 pounds dry. The Jay Sport’s GVWR varies between 2,250 and 2,750 pounds.

A-frame Camper weight

A-frame trailer is a special form of pop up camper. When unloaded, this style of camper often weighs between 1,200 and 2,300 pounds in general and 1,700 pounds in specific. With an average weight of 1,200 pounds, A-frame campers offer a significant amount of cargo space. This trailer’s gross vehicle weight rating ranges from 2,500 to 3,600 pounds.

Measuring your camper trailer’s weight is definitely not a simple task and the false calculation may lead to excess weight, which takes away the joy of your family during the camping trip. To prevent this from occurring, travel trailer owners will need to have certain knowledge on the camper trailer’s weight management.

Therefore, it is essential to understand how travel trailers weigh and manage their cargo capacity effectively. We hope that the above information and suggestions can help you determine your family camper’s weight and wipe out the worry of being overloaded.

Did you enjoy the article on how much does a travel trailer weigh ? Do you want to add anything else? Please let me know and leave a comment below.

Hi, I am Joseph. Carpe diem! Seize the day! That’s always been my life motto. If you haven’t seen some of the most beautiful places in the country, you are missing out on incredible adventures.

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How Much Do Travel Trailers Weigh? [20 Campers Compared]

Published on April 22nd, 2019 by Ray & Tammy Roman This post was updated on October 5th, 2023

Based on our sampling of 20 popular models we estimate the typical travel trailer weight to be 4,384 pounds dry weight and 6,109 pound GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating). Dry weight means how much the travel trailer weighs without cargo, and all tanks (water, propane, etc.) completely empty. GVWR is the weight you should not exceed once you fill your tanks and add anything else you want to transport inside your camper.

Below is our travel trailer weight comparison table showing 20 of the most popular campers.

Keep in mind that many factors will influence the weight specifications. The longer the camper the heavier it will be. The type of construction will have a significant effect on weight as well as the type of features and appliances inside. Whether or not you have slide outs will affect weight as well.

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As stated by Jim over at Camper Report , you can expect on average a camper to weight 250 lbs per foot with tanks filled and your gear. The length does not include hitch length.

Match Your Vehicle Towing Capacity To Your RV Weight

To tow your camper you need to have a vehicle with the right towing capacity. For example, a Toyota Tacoma with a V6 engine and towing package can easily tow a maximum of 6,400 pounds, A Ford F150 can tow up to 8,000 pounds with a towing package.

Most large SUVs can also tow a small travel trailer. The Chevy Tahoe, Ford Expedition and Jeep Grand Cherokee are just three of the ones that can tow a camper pretty well.

In some instances, even a car can tow a travel trailer. However, the travel trailer has to be pretty light. The Happier Campe r is one such camper that can be towed by a car.

Travel Trailer Weight Definitions

When comparing travel trailer weigh you are going to come across several terms that I have defined below.

Dry Weight aka UVW (Unloaded Vehicle Weight) – This weight refers to the weight of the camper as it is shipped from the factory. The UVW does not include any dealer-installed options, cargo, fresh water or LP gas.

Cargo Carrying Capacity aka CCC – To arrive at the Cargo Carrying Capacity you need to subtract UVW, the weight of potable water, including any in the hot water heater, full LP tank weight, and sleep capacity weight rating (154 lbs x number of sleeping positions) from the GVWR. Don’t forget to also subtract any dealer-added options.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) – This is the maximum weight you should not exceed with cargo, full tanks, UVW, and sleeping capacity weight rating combined. Exceeding this weight limit can potentially void your warranty.

Tongue Weight aka Vertical Load Rating – This is the maximum vertical load that your hitch can carry. Before you start to tow make sure you measure your tongue weight. If it exceeds the weight limit consider moving content toward the rear of the trailer. The opposite is also true. If the tongue load is less than the limit move content forward.

Sleeping Capacity Weight Rating (SCWR ) – This one is new to me as I have never seen it before. To calculate SCWR multiply the number of manufacturers designated sleep positions times 143 pounds.

How Much Do Travel Trailers Weigh? – Related Questions

How much does a pop up camper weigh?

Pop up campers can vary significantly in weight depending on features. For example, a pop-up camper with a kitchen and fridge can weigh as much as 2,000 pounds, whereas a pop up with minimal features can weight around 500-600 pounds empty. Overall you can expect anywhere from 700 pounds to 3,800 pounds depending on box length and features.

How much does a Jayco Pop up camper weigh?

Jayco has one model of pop up campers called the Jay Sport. It weighs from 1,570 pounds dry to 1,895 pounds dry depending on the floor plan. The GVWR for the Jay Sport ranges from 2,250 pounds to 2,750 pounds.

How much do vintage travel trailers weigh?

An example of a vintage travel trailer weight is the 19645 Safeway. IT weights partially loaded 2,320 pounds. This is a 13-foot cabin travel trailer. You can expect a range of 150-200 pounds per foot length of the cabin only.

How much does a 16 foot travel trailer weight?

On average a 16-foot camper may weight 2,000 to 3,500 pounds. Why such a huge range? The weight of the camper is going to vary widely by brand, floor plan, type of construction, slide outs, interior appliances, and construction and dealer-added options.

As you can see by the examples above the weight of a camper can vary significantly. There isn’t one answer that fits all. The same length travel trailer will have different weights depending on how each manufacturer constructs their unit. Materials used (aluminum, fiberglass) will have a huge impact on weight. Interior furniture, appliances, and interior layout will also affect weight.

The most accurate way to determine the Gross Vehicle Weight of your camper is to fill all tanks, add your gear and supplies and take it to a truck scale. There you will quickly learn how much your travel trailer weighs.

Here is a list of 10 campers that we consider some of the best travel trailers that weigh less than 4,000 pounds . If you’re looking for camper trailers under $10,000 check out the 13 Cheapest Camper Trailer .

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Average Travel Trailer Weight: How Much Does A Camper Weigh?

• Last Updated: February 24, 2024
• 10 minutes read

The weight of your travel trailer is an important consideration, since it determines which SUVs and trucks can safely haul the camper, how the trailer maneuvers on the road, gas mileage, and more. 

There are lots of different types of travel trailers, ranging in style and size. 

On average, how much does a camper weigh before you’ve packed it with your gear and belongings?

Depending on size, campers may vary greatly with regard to weight. Your camper could weigh as little as 500 pounds or more than 20,000 pounds. On the smaller end, teardrop trailers have a dry weight of about 1,500 pounds, and on the larger end, fifth wheel trailers have an average dry weight of around 15,000 pounds.

In this post, I’ve researched a lot of campers to help you get an idea for the different types of camper weights, understand why weight matters, how to manage weight in your camper, and more.

Different Kinds of Camper Weight Specifications

Travel trailers don’t just have a single weight. Keep in mind, your gear, supplies, water and fuel all add to the weight of the vehicle.

When looking at the weight specifications for your camper, there are three different areas to look at:

• Dry Weight (also known as ‘Empty Weight’ or ‘Unloaded Weight’) is the weight of the camper before you’ve loaded in your cooking gas, fresh water, or belongings.
• Cargo Carrying Capacity (CCC) is the total weight capacity for cargo, on top of the dry weight. For safety on the road, don’t load more than the rated CCC.
• Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) is the total overall maximum weight that your camper can handle, including fluids and cargo. When considering your tow vehicle’s towing weight capacity, the GVWR is something you’ll want to pay particular attention to.

How Much Does A Travel Trailer Weigh?

The average weight of your travel trailer will vary depending on the type of trailer you have and how long it is.

Larger and longer campers tend to be heavier, while teardrop and pop-up campers are on the lighter end of the scale.

Most campers have an average dry (unloaded) weight of 2,550 to 6,600 pounds, and an average GVWR of 3,200 to 8,400 pounds.

Here are a few examples of popular types of campers and how much they weigh:

Why Does Weight Matter in a Camper?

The lighter your trailer, the better. The overall weight of your travel trailer matters for a few different reasons, including:

Your towing vehicle only has a certain capacity for towing a camper safely. You can’t just hook up any SUV to the trailer tow hitch and expect to hit the road.

Before you buy a camper, you should find out the towing capacity of your vehicle to make sure you can safely pull the trailer.

A heavier camper is also harder to tow the closer it gets to your towing vehicle’s towing capacity. You don’t want your camper to sway too much as it moves down the road or worse, to tip over as you go around a curve or make a turn.

Cargo Weight

If you’re hitting the road with your dune buggy and other heavy adventure cargo, your trailer’s cargo weight limits must be considered.

You might want to consider a toy hauler, since these trailers have a higher CCC to accommodate sports vehicles.

Just remember that your towing vehicle needs to be stronger in order to handle the extra weight of the camper itself as well as your adventure vehicles. 

Fuel Efficiency

The heavier your camper and cargo, the lower your fuel efficiency and gas mileage will be.

A heavier travel trailer that’s loaded with gear will make for a more expensive road trip than a small, lightweight camper , so you’ll need to take this into account as you budget for your trip.

Top Things That Add Weight to Your Camper

As you can see, there’s a lot that goes into the weight of your travel trailer, beyond just the camper, itself.

Unless you’re traveling in a toy hauler and bringing along your adventure vehicle(s), your belongings and supplies probably won’t weigh more than a few hundred pounds, but there are some things that do add significant weight to your camper.

It’s important to keep these things in mind, so that you can keep your traveling weight below the specified GVWR and travel more safely. 

Some of the heavier items that add weight to your travel trailer include:

Construction Materials

RV and camper manufacturers tend to build with lighter weight materials, especially in newer vehicles.

However, there are some modern trailers (such as Airstream travel trailers) that weigh more because they are built with heavier construction materials as part of their design and brand.

While Airstream trailers have an aluminum exterior, most travel trailers are built with fiberglass to make them more lightweight.

Interior fixtures and furniture also contribute to the vehicle’s weight, and more luxurious, residential-style construction may weigh more.

Construction materials and the interior furniture and fixtures are all included in your camper’s dry weight, but it’s a good thing to keep in mind before you buy a camper.

If you have a smaller SUV or towing vehicle with less capacity for hauling, you’ll need a lighter trailer, and therefore, one built with more lightweight materials.

Another heavy feature that’s included in dry weight but still needs to be considered is slide-outs, if your camper has them.

Although slide-outs have the benefit of creating more interior space when you’re parked, the heavy duty construction they require for stability will increase the overall weight of your trailer.

A single slide-out can add around 1,000 pounds to your camper’s dry weight. 

Alternatively, if you need more interior space but still need a more lightweight trailer, you might consider models with a pop-up top.

Pop-ups can create a second level sleeping area or increase the headroom in your camper when you are parked, and don’t weigh nearly as much as a slide-out.

Generators & A/C Units

Many modern campers come equipped with generators and air conditioning units, but not all of them do.

If your trailer came with a generator and A/C unit(s), the weight of these systems and their fluids is included in the camper’s dry weight.

However, if you or a previous owner added the system, it’s not included and will need to be deducted from your available cargo carrying capacity. 

In general, a portable generator weighs around 300 to 400 pounds, and each A/C unit weighs around 100 pounds. The higher the wattage, the more the system will weigh. 

Water & Fuel

A heavy item that doesn’t count in your camper’s dry or unloaded weight specification is water.

Fuel and water are pretty heavy, and water is especially so, weighing nearly 8 pounds per gallon.

If your camper has a tank that accommodates 100 gallons of fresh water , you may be tempted to fill it up to the brim before a camping trip, but this could increase your cargo weight around 800 pounds!

If you’ll be camped at a campground with hookups, consider only filling up a few gallons before hitting the road to cut back on your vehicle’s water weight during travel. 

Fuel for cooking (and/or heating) can also be heavy, but it’s a lot lighter than water and since campgrounds don’t have propane hookups, it’s more necessary to bring the full amount needed for your trip. 

How to Efficiently Manage Weight in Your Camper

There are a few things you can do to keep your camper as lightweight as possible both while on the move and when parked in your campsite:

Make sure the weight is distributed evenly

Most camper manufacturers lay out the interior of each camper so as to evenly place heavier items and keep the dry weight distributed throughout.

As you pack your trailer, you’ll want to keep weight distribution in mind to avoid having your camper swerve or lean as you move down the road.

Get a good weight distribution system, and weigh the camper hooked up to your towing vehicle and disconnected from the towing rig in order to test the weight distribution.

Don’t travel with too many people

Consult your camper’s manufacturer’s manual for the maximum passenger count for your trailer.

Allowing more people in your camper won’t affect the weight distribution when you are traveling, since all passengers must ride in the towing vehicle, but even when parked, overcrowding your trailer can impact the weight distribution system negatively.

Even one person extra person weighing 150 pounds can make a difference, so stick to the maximum limit your camper’s manufacturer recommends.

Don’t over-pack, and get rid of the extras

There are some things that are a good idea to bring along, even if you don’t end up needing them such as safety equipment, a spare tire, and the tools to change it.

However, there are probably lots of other things that you just don’t need, such as extra personal belongings, kitchen items, full-sized toiletries , and spare tools. 

Pack only what is absolutely necessary for your trip and the activities you’ll be doing, plus safety equipment just in case you break down or get stuck.

Don’t forget to check the exterior of your camper, and remove things you hardly ever use or don’t need for your trip.

Keep your tires properly inflated

If your tires don’t have the correct tire pressure, a heavy trailer could cause you to have a flat or cause damage to the wheels and axels.

Before you leave on your trip, check the pressure on each tire to make sure it’s inflated properly.

Switch out any pocket or sliding doors for curtains

Many campers have sliding doors or pocket doors for the bedroom(s) or bunkroom, and these add weight.

You probably want some kind of covering for privacy, but you can switch them out for a more lightweight alternative such as a curtain.

You don’t even have to sew your own – although you certainly can – just buy a single panel drape or curtain for less than $20 at your local big box store such as Walmart or Target.

Replace old or damaged items with more lightweight pieces

If your furniture, storage compartments, counters or other fixed pieces are old or break, you can replace them with a lighter alternative or material.

IKEA has some excellent lightweight storage and furniture options that work great in a camper setup, and don’t cost a lot.

Use aluminum whenever you make repairs

If you need to patch any holes or fill any cracks in your camper, always use aluminum or other lightweight materials to keep your trailer’s weight down.

A Summary About Camper Weight

As I’ve discussed, your camper’s weight can vary a lot depending on the type and size of trailer you have.

Now that you know the average based on trailer style and length, you can find the right camper that has an appropriate weight for your towing vehicle and camping style. 

Weight is definitely an important consideration when you’re camping and when you’re traveling with a camper, but there are some things you can do to keep it lighter and make traveling easier.

I hope the tips I noted will help you enjoy your trip, without having to worry about weight too much.

About Author / Aaron Richardson

Aaron Richardson is an expert RVer and the co-founder of RVing Know How. Aaron, along with his wife Evelyn, has been living and traveling in their Keystone Fuzion RV since 2017. Their adventures span across the country and beyond, including memorable RVing experiences in Mexico. Aaron's passion for the outdoors and RVing shines through in his writings, where he shares a blend of travel stories, practical tips, and insights to enhance the RV lifestyle.

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RV Living, Camp Cooking, and Family Adventure

Ultimate Guide To Camper Weight (15 Examples + Infographic!)

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How Much Does A Camper Weigh?

Here is the average weight of each different kind of tow behind camper:

• The average  Teardrop Trailer  weighs 2500 lbs (1134 kg) and can be towed by most SUV’s and trucks.
• The averag e Pop-up Trailer weighs 1500 lbs (680 kg) and can be towed by most SUV’s and trucks. 
• The average small Travel Trailer (<25 feet) weighs 3500 lbs (1588 kg) and can be towed by mid size SUV’s and small pickup trucks. 
• The average large Travel Trailer (>25 feet) weighs 6300 lbs (2858 kg) and can be towed by larger SUV’s and 1/2 ton pickup trucks. 
• The average small Fifth Wheel (<35 feet) weighs 9000 lbs (4082 kg) and would need a 3/4 ton truck once loaded. 
• The average large Fifth Wheel (>35 feet) weighs 12000 lbs (5443 kg) and would need a heavy 3/4 ton or one-ton truck. 
• The average Toy Hauler Fifth Wheel weighs 15000 lbs (6804 kg) and carries large cargo requiring a one ton truck to tow. 

Of course, with many manufacturers and multiple lines of each type of camper there are many different variants. Having a good knowledge of the specifications that are critical in matching tow vehicle and trailer is the first step in teaming a rig that will keep you safe while on the road. 

Vehicle Weight Factors To Consider

When it comes to calculating the average camper weight, there are several things that must be considered and understood in order to make the right match. 

UVW -Unloaded Vehicle Weight

The Unloaded Vehicle Weight (exact dry weight) of a camper is the actual weight of an empty camper trailer, including all tanks i.e., water tanks, propane tanks, etc. It is the camper construction weight as you drive it off the lot, before you add anything of your own. 

This is especially important during the buying process, because similar trailers with similar unloaded vehicle weights, may have very different cargo capacities. 

CCC -Cargo Carrying Capacity

This is the allowable weight you can add to the trailer through belongings, accessories, and people. It is the allowable cargo weight. Also known as net carrying capacity. 

GVWR -Gross Vehicle Weight Rating

This is the combination of the above 2 weights. It is the maximum travel trailer weight that is allowed when fully loaded.

GAWR -Gross Axle Weight Rating

Each axle of your RV, trailer, or tow vehicle has a Gross Axle Weight Rating, which is the maximum amount of weight that it can carry. With RV’s the axle’s are typically designed to carry the GVWR of the RV. 

This factor becomes very important when you are towing a trailer, as there will be weight added to the rear axle of your tow vehicle. The added weight plus the portion of the vehicle cannot exceed the rating for the axle. So one trailer may allow you to add more weight in water, belongings, your propane tank, generator, etc. 

It is also important when figuring out your weight distribution of a multi-axle trailer. 

Hitch Weight

As explained above, this weight rating is the amount of trailer weight that is placed on your tow vehicle  as opposed to what is carried by the axles/ tires of the trailer. This weight may go onto the bumper if you are hauling a travel trailer, or directly onto the axle if you are hauling a fifth wheel. 

Typically, this is fifteen to twenty percent of the total weight of your camper, including camping gear. Of course it will rise as the trailer gets longer. A 20 ft camper trailer weight is going to be much easier on your hitch than a 38 ft camper! 

Maximum Towing Capacity

This is the maximum weight that your tow vehicle can tow. Also known as your vehicle’s tow rating. 

GCWR -Gross Combined Weight Rating

The gross combination weight rating is the maximum weight for your truck and trailer combined. 

Here is a camper weight chart showing the average weights of each type of RV. 

Camper Construction Can Effect Camper Weight

The construction of your camper can affect the weight of the trailer. For example, slide outs help increase the square footage of a camper; however, a slide out can increase the weight of the vehicle by about 800 pounds.

If you have multiple slide outs, the weight of the camper can increase significantly, and the type of towing vehicle needed can vary.

One thing to be very aware of is that sometimes, in order to keep weight down, the larger RV’s can carry undersized tanks, or have smaller allowable payloads.

Make sure you know what you are getting here before you buy- especially if you intend to spend a great deal of time in the rig. 

Getting The Right Tow Vehicle

You can tow a camper with a car, SUV, or truck, depending on the weight of the camper. The highest towing SUV’s will pull around 10,000 lbs so if you are towing a larger camper, you will need a truck. If the travel trailer is heavy or you will be traveling great distances, you may want to opt for a diesel engine. Diesel vehicles are designed for towing and will provide you with better gas mileage. Additionally, running slightly below the speed limit can help decrease your gas consumption .

Average Camper Weight Examples

Let’s look at different types of camping trailers to help you determine the type of trailer (pop up camper, fifth wheel, travel trailer, toy hauler, airstream, or teardrop camper) your vehicle can handle. We have listed some of the most popular pull behind campers along with their average trailer weights, etc. 

Escapod Topo Travel Trailer:

The Escapod Topo is a super small design known as a “teardrop” trailer. This trailer is 12.5 feet long and weighs in at 1600 lbs. A water tank is optional bringing the weight up to a whopping 1800 lbs. Lets face it, you could tow this baby with your bicycle.

One of the more intriguing tiny campers in the modern surge of adventurous teardrop trailers, the Escapod Topo combines rugged construction, compact design and killer graphics. NewAtlas.com Tweet

Forest River R-Pod Travel Trailers:

The Forest River R-Pods are a very successful line of exceptionally small and lightweight travel trailers designed to be towed by…well… just about anything. These trailers are indicative of a trend towards small “teardrop” designs. There is even a growing niche of people who buy steel utility trailers and build their own rigs. 

The overall 2022 series of R Pods runs from 19 to 25 feet in length and have dry weights between 2700 and 4600 lbs and can hold cargo weighing from 800 to  2100 lbs. Fresh water tanks for all models hold 30 gallons of water. Gray and black tanks hold 30 gallons each across the line.

They have also added some nice features like larger refrigerators and central vacuums. So even the heaviest R-Pod could be towed with a tow package equipped Jeep Wrangler or most small pickup trucks.

Oliver Elite and Elite II Average Camper Weight

With its outer fiberglass double wall construction, the Oliver Elite line of travel trailers are quite unique to the RV industry. There are only 2 models available and each one is custom made for the consumer. The Elite model weighs in at 3700 lbs empty and 5000 lbs fully loaded. It has a 30 gallon fresh water tank, 32 gallon gray tank and an 18.5 gallon black tank. It is 18.5 feet long and has a hitch weight of only 370 pounds. It sleeps 3.  

The larger brother, the Elite II is 24 feet long and weighs in at 4900 lbs dry and 7000 loaded. It has a similar water system as the smaller trailer and also sleeps 3. 

Forest River Flagstaff Pop Up Camper:

Pop up campers are the type that have a roof that “pops up” to reveal soft sided walls, and bunks that fold out of the sides, front and back. The Forest River line includes 10 floor plans ranging from 12′ to 22′ (towing) and  17′ to 28′ (camping).

The popup camper weight will run from 1400 to 3700 lbs dry with Cargo Carrying Capacities from 500 to 1350 lbs and a hitch weight of 195 to 380 pounds.  Many vehicles will tow these trailers.

Airstream Flying Cloud Travel Trailer:

The Airstream Flying Cloud line encompasses 13 floor plans ranging from 23 to 31 feet long and sleeps up to eight people. The Airstream’s fresh water holding tanks hold between 37 and 52 gallons, the gray water capacity is 37 gallons, and the black water holding tank is 17 to 41 gallons.

The dry weight of the Flying Cloud is from 5000 lbs to 6557 lbs and the gross vehicle weight rating is 6000 to 8800 pounds, depending on the model. The hitch weight is 500 to 899 pounds. So any of them can be towed by a 1/2 ton truck.

Coachmen Apex Nano Travel Trailers:

The Apex Nanoline offers 6 models (plus 4 temporary production models.) including the  new 17th which replaces the award winning 15T model. This line includes travel trailers from 19 to 25 feet long and sleeps up to 7 people. These trailers have fresh water tanks between 30 and 50 gallons and gray and black tanks between 30 and 35 gallons.

ALL of these RV’s weigh under 4000 lbs dry, and have GVWR’s of 6000 lbs or less which means that ALL of them can be towed with a 1/2 ton truck. Hitch weights run between 330 and 596 lbs.

Coachmen Clipper Ultra-Lite Travel Trailers:

The Coachman Clipper Ultra-Lite camper line offers 24 different floor plans. They run from 16’6″ to 32  feet long and can sleep up to 7 people. They include a fresh water system of 27 to 40 gallons, a gray water capacity of 25 to 32 gallons, and a black water capacity of 25 to 32 gallons.

The dry weight of the Coachman Clippers runs between 2700 and 7000 pounds, the gross weight rating is 3823 to 8905 pounds, and a dry hitch weight is 340 to 946 pounds.

Most of these units can be towed by a 1/2 ton truck, but check the particular model to be sure. 

Cruiser Radiance Ultra Lite Average Camper Weight:

The Radiance line of travel trailers includes units from 26 to 37 feet long and sleeps up to 9 people. The dry weight of these campers is between 5346 and 7532 pounds, and the hitch weight is runs from 702 to 1042 pounds. Gross vehicle weight rating is between 7700 and 9842 pounds which makes them questionably 1/2 ton towable.

The Radiance has a fresh water capacity of 44 gallons, a gray water capacity of 30 gallons, and a black water capacity of 30 gallons up to a whopping 87 gallons. Thats a LOT of poo!

Forest River Flagstaff Classic Travel Trailers and Fifth Wheels

The Flagstaff line of travel trailers and fifth wheels includes 13 models ranging from 29 to 37 feet long and able to sleep up to ten people  The dry weight runs from 7809 lbs up to 10686 on the heaviest fifth wheel. With hitch weights maxing out at 1802, this entire line could potentially be towed with a 1/2 ton truck depending on how much payload is carried (and the specific truck).

The payload capacity of the Flagstaff is between 1502 and 2702 lbs. Ironically, the smallest allowable cargo payload is for the heaviest (large) fifth wheel, so this should be kept in mind. These trailers also do have motorized slide outs which greatly increases living space. 

The fresh water tank capacity on every RV in this line is 54 gallons. The gray tanks 70 to 130 gallons, while the black tanks run between 40 and 50 gallons. Be aware here as well, that the largest rigs sometimes have the smaller tanks.

Heartland Cyclone Toy Haulers

The Heartland Cyclone is is a line of high end toy haulers. As such they are heavy duty, weigh a lot and have tons of storage capacity- including a bunkhouse/ garage that will carry your motorcycles/ golf cart. etc. The rear wall of the rig is hinged to drop down into a ramp gate for loading and unloading. 

We include this specific line because its 2022 is a finalist for RV Businesses RV of the Year Award!  

‘There are 6 floor plans in this line, running from 39’9″ to 46’7″  long and sleeping up to about a dozen people.  The RV’s have a massive fresh water capacity of 100 to 150 gallons, a gray water capacity of 80 to 90 gallons, and black water capacity 80 to 91 gallons. This makes these units well suitable for longer term usage AND boondocking.

The dry weight of the Heartland Cyclone Toy Haulers is from just over 16000lbs up to 20000 lbs, which means these boys are HEAVY DUTY! The cargo carrying capacity is 3386 to 3926 pounds, and the dry hitch weight is 2488 to 4650 pounds. So the loaded trailer will be a monster to haul. 

Jayco Eagle Fifth Wheels Average Camper Weight

The Jayco Eagle 5th wheel line includes 7 floor plans ranging from 36′ to 42′ and sleep up to 11 people. These are a “middle of the road” series as far as weight goes running from 10580 lbs to 13250 lbs fully loaded and hitch weights from 1745 to 2315.

This would put them in the 3/4 ton to one ton truck category depending on the truck. The water system for all models is similar with75- 81 gallons fresh, a gray water tanks of50- 87 and a black tank of 50 gallons. What is weird here is that the largest model has the smallest cargo capacity AND the smallest tanks. Maybe used a little light chassis here? 

Grand Design Reflection Fifth Wheels

The Grand Design Reflection line of 5th wheels is one of the best selling and best built RV lines. The Reflection “150” series includes 6 floor plans ALL designed to be 1/2 ton towable.

The Reflection series is a line of 8 floor plans which are a bit larger and heavier so could require a 3/4 ton truck to tow. The entire line runs between 28 and 36 feet long and can sleep up to ten people.

The campers have a 52 to 60 gallon freshwater system, the gray water capacity is 71 to 94 gallons, and the black water capacity is 39 to 87 gallons. The dry weight of the series is 7204 to 12552 pounds, the gross weight rating is 9995 to 14995, and the hitch weights run from 1195 up to 2461 pounds.

Getting to our destination towing the Reflection with the Ford was about as pleasurable as possible; living in the Grand Design exceeded expectations. It’s a match with tremendous potential for enthusiasts looking for short and/or long-term journeys. Trailerlife.com Tweet

Highland Ridge RV Open Range Fifth Wheels:

The Open Range line includes 15 models. 4 models are called “Light,” 4 are called Roamer, and 9 are simply “Open Range.” These 5’ers run between 32 and 44 feet in length. The “Light” models weigh in starting at 8125 lbs up to the largest Open Range at13345 lbs. With GVWR’s maxing out at 11,500 lbs and hitch weights all below 1650 lbs, the “Light” series are all 1/2 ton towable depending on your truck. The other series will depend on which model. 

Their GVWR’s start at 9995 and go up to 16250! Hitch weights are 1665 to 2535 so a 3/4 ton or one ton truck may be required. The largest sleeping capacity is ten people. The campers features 45 gallon up to 75 gallon freshwater system, a 58 to 80 gallon gray water system, and a 29 to 80 gallon black water system.

Keystone Montana Fifth Wheels

The Keystone Montana line is one of the most successful RV lines ever, topping sales for 5th wheels 14 years running. Their 2022 models are some very exciting new designs included in it’s 17 available floor plans. These are not small 5’ers, all models falling between 32 and 41 feet.

The dry weight is between 11081 and 14345 lbs and the Cargo Carrying Capacities run between 2280 and 2940 lbs. The water system is the same through out the line with fresh water tanks of 66 gallons, gray tanks holding 88 gallons and black tanks holding 49-88 gallons.

A 3/4 or one ton truck would be required to pull one of these beauties. 

Many individuals will also use a generator for power when they are not camping in a campground (going off grid). The weight of the generator will also need to be calculated into the overall weight of the camper.

Campers come in a range of sizes and shapes. Understanding how much your travel trailer weighs when it is unloaded as well as how much it will weigh once you load in your camping gear will help you determine the type of vehicle that is needed to tow your vehicle.

Frank Foley

Frank is the Head Hubby, Daddy, and Fix-It Guy of the Roving Foleys clan. He ia an avid traveler and has spent over 5 years traveling full time with his family. he loves helping others learn about the RV life. He has also traveled in Europe, Asia, and Australia with his wife Grainne.

5 thoughts on “Ultimate Guide To Camper Weight (15 Examples + Infographic!)”

People talk about half ton towable like that is some kind of panacea. What is half ton towable in the Midwest may not be half ton towable here in the mountainous east. You might actually be able to struggle it up the mountain, but how safe are you trying to keep to speed down going down the mountain. If your truck is rated for a thousand pounds, are you comfortable with the safety margins with a tongue weight of 982 pounds? If your truck will tow 7400 pounds, are you comfortable with the safety margin of towing a trailer that weighs 7000 pounds?

It is a good point, Yom. Many people will recommend a 10% to 20% buffer on the truck towing capacity to make sure that you stay within capacity.

I’m looking into it so I can buy a suitable trailer. Thank you for writing this article.

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When considering travel trailers, it’s worth mentioning that their average dry weight is approximately 5,000 pounds. Dry weight denotes the trailer’s weight before any additional gear or belongings are loaded.

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Camper Weight: The definitive Guide to finding the weight of your camper

By: Author Joy Kelley

Categories RV traveling

“How much does that camper trailer weigh and could my vehicle tow it with ease?” Have you ever asked yourself that question? No worries, I got your back, here we will cover everything you should account when trying to estimate how much weight you can tow.

With the rise in sales of hatchbacks and compact electric cars, anyone looking to buy a camper could find themselves roadblocked when it comes to what their vehicle can handle weight-wise, and the camper or other RV of their dreams . And let’s face it, no one wants to be stuck with a camper their car can’t pull uphill.

If you are reading this to discover what are the best camper weights for your vehicle before buying that awesome trailer you’ve had your eye on, well done.

Campers can get super-heavy – especially once they are kitted out with an adequate water supply and all your gear. That said, we also have some helpful tips on how to reduce the weight inside your camper if you want to lighten the load as much as possible.

If the idea of buying a camper with the perfect weight to match your vehicle seems too much like hard work, you can skip the matching process entirely and get a van !

Camper Weight vs. Vehicle Size

A friend told me that one of their earliest memories was when the family loaded up the station wagon, hitched up their new camper, and headed for the mountains. They never got there, of course.

The station wagon engine overheated on the first incline they encountered, and they spent their vacation at a sea-level campsite instead!

It’s not the size of the vehicle so much when it comes to towing competently, but the engine power. Campers and trailers can push a car’s thermistor into the red very quickly if the weight to power ratio is off-kilter.

The problem with buying a camper online, or looking in display windows at your nearest strip mall, is that the suggested weight you see on the available information relating to the model doesn’t take onboard water, full gas tanks, and supplies into account.

That information is only available once you have bought the model and have access to the owner’s manual. That’s why it’s a really good idea to turn to the internet for some more info about the make and model’s weight before buying your camper.

This can make the difference between having to gear down on a hill or seeing your dashboard thermometer push over to the red.

What Do All the Load Capacity and Vehicle Weights Mean?

It’s important to know what all the acronyms and weight indications mean as they refer to the maximum load your vehicle can carry or tow. Knowing this is crucial to the efficient and safe operation of both camper and car (or truck).

Have no fear if the terms “mass” and “gross” are unfamiliar to you. The word mass can be interchanged with the word “weight,” and gross means an item’s entire weight .

If you still have your doubts about whether your car can haul your new camper uphill and down dale, take it to the nearest weighbridge or weigh station (nearest one to you can be found online, on the side of a highway, or at the local drivers licensing and testing department).

For a small fee, an accurate weight of your vehicle and camper can be determined before you set out on your journey, and save you many headaches!

Weight Terminology for Loaded Vehicles and Trailers

• Tare Mass/Weight : The weight of your vehicle as it stands empty. Includes fluids such as coolants and oils but with only 2.5 gallons / 10 liters of gas in the tank. 
• Curb Mass/Weight : The same as Tare Mass/Weight, but includes a full gas tank. Excludes accessories fitted to the vehicle such as roof racks, bike racks, tow bars, and bull bars. This is the standard weight of a car or truck used for everyday transport. 
• Gross Mass/Gross Vehicle Mass/GVM/Gross Vehicle Weight/GVW : Remembering that gross means total vehicle weight when it’s fully loaded, you will find your vehicle’s optimum gross weight in the owner’s manual or the sticker on the inside of the door opening on the driver’s side. Basically, it’s the Curb Mass plus all your accessories and extra load. GVM/GVW includes the towing download as well. 
• Payload : Payloads are the maximum load (including towing) that your vehicle can carry. This is the specified recommendation by the manufacturer. 
• Gross Vehicle Axle Weight/Mass : The maximum load your vehicle’s front axle and rear axle can bear according to the specified recommendation by the manufacturer. The exact weight can be found in the owner’s manual. Combined total axle weight (gross) exceeds the Gross Vehicle Mass because there is a safety margin. The most important feature of Gross Vehicle Axle Weight is to ensure it’s been evenly distributed across both axles. 

Campers and Travel Trailers Weight Ratings Terminology

Tare Mass/Weight: The weight of an empty trailer or camper. Also called the Dry Weight. Here, the term “trailer” or “camper” signifies any attachment you can trail or tow with your vehicle. This includes a wide range of items, including:

• Single axle box trailers
• Camper travel trailers, such as teardrop campers
• Motorcycle and jet-ski trailers
• Heavy-duty, multi-axle boat trailers
• Fifth-wheels
• Horse or cattle trailers

Unlike a car or other vehicle, the Tare Mass/Weight of a travel trailer or camper doesn’t include fluids such as toilet systems, water tanks, and LPGs. This is why it’s also known as the trailer’s Dry Weight.

Average campers weigh approximately 5,200lbs / 2,350kgs as a Dry Weight. The average additional weight once loaded is 1,500lbs / 680kgs – this includes all your gear and water. If you know your destination has a useable water supply and you are traveling there along main roads, it will be safe to travel with a water supply that only lasts you for your road trip.

The general rule of thumb when it comes to trailer weights is for every one foot of trailer, around 250lbs of Payload weight can be calculated (not including the hitch).

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating/GVWR

The maximum axle load the manufacturers have specified your travel trailer or camper has been designed to carry. It includes the combined weight of whatever your camper or trailer is carrying (payload) and the trailer itself. Gross Trailer or Camper Weight limits can be found in the owner’s travel trailer manual, online specs, or displayed on the trailer itself. Gross Trailer Weight Ratings includes the absolute maximum towing weight for your camper or trailer as specified by the manufacturers and should never be exceeded.

How is GVWR Different from GVW?

The term “GVWR” is widely understood throughout the RV community. It stands for the maximum fully loaded travel trailer weight the vehicle can handle without endangering the tow vehicle’s structure or the inhibiting the safe operation of the car towing it. Any additional weight has been deemed detrimental by the manufacturers.

GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) is different from GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight). GVW refers to a scale that is used to gauge the actual travel trailer weight when it’s carrying the full Payload.

• GVWR: The weight you should never exceed.
• GVW (also called Gross Trailer Weight/GTW): The travel trailer weight with its maximum payload.

For example, if your travel trailer has a Dry Weight of 6,000lbs and the GVWR is listed as 8,000lbs, this means you cannot exceed the additional weight of 2,000lbs without endangering the structure of the travel trailer and the safety of the tow vehicle. Each GVWR is calculated specifically for each vehicle.

The testers take every permutation of structural integrity and travel safety into account in order to gauge the correct collective maximum weights. This means that even if your car can handle an overweight travel trailer if the GVWR has been exceeded, you can never take it out on the road without risk.

The risk of exceeding your weight limit

• The transmission on your tow vehicle will be considerably shortened.
• The engine can dangerously overheat
• Front tire traction is compromised
• Steering difficulties
• Chance of tipping over is greatly increased
• Damaging the tow vehicle, towed vehicle, and tow bar
• Suspension straining and breaking
• Tire blowout
• Brakes failing
• Brakes inadequate for stopping, slowing down, or traveling downhill
• Jackknifing

When you follow the GVWR guidelines, you increase the longevity of your vehicle and trailer , not to mention keeping your own life safe! With this in mind, if your car or truck has a GVW of 7,500lbs, you should only be looking at travel trailers and campers with a GVWR of 7,500lbs. It’s required by federal law to have the GVWR of every vehicle listed, so look for it in the specs, owner’s manual, or on the VIN number.

How Camper Construction Affects Its Weight

Travel trailers and campers can be constructed out of fiberglass with aluminum exterior sidings. These are extremely lightweight when compared to other materials.

Then there are stick-built trailers. They usually have exterior aluminum covering a wooden frame.

Airstream trailers and campers are instantly recognizable by their iconic shape and metallic coloring. They are built according to the latest lightweight technology and therefore, easy to tow and light on gas.

What Weights Should You Watch Out For When Loading Your Trailer or Camper?

Water weighs around an incredible 8lbs per gallon! You need to find out how much water your camper or travel trailer tanks hold and then multiply that by 8.3 – that’s how much your full water tank will weigh.

A large camper water tank will take up about 350lbs to 500lbs of your total weight allowance. Clean water is a necessity during travel and camping, so don’t scrimp on this weight obligation, especially if you’re heading out into unchartered areas.

As you stock up your cupboards with all those handy packets and cans of goodies, don’t forget to do so with a calculator. As you place the food item onto the shelf, add its weight onto the calculator and only hit the equal symbol when all your food has been packed.

Ask everyone who’s accompanying you in the tow vehicle to step on the scales and calculate this weight into the GVWR as well. If you don’t have a scale, drive your companions or family to the nearest weigh station and weigh the tow vehicle with everyone inside it. Also add their fully packed tote bags, backpacks, or suitcases together and find out how much their gear weighs. Clothing, shoes, and ablution aids can add up to be quite heavy, especially during winter.

Next up, weigh all of the cooking utensils, dishes, tech gear, bedding, and any other extra cargo. If you bought your travel trailer already fully kitted out with a lot of this stuff, find out how much it weighed at purchase and this will save you having to weigh each individual item.

How to Equip Your Travel Trailer, Camper, or RV to Haul Less Weight

If all this worrying about weight has gotten you thinking about how to haul less weight around, then you’ll be happy to know that many other folks have discovered some great ways to do it.

It doesn’t matter how you use your RV, travel trailer, or camper:

• Full-time traveling and living
• Packing for an extended road trip
• A quick weekend getaway

Cutting back on rig weight will not only give you peace of mind knowing you have some leeway if you want to add weight throughout your travels, but also save your gas consumption. The aim is to drop weight without necessitating you having to cut back on essential gear.

Window Treatments

Sure, you need something over the window in your travel trailer because blocking out the sun doesn’t just make sitting inside more comfortable, but saves the interior from fading as well. However, you don’t need bulky, heavy window treatments in order to do this.

You can replace them with cool, light fabric shades or blinds. When they are rolled up, they are tucked neatly away and aren’t left flapping in any breezes or collecting dust.

Liquids weigh a lot. Many black tank camper toilets carry around a hefty volume of chemicals inside them. If you replace a chemical black tank toilet with a compost toilet, you will save on all the additional water and chemical weight a black tank toilet requires for use.

Compost toilets are dry and use a variety of lighter materials to aid the decomposition of any organic matter. One of these materials is coconut husk coir which absorbs and holds organic matter while still remaining lighter in comparison to water. If the idea of a compost toilet doesn’t appeal to you, you’ll be pleased to know that basic portable toilets are also lighter than black tank chemical toilets.

Shelving, Cabinets, Drawers

While we’re on the subject of lightweight materials, you might want to think about removing all the heavy and unnecessary shelves, cabinets, and drawers in your camper. By replacing them with wicker baskets and plastic trays or bins, you will also be removing a huge chunk of weight off and out of your travel trailer.

If you’re not that keen to change any of the built-in designs the manufacturers installed, check that there is no additional weight in the shelving itself. Wood does look lovely, but it weighs a ton and can easily be replaced by a lighter material such as melamine . Also, think about swapping out wooden installations like dining tables and storage chests for lightweight aluminum ones.

Swap out heavy mattresses for foam ones. Change china crockery and cutlery for reusable plastic or enamelware, and remove all unnecessary accessories. Don’t be too draconian when it comes to clearing out your camper though. If you love your glass salt and pepper shakers or can’t imagine your life without your brand name spatula, leave them in!

Sliding Doors

The sliding doors and partitions in campers and the larger size travel trailers are often never used, especially when they are in places that can just as easily have curtains there, such as clothing closets. A shower curtain does the job of providing privacy just as well and weighs much less than glass or wood.

Hot Water Storage Bypass Valve

Even when you camp off the grid, you probably won’t want to use your propane or power to heat your water, especially in summer. So, why carry the extra stored water? By adding a bypass valve to the hot water heating system, it allows you to shut that part of the water system off and drain out the water stored there. This will lose you a hefty 7 gallons of water weight. Even when the bypass valve is in place, you can still use the water in your tank via the cold water faucet.

Finally, Remove Anything You Haven’t Ever Used

Has your camper or RV got an exterior ladder or canopy extension that you have never used or had plans to use in the future? Then get rid of it, and anything else superfluous that’s inside or on the outside of your travel trailer.

Only use your camper during spring or fall? Get rid of the AC. Does your trailer have a massive spare tire attached? If you travel only along main roads, then dump that too. AAA will help you out for flat tire emergencies you may encounter on the roads.

Remember to hang onto any of the items you take out or replace for when the time comes for resale. If anything needs to be fixed or replaced during your ownership, do it with aluminum. This includes bed frames, curtain rods, and towel racks.

Calculating the weight of your camper or travel trailer is simple to do and makes it so much more reassuring when you hit the road.

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• Trailer Weights

Trailer Weights by Trailer Type

How Much Does a Trailer Weigh?

Each type of trailer has a specific purpose, and because of this, the weight of each trailer is different. Trailers also vary greatly in their capacities, lengths and construction.

This trailer weight chart and guide provides the average weight of each type of trailer, as well as the weight range, the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) and the average load capacity.

Warning! The trailer weights listed below are intended to be a general guideline only. The actual weight and ratings of your specific trailer will vary.

Trailer Weight Chart

Tap each trailer type to read more

Brief explanation of terms

• Empty Weight – The weight of the trailer without any cargo or fluids; also called Dry Weight or Unloaded Weight
• GVWR – The maximum weight a trailer is rated to weigh, including cargo, fluids, etc.
• Load Capacity – The total weight of the cargo a trailer is rated to carry

For further explanation of these terms, visit our Towing Capacity Guide .

Tow your trailer with the right hitch! Find a custom hitch made for your exact vehicle.

Camper Weight Chart

There are several different types of campers, from small teardrop trailers to deluxe 5th wheel RVs. This chart provides a focused look at average weights and capacities for most camper types.

Trailer Weights Explained

Canoe / Kayak Trailer Weight

Canoe and kayak trailers are small trailers used for hauling personal watercraft such as canoes, kayaks and even paddleboards.

They typically weigh between 100 and 400 pounds when unloaded. The average weight of a canoe or kayak trailer is 200 pounds.

Depending on the number of watercraft the trailer is designed to carry -- one, two, four or more – the maximum trailer weight can be anywhere from 200 to 800 pounds.

Jet Ski Trailer Weight

Similar to a small boat trailer, jet ski trailers have an average empty weight of 300 pounds. Smaller jet ski trailers weigh as little as 100 pounds and larger ones are closer to 500 pounds.

When loaded, the weight of a jet ski trailer can fluctuate from 800 to 3,000 pounds with an average load capacity of 1,500 pounds.

Weight ratings will differ based on the number of jet skis the trailer is configured to haul.

Motorcycle Trailer Weight

A motorcycle trailer is designed for transporting a motorcycle, allowing it to be towed by another vehicle. This is different from a trailer towed by a motorcycle, also known as a motorcycle trailer.

Unloaded, a motorcycle trailer may weigh 300 to 800 pounds with an average weight of 500 pounds. They are commonly rated for a maximum trailer weight of 1,300 to 3,500 pounds, making their average load capacity just under 2,000 pounds.

Fishing Boat Trailer Weight

A fishing boat trailer usually weighs 200 to 1,100 pounds on its own, without a boat loaded. The average for a boat trailer is about 600 pounds.

Combined boat and trailer weight ratings ranges from 900 to 6,000 pounds, depending on the length of the trailer and the boat itself.

The average weight capacity for a fishing boat trailer is about 2,700 pounds.

Tow Dolly Weight

A tow dolly for dinghy towing a vehicle usually weighs about 600 pounds without a vehicle hooked up. Some tow dollies weigh as a little as 400 pounds and others as much as 800 pounds, depending on the style and construction.

Tow dolly weight capacity ranges from 3,000 to 5,000 pounds. The capacity refers specifically to the total weight of the dinghy vehicle. However, the average capacity for most tow dollies is closer to 3,400 pounds.

Small Open Utility Trailer Weight

Utility trailers typically weigh about 700 pounds unloaded, but they can vary greatly – from 300 to 1,100 pounds – depending on the construction, width, features, number of axles and more. The type of trailer referred to here is an open utility trailer less than 10 feet long.

The weight capacity of a small utility trailer can also range significantly. A short, aluminum utility trailer may only have a GVWR of 1,000 pounds, while a wide, double-axle, steel utility trailer may be rated for 3,000 pounds.

The average cargo load for small utility trailers is 1,800 pounds.

Small Enclosed Trailer Weight

Empty weight for small enclosed trailers spans from 400 to 1,800 pounds. The average for this type of trailer is 1,000 pounds, but this is determined largely by the materials used to construct the trailer and the number of axles.

When fully loaded, a small enclosed utility trailer can be rated for a maximum of up to 7,000 pounds (GVWR). However, for trailers 12 feet long or less, the average cargo load capacity is typically around 2,200 pounds.

Teardrop Trailer Weight

Teardrop camper trailers weigh between 500 and 3,200 pounds, but the average is about 1,700 pounds. It all depends on the features included. Some teardrop trailers have a fully integrated kitchen and awning system. Others are more basic.

Maximum teardrop camper weight can be as much as 4,000 pounds (GVWR). Some are only rated for 2,000 pounds.

Most teardrop campers aren’t designed to tow a lot of weight, and the average cargo capacity is only about 700 pounds.

A-Frame Camper Weight

An A-frame camper is a specific type of pop up camper trailer. This type of camper usually weighs between 1,200 and 2,300 pounds unloaded. The average weight is 1,700 pounds.

A-frame campers provide a substantial amount of cargo capacity with an overall average of 1,200 pounds. Gross vehicle weight ratings for this type of trailer range from 2,500 up to 3,600 pounds.

Car Trailer Weight

A car trailer can weigh anywhere from 1,500 to 2,800 pounds by itself. The average is 1,900 pounds. With one or more cars loaded, that weight increases to as much as 15,000 pounds.

The weight of a car trailer largely depends on its construction, length and style. A bumper pull car hauler with length enough for one car may have a GVWR of 6,000 pounds, while a double-car gooseneck trailer could max out at 15,000 pounds. Additionally, aluminum car trailer weight and capacity will vary greatly from steel.

On average, the load capacity for car trailers is 7,100 pounds.

Large Boat Trailer Weight

Larger boat trailers are used for hauling yachts, pontoon boats and other heavy watercraft. For this type of trailer, the empty weight ranges from 1,100 to 4,400 pounds, and the average is about 2,200 pounds.

When loaded with a large boat, the trailer weight increases greatly. The capacity depends on the build of the trailer and its configuration. GVWR can be as low as 5,400 pounds or as high as 34,400 pounds.

Average load capacity for large boat trailers is around 11,400 pounds.

Pop Up Camper Weight

The average weight of a pop up camper is about 2,300 pounds unloaded. Some are as little as 1,400, and others weigh as much as 3,000 pounds if they are equipped with certain features.

When fully loaded (GVWR), pop up trailer weight can range from 2,700 up to 4,000 pounds, giving this type of camper an average load capacity of 1,100 pounds. This provides plenty of room for a propane tank, water tank, grille, bedding, luggage and other necessary cargo for a successful campout.

Large Enclosed Trailer Weight

Large enclosed trailers, namely those 12 feet or longer with a bumper pull coupler, typically weigh about 2,700 pounds when empty. Some are little as 900 pounds. Heavy-duty models weigh up to 5,200 pounds.

The capacity of a large enclosed utility trailer can vary based on how many axles it has, the construction of the frame and other factors.

In general, the average cargo capacity is 4,400 pounds. However, some 12-foot enclosed trailers only have a gross vehicle weight rating of 3,000 pounds. Longer units are rated as high as 10,000 pounds.

Small Travel Trailer Weight

A smaller travel trailer – about 22 feet long or less – has an average weight of about 2,800 pounds. The unloaded weight range is typically between 1,200 and 3,900 pounds.

The gross vehicle weight rating of small travel trailers varies from 1,900 pounds up to 4,500 pounds.

Generally, small travel trailers don’t have a lot of extra cargo capacity. The average is only about 800 pounds. However, some are rated to carry as much as 1,400 pounds. The cargo capacity may increase with certain design features and additional axles.

Small Horse Trailer Weight

A horse trailer designed to transport one or two horses typically weighs between 2,300 and 3,900 pounds. With horses and cargo loaded, this number increases. The average empty weight of a horse trailer is about 2,900 pounds.

When loaded up, small horse trailers max out at 7,000 or 8,000 pounds (GVWR). This allows for a cargo capacity of about 4,300 pounds.

Load capacities vary by trailer style and construction. A simple, one-horse trailer made from aluminum will weigh far less than a deluxe, two-horse trailer with a steel frame.

Large Flatbed Trailer Weight

Large flatbed trailers, such as car haulers, equipment trailers and utility flatbeds, can weigh anywhere from 500 to 7,700 pounds, even when empty.

However, because they are designed for transporting large amounts of cargo, most large flatbed trailers – that is, bumper pull flatbed trailers – have a higher cargo capacity. The average is about 7,400 pounds.

For gross trailer weight ratings on flatbed trailers, the low end is around 2,900, but some are rated as high as 26,000 pounds, even with a bumper pull configuration. Gooseneck models are rated even higher.

Dump Trailer Weight

When empty, a dump trailer can weigh anywhere from 1,100 to just over 10,000 pounds. The average weight for dump trailers is 4,500 pounds unloaded.

This type of trailer is extremely useful for transporting large amounts of fine or loose materials – everything from gravel to demolition waste. The hydraulic or powered dump receptacle makes unloading fast and easy.

The smallest dump trailers have a gross vehicle weight rating of 3,000 pounds. The largest models can weigh as much as 30,000 pounds. The average GVWR for dump trailers is around 12,400 pounds.

Large Travel Trailer Weight

A large travel trailer – anything around 20 feet or longer – has an average weight of about 6,700 pounds. Specifically, this refers to the travel trailer dry weight. This weight is largely dependent on the types of features and how many axles the trailer has.

Some larger travel trailers only weigh about 4,500 pounds, but the largest are around 9,000 pounds. 5th wheel camper trailers weigh even more.

When fully loaded with cargo, supplies and fluids, the gross vehicle weight rating of a travel trailer can vary from 6,300 to 10,500 pounds. The average cargo capacity of a bumper pull travel trailer is 1,600 pounds.

Gooseneck Flatbed Trailer Weight

Gooseneck flatbed trailers and utility trailers generally have higher weight ratings than their bumper pull cousins. A typical gooseneck flatbed trailer weighs about 7,000 pounds without cargo.

Smaller gooseneck flatbeds can weigh as little as 4,700 pounds, but the largest are upwards of 10,000 pounds.

For gross vehicle weight ratings, gooseneck flatbed trailers are built for heavy-duty hauling, whether it’s construction materials, farm equipment or automotive toys. Some are only rated for a maximum weight just under 16,000 pounds. Heavier-duty options are rated up to 36,000 pounds.

The average load capacity for gooseneck flatbed trailers is 16,000 pounds.

Large Livestock Trailer Weight

Larger livestock trailers range in weight from 4,200 to nearly 11,000 pounds when unloaded. With animals and cargo on board, that range increases up to 24,000 pounds (GVWR).

Livestock trailers are fairly diverse in their design and size. For example, a 20-foot aluminum bumper pull livestock trailer will be much lighter than a 40-foot steel gooseneck horse trailer. Some livestock trailers are also equipped with wash stalls, a living space and other features, adding to the overall weight.

The average empty weight for large livestock trailers is about 7,300 pounds. For load capacity, the average is around 11,400 pounds.

Toy Hauler Weight

A toy hauler is a bumper pull, 5th wheel or gooseneck trailer with a living space and a large compartment for transporting ATVs, UTVs, dirt bikes and other recreational motorsport vehicles.

Toy haulers, when unloaded, range in weight from 3,600 to 11,400 pounds, with an average of about 7,600 pounds.

Because they’re built for transporting smaller vehicles, toy haulers generally have a higher cargo capacity. The average is about 10,000 pounds.

Gross vehicle weight ratings for toy hauler trailer can vary from just under 15,000 to over 22,000 pounds.

5th Wheel Camper Weight

5th wheel campers have an average weight of 12,700 pounds, empty and unloaded. Smaller models weigh as little as 5,000 pounds, while the largest 5th wheel camper trailers weigh up to 16,000 pounds.

To allow plenty of space for camping gear, equipment, cargo and fluids, the average load capacity is 6,000 pounds.

When fully loaded and ready for towing, most 5th wheel campers have a gross vehicle weight rating between 17,000 and 20,000 pounds.

1.  How much does a camper weigh?

A camper can weigh anywhere from 500 to 20,000 pounds. It all depends on the style of the camper. For example, a teardrop camper usually weighs about 1,500 pounds unloaded, while a 36-foot 5th wheel camper can weigh as much as 15,000 pounds, even when empty.

2. How much does a teardrop trailer weigh?

A teardrop trailer is one of the smallest camper types and one of the lightest. They typically weigh between 500 and 3,000 pounds, but the average is closer to 1,500. Some teardrop camper trailers have a gross vehicle weight rating as high as 4,000 pounds.

3. How much do pop up campers weigh?

Pop up campers weigh between 1,400 and 4,000 pounds. When empty and unloaded the average weight for pop up campers is about 2,300 pounds. However, they can also carry an average cargo load of 1,100 pounds. For maximum vehicle weight, a pop up camper can range from 2,700 to 4,000 pounds (GVWR).

4. How much does a small camper weigh?

A small camper can weigh anywhere from 500 pounds to 4,500 pounds, depending on the style. Teardrop campers, pop up campers and shorter travel trailers can all be classified as small campers. The average weight of a teardrop camper is about 2,000 pounds with cargo, and the average for small travel trailers is about 3,000 pounds.

5. How much does a travel trailer weigh?

Travel trailers vary in weight from 1,200 to almost 9,000 pounds. They come in various lengths, styles and builds, allowing for a diverse weight range. Smaller travel trailers have an average maximum weight of about 3,500 pounds (GVWR). Some larger travel trailers can max out at over 10,000 pounds when fully loaded up.

6. How much does a 5th wheel weigh?

5th wheel trailers are one of the heaviest types of trailer, with an average empty weight of about 13,000 pounds. The average gross vehicle weight rating for 5th wheel trailers is around 18,000 pounds, but some are as much as 20,000. Additionally, gooseneck trailers with a 5th wheel conversion can be even heavier.

7. How much does a boat trailer weigh?

Boat trailers by themselves can weigh as little as 100 pounds or as much as 4,400 pounds. The weight is determined by the length of the trailer and the type of boat or boats it is designed to carry. For example, jet ski trailers are about 300 pounds on average. Standard fishing boat trailers usually don’t weigh more than 1,000 pounds. Large yacht trailers, even without a boat loaded on, can easily be over 4,000 pounds.

8. How much does a boat and trailer weigh?

A boat and trailer together can weigh anywhere between 900 and 35,000 pounds. For small fishing boats and jon boats, the total weight for the boat and trailer ranges from 900 to 6,000 pounds. On the other hand, a heavy-duty yacht trailer and its craft together can easily weigh beyond 30,000 pounds.

9. How much does a horse trailer weigh?

Horse trailers vary in length, construction and features. A basic, aluminum single-horse trailer usually weighs less than 3,000 pounds. On the other hand, 12-horse trailers or horse trailers with a living space, elaborate wash stalls and other equipment can weigh upwards of 20,000 pounds.

10. How much does a 2-horse trailer weigh?

2-horse trailers weigh between 2,000 and 8,000 pounds. Some are more simple and constructed from lightweight materials. Others are more elaborate and longer, even though the horse capacity remains at 2 maximum. The average load capacity for a 2-horse trailer is about 4,000 pounds.

11. How much does an enclosed trailer weigh?

The weight of an enclosed trailer can fluctuate from 400 pounds to more than 20,000 pounds, depending on the style of the trailer and whether it is loaded with cargo or not. For example, a small, basic, enclosed utility trailer, empty of all cargo, may only weigh 500 pounds. Conversely, a toy hauler loaded up with a few ATVs might weigh in at 22,000 pounds.

12. How much does a car trailer weigh?

An unloaded car trailer usually weighs between 1,500 and 3,000 pounds. Gooseneck-style car trailers can weigh over 10,000 pounds. The construction, length and number cars the trailer is built to transport can make a huge difference. When loaded, the weight of some car trailers can increase to as much as 36,000 pounds.

Warning! The trailer weights listed on this page are intended to be a general guideline only. The actual weight and ratings of your specific trailer will vary.

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RV Buying Guide: Understanding RV Weight Ratings

UVW (Unloaded Vehicle Weight)

Also referred to as “Dry Weight,” the UVW is the weight of the RV without any liquids, passengers, or cargo.

GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight)

The weight of your RV with liquids, passengers, and cargo.

*Tip : Wondering what your GVW is? Head to your nearest highway truck weigh station with your fully-loaded setup to get accurate numbers.

GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating)

This number is the max allowable capacity of your RV fully-loaded with liquids, passengers, and cargo. Your GVW should not exceed your rig’s GVWR.

CCC (Cargo Carrying Capacity)

Wondering how much liquid, passengers, and cargo you can carry? Then you’re wondering about your CCC. Use this simple formula to calculate how much weight you can take on board.

GVWR – UVW = CCC

GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating)

The maximum weight your axel is rated to accept. This number comes into play when loading up your RV. Take note of where your heaviest items are in the rig. If heavy items are stored over the axel, you may be putting undue stress on your axel. Spread your cargo weight throughout your RV.

Tongue Weight (for travel trailers)

On travel trailers, this is the force exerted on your tow vehicle’s hitch ball.

Pin Weight (for fifth wheels)

On fifth wheel’s, this is the force exerted on your tow vehicle’s fifth wheel hitch in the truck bed.

FOR TOW VEHICLES:

Curb Weight

The weight of your tow vehicle without liquids, passengers, or cargo.

Max Tow Capacity

The maximum weight that your tow vehicle is rated to tow. This number should never exceed your trailer’s GVW.

*Tip: Think about how you will be traveling in your RV: Will you be full-timing and bringing along most of your possessions? Or will you be taking the rig out for short weekend trips with just the essentials packed? Consider how much you anticipate loading up your trailer, leaving ample weight room between your tow capacity and GVW.

Tongue Weight (for Travel Trailers)

The weight your tow vehicle’s rear suspension can handle. Ensure your trailer’s tongue weight does not exceed this number.

*Tip: Don’t forget about items that may add weight to your tongue weight, like heavy cargo stored in the forward pass-thru storage, or bike racks mounted to your trailer’s tongue. Extra weight added to this linking point can lead to fish-tailing on the road.

Pin Weight (for Fifth Wheels)

The weight your tow vehicle’s rear suspension can handle. Ensure your fifth wheel’s pin weight does not exceed this number.

FOR TRAILERS AND TOW VEHICLES:

Gcwr (gross combined weight rating).

The suggested safe weight of your tow vehicle and trailer , fully-loaded with liquids, passengers, and cargo.

*Tip: Stay well under maximum GCWR to ensure safe braking on the road.

All of these RV trailer weight ratings are important in your RV buying process. A knowledgeable RV salesperson at Camping World can help you find a trailer or fifth-wheel that you can safely tow.

As a general rule, it’s best to err on the side of caution. When calculating your weight allowances, always come in under the recommended ratings. This prevents strain on your tow vehicle and trailer and ensures safe driving conditions for you and others on the road.

• Comment (2)

I have a Kia Soul. What is the most weight I can pull?

Hi Rosemary,

You can use our towing guide to input your vehicle’s year, make, model, and trim to find its towing capacity: https://rv.campingworld.com/towguide

We also recommend consulting your vehicle’s manufacturer. Hope that helps!

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