• These clients are fairly new to towing and caravanning and they were keen to learn more about weight-related safety. We love it when people check their weights right from the start, as this is safer for them and other road users.

    Our checks revealed that the van was all green ticks for compliance, which was good news. Unfortunately, the car was slightly over on GVM and also on the rear axle. It was also close to the maximum allowed BTC, set by the manufacturer. There were options to redistribute some weight from the car to the van, which would solve all of these issues.

    There is a lot to learn, but we aim to help newbies understand the terminology and what their actual weights mean for compliance and balance. 

  • Getting lost is something nobody wants.

    For those caravanners who stay on the blacktop, you are unlikely to become wildly lost and more likely to just waste some time and fuel money trying to get to your destination. For those who seek out more isolated camping spots, remote beaches and bush views, the chances are higher than you think.

    Many travellers rely on Google Maps, which is a Route Engine (based on user data) and not a proper mapping product. Google or Apple Maps use unverified information and can lead you down unsuitable tracks or leave you in a vulnerable situation.

    We recommend relying on official maps, such as Hema, whether they are paper or pre-downloaded digital maps. Such official maps can give you accurate data about the type of surface, the terrain and the degree of difficulty. The data is regularly checked by qualified mappers and includes seasonal warnings/closures. They can also give you reliable data about distances and points of interest. As well as using credible mapping products, we suggest that you always travel prepared. Have plenty of water, plenty of fuel, extra food, charged devices, recovery gear and a decent first aid kit. Let someone know what your route, destination and estimated return time are so that they can raise an alarm if needed.

    You just never know what can happen and how long it may take to get assistance. We have all heard of people bogged in sand, sliding off the track in mud and experiencing technical failures.

    Don't let us put you off, get out there and explore but make sure you prepare well. Happy adventures!

  • For most people who have ordered a new van, the day of pick-up is super exciting.

    Without being too negative, we should point out there are some potential pitfalls for the unwary. In theory, you can check the VIN plate (usually located on the caravan drawbar or inside the front tunnel locker) to confirm what your payload is. The metric you are looking for is the TARE weight. This refers to the weight of the empty caravan, with no water or gas, as it comes off the assembly line. The TARE should include the weight of all items that were specified in the contract of sale e.g. any additional solar panels, larger washing machine or other extras. We suggest that the difference (on the VIN plate) between the TARE and the ATM should be 400-600kg for a family van and slightly less for a couple. Some clients tell us that the TARE ends up being much higher than anticipated/agreed and uses up their payload to an extent that compromises the functionality of their purchase. Our advice is to double-check this at handover.

    A final note of caution is that the reported TARE can be inaccurate. Some volume manufacturers approximate the expected TARE, rather than accurately weighing it. If in doubt, we are happy to attend your handover and check the weights before you finalise the transaction.

    Call us to discuss this, if you have any concerns. It is usually a large sum of $$ changing hands, and once it is completed, challenging the result can be difficult and slow. As with all things weights, it is better to know!

  • There is some confusion about the consequences of travelling with an overloaded caravan or trailer. The fines vary from state and territory in Australia but are most significant in Victoria and NSW.

    Most of us will venture over the state borders from time to time, so it is important to know what to expect as you travel. In Victoria, the fines are related to the amount or % over the manufacturer’s specification. If you are less than 5% over, expect to pay a minimum of $238. If you are 20% over the specs, expect to pay $1580. Weights beyond that threshold will usually see your journey come to an immediate end.

    Any of these would be a serious holiday spoiler and are best avoided. Some states can also apply demerit points to overloaded rigs. The chances are not high that you will be stopped and weighed, but it is becoming a higher priority for road authorities and police. Claiming you had no idea when found to be overloaded, is no longer considered a defence.

    Know your weights and travel with confidence that you will not be fined (or worse), by checking the compliance of your car/van with Drive A Weigh.

  • Sometimes we have to deliver unwanted news. It's always hard, especially when it is a set-up that clients have saved hard for and love to use.

    On this day, our client’s car came up a bit too close to maximum specifications, especially GVM and the rear axle rating. This is not uncommon with the mid-sized SUVs, which tend to have lower ratings than the equivalent utes (Ford Rangers). They are heavier overall, so there is less capacity left. Our clients may look into an engineered upgrade or reduce the payload they carry in the car itself. The van was over its ATM, so some immediate weight needed to be removed, to be legal.

    We chatted to them about the difference between ‘might need’ and ‘must have’ packing items, so they feel confident now to keep the van weights in check.

    They can now use the van regularly in our beautiful Spring weather, knowing it is fully compliant.

  • Our clients asked for a weigh as they set out on a small holiday. Both van and car came up with green ticks all around and we don't see that very often.

    They successfully use a weight-distribution hitch to assist with leveraging load off the rear axle and onto the front axle of the Isuzu.

    The TBM and tow ball heights were both a little high, so we discussed options to bring these into line with AD recommendations.

    The set-up is now checked and safe to travel, which will protect their insurance and budget. Another great outcome!

  • You might expect that loading 10kg into your van will add 10kg to the overall weight (Aggregate Trailer Mass). You would be right, BUT it may not land exactly where you might think.

    This is where physics comes into play. We will try to simplify the examples below so that it makes sense:

    • 10kg added on the drawbar will result in the majority of this weight being transferred onto the car and only a small amount is added to the GTM (the front becomes heavier and wheels take less weight)

    • 10kg added over the axles should leave TBM much the same and add an expected 10kg to the GTM and ATM. (same weight distribution overall)

    • 10kg added on the rear bar of the van, may add 15kg to this area and reduce the TBM by 5kg. (The front becomes lighter and the rear takes the extra weight)

    It is worth noting that no 2 caravans will react in exactly the same way. The changes will depend on whether your van is single or dual axle and also on how far back the axles are positioned.

    Think of a child’s see-saw and how much difference is made when a child sits right at the end versus moving closer to the central point. In this case, the axle/s are the equivalent to the pivot point. The further weight is placed away from it/them, the greater the impact. 

    Included in our weighing session is a discussion about the best packing weight distribution for your set-up. We can make suggestions, based on the balance results, to optimise this for you. It might mean repositioning certain items inside and outside the caravan. The result will be a better-balanced load, safer handling and less wear overall.

  • Anyone who drives and/or tows will likely have noticed an increase in road rage-type situations in recent years.

    Whether you are driving through a capital city or heading along a remote development road, there will be times that you annoy other road users and times that they frustrate you. Our key advice is to try to prevent/reduce these situations, using our 10 tips:

    1. Always ensure driving mirrors are fully extended, to minimize blind spots and maximize visibility

    2. Install rear-facing cameras to your vehicle and caravan, if you can afford it. They provide additional sightlines, when driving and parking, which can improve decision making

    3. Plan your route where possible to avoid loss of focus whilst trying  to get from A to B

    4. Indicate and begin lane change manoeuvres early, to avoid last-minute pressure to merge on yourself or other lane users

    5. Actively watch for advisory signs, such as “Left lane ends in 500m” or “Right lane must turn”. Recruit your passengers to help with spotting and alert you to dangers/issues.

    6. Be aware of speed limits for the road you are on, especially if they are changing often. It is best not to travel too far below these limits, so aim to keep your speed appropriate for the conditions and road

    7. If you make a mistake, don't make a dangerous manoeuvre to try to fix it……drive on and turn further up or go around the block if needed

    8. Use a CB or similar radio if regularly using country roads, as this can advise you of accidents, wide loads or other potential issues

    9. Avoid driving for too long in one stretch, as fatigue will reduce your awareness and response to changes. Where possible, drive in daylight hours and avoid sunrise/sunset due to wildlife movement.  

    10. Allow plenty of room between your vehicle and the one in front, especially in wet conditions or on unfamiliar roads, as big rigs take a while to stop!

    Following these basic rules may save your life and that of your passengers, so we encourage you to think honestly about whether you do these things. We also recommend driver education programs and towing instruction, even for those who have been doing it for years.

    Each of us can do better and play a small part in reducing road incidents and accidents.

  • Most caravaners know that tow ball weight is a key metric, for staying legal and staying safe. The accepted industry standard is between 9-11% of ATM for a full-size caravan and slightly less for lightweight Euro vans, camper trailers and small hybrids. 

    What fewer people know, is how significant tow ball height is for safety and stability. There are some directions for this, based on the Australian Design Regulations.

    They specify that your hitch must sit between 350mm to 460mm when using a standard 50mm ball. The rules differ for DO35/45 and other new style hitches. Our personal experience has been that many of the newer vehicles and also those with engineered upgrades, ride higher than this range. This means that they tow higher too.

    Our chief concern is that the car and caravan both sit at the same level. Having the hitched van and car towing level means that the weight is distributed evenly across all wheels. We worry when we see cars sagging at the back so that the caravan tilts forward (likely to reduce braking response and overall handling). Equally, we don't like to see cars riding so high that the caravan tilts backwards (increasing the risk of sway or reduced stability). 

    Changing the hitch height will have a direct impact on tow ball weight, so this must also be taken into account when altering the hitch height. Whether the TBM increases or decreases when you lift or lower the tow hitch, will depend on the axles under your van. Single-axle and tandem-axle vans respond differently, as do those with independent suspension. 


    Confused by the physics at play here? Don't be.

    We can work out the optimum hitched height for your rig and all you need to know is that it will be safer, more stable and cause less wear.

    For towing peace of mind and clarification of all things weights, book a session with us today!

  • Our clients were really nervous about being weighed, thinking they may have to replace their beloved tow vehicle to manage their new caravan.

    Yes, the car weights were fairly close to the manufacturer’s specifications, especially for the rear axle ratings. We worked with them on the day to reconfigure things, drop some unnecessary items and improve overall balance.

    The end result was a fully compliant car and van, with some spare capacity to make sure that the car didn't have to work too hard. We always recommend staying below 95% of specifications, where possible, for improved handling and wear.

    Our clients were very relieved and will travel with new confidence.

  • This is an issue we encounter often, as caravans get heavier all the time and the capacity of tow cars is not increasing at the same rate. Even the mainstays like Toyota Landcruisers, Nissan Patrols and Ford Rangers are built with GVM and axle ratings that just don't have the necessary capacity.

    They have heavy TARE weights and can quickly become overloaded when extra fuel, accessories, passengers and TBM are added. Paying between $75k and $130k does not always mean that your tow vehicle is up to the job.

    We speak with some personal experience on this score. After months of research, our choice of tug was a newish Toyota Landcruiser 79 Series. We knew all the weights for the car and caravan, so we made the purchase knowing we would upgrade asap. Despite having enough kg to get the job done, we wanted extra margin so we didn't have to worry.

    Our upgrade was performed by a reputable local engineering firm and we received all the VASS paperwork needed to register the increases with Vic Roads. Our car also got a shiny new compliance plate, showing the increased GVM, GCM and axle ratings.

    If you are thinking about upgrading your vehicle’s towing ability, these are our top tips:

    • Be clear about what you need. Do you need a Gross Vehicle Mass upgrade (the max your car can weigh, including TBM), a Gross Combined Mass (the maximum total weight of van and car together) or both?

    • Think about axle ratings. We often find that the rear axle ratings are not high enough to cope with the addition of tow ball mass, especially if it is a ute with a canopy. GVM/GCM upgrades will not necessarily change axle ratings, so ask the question.

    • Check what the exact kg changes will be, as there may be 2 levels. Choose the level of upgrade appropriate to your needs and balance this against the cost of the upgrade.

    • Make sure any changes will come with official certification, to verify the work that has been done and what the changed ratings are. This paperwork must be lodged with road authorities. Without this, you will still be considered overloaded if checked by road authorities or your insurer. We recommend taking copies with you when travelling.

    • Use a recognised upgrade company. Check their credentials, read reviews and do your homework before handing over your $$$ 

    • Finally, be aware that an upgrade will almost certainly mean your vehicle will sit higher (by as much as 10cm). If necessary, you may need to alter/upgrade the hitch height.

  • We flagged our membership of this professional body when we were first accepted in May 24. Since then, a number of clients have asked us what that means for them.

    We tell them that anyone thinking about having their caravan/car/trailer weighed should ONLY use a weighing service that is part of the MWAA.

    For our initial application to be considered, we needed to submit 3 weight reports for assessment. This meant that the calculations and mathematics sitting behind our results were checked by a respected industry Auto Engineer.

    Our practices and safety precautions were also part of the assessment. Mainly, this meant checking that we were using ramps to ensure all parts of the rig are weighed at the same level, weighing on suitable surfaces and staying within slope tolerances.

    We also had to show the use of high-vis vests and cones for everyone's safety, especially on public land. The final check was that Drive A Weigh had paperwork to substantiate the annual calibration of each of our scale pads and also our tow ball weigher.

    We were happy to get our own green ticks for compliance and this means our clients know they are getting the best possible weighing service.

    As the association develops, all members (and their clients) will also benefit from professional education programs, industry updates, new equipment and more.

    The caravan industry has had a reputation for operating largely unregulated and with some dubious practices.

    Drive A Weigh is proud to be helping make sure our own sector of the industry is operating to the highest standards and that our clients will benefit directly from this.

  • Most of our clients do a mixture of caravan parks and free camping (as we do). For those times when you want to avoid the crowds and do your own thing, here are our top tips to help you choose a great free camp. Our aim is always to leave the campsite better than we found it and avoid damage to our precious equipment.

    · If you are heading down narrow tracks to locate your special spot, have a plan to get out. We tend to walk in and do a recce of the access, before committing the car and van.

    · Look up as well as down, when travelling on tracks. This may save your van from scratches or your awning from being snagged, due to overhanging branches.

    · Be aware of the clearance of your van (especially fold away stairs), when judging access to a site (particularly if it involves water crossings).

    · Check the surface of the area where you intend to set up. Is it fairly level? Is it firm enough?

    · When parking near creeks or rivers, be sure that sudden rain will not encroach on your site. It is amazing how quickly water can “arrive” and surprise you, especially in the night.

    · Consider sun angles when setting up, if you have roof mounted solar panels. Shade is lovely, but may compromise how much power you can generate. Ideally, keep the non-fridge side to the sun, or use a second shade square to protect the fridge from overheating.

    · Avoid parking directly under big trees, in case branches or fruit fall on your van/car. This will also minimise corrosive bird poop on your caravan roof.

    · Check for ant nests (ground and tree level), as these can create massive problems. Green ants, in our experience, are very unwelcome visitors and hard to get rid of.

    · Consider how you will top up water and remove waste, if planning an extended stay. We carry a water bladder and a second toilet cassette, so we can go further out or stay longer.

  • We love weighing custom builds and seeing all the skill and attention that goes into building something for yourself. Our client has finished off his own caravan, with space inside for people and also some exciting “toys”. He is familiar with all the regulations and technical requirements, so our role was simply to check the final weights. We are now able to supply printed tickets, as part of our weights report, that can be used with road authorities for registration. If you are looking for VASS recognised tickets after modifications or for a new build, give us a call.

  • This was a two stage process for our local client.

    First we weighed his car, after some upgrades and engineering work were completed. Some weeks later, we weighed the van as well (separately and in combination).

    This tough little hybrid van is now all set up for adventure, with a roof hoist for small aquatic toys. The weights all checked out and our clients are ready for their Spring travels.

    Any modifications made to cars or vans can really impact insurance, balance, and weight compliance. We are always happy to play our part in checking the metrics, so our clients know exactly where they end up.

  • This is such an important process to get right. Even experienced caravanners sometimes get distracted and miss a step, possibly with dangerous or expensive consequences. When we started out, we made a “Pre-departure Checklist”, to ensure we were ready for each travel day. We still use this sometimes, especially when we are tired or if we haven’t used the van for a while. Each of us has specific jobs, but we also do a visual check of each other’s work, to be sure. Every van and hitch up will be different, but the basics are the same.

    · Don’t chat to people whilst you are doing your checks, it is too distracting.

    · Secure the inside of the van, ready to go (cupboards locked, bathroom door secured, shower screen locked, windows/hatches closed, toilet roll tied, shower head tied, loose items stowed, tv secured, slides in, pump off, gas off, fridge items stowed, fridge locked/switched over etc)

    · Check the outside of the van (levellers retracted, pop top down, windows closed, antenna down, steps up, cords/cables unplugged and stowed, water/waste pipes emptied and stowed, water fitting removed, gas switched off, flaps closed, hatches locked etc)

    · Check the van is hitched correctly, safety coupling is locked, safety chains and breakaway are attached to the car, and then take caravan handbrake off.

    · Remove/lift and secure jockey wheel.

    · Plug in all electrics and cabling for van braking, anti sway, cameras etc

    ·Test all lights and indicators are working correctly in a full walk around

    · Drive the car/van slightly forward of the empty site, to do a last check for any items that have been left behind.

  • Our clients are long-time caravaners, who have recently retired and upgraded to a new Crusader Nobleman. They tow with a Ranger Wildtrak, which was green for all legal metrics. The van was slightly over on the front axle group. It is worth noting, that this model of van has independent suspension, meaning that all 4 wheels work separately to share the load.

    Our results highlighted that the front 2 wheels were doing too much of the work. This could lead to increased wear and decreased handling, if not addressed.

    Our clients were able to fix this issue by redistributing weight on the day, so that the van will now perform as it should.

    These clients are now confident to head out for some long trips, knowing they are legal and that their van/car are well balanced. This is an example of how a professional weigh will give you more useful information, to protect yourselves and your investment.

  • This week we weighed 3 Pajero Sports, with their respective caravan combinations.

    Our initial concern with this rig, was the bikes on the drawbar. We often find that bikes and boxes, on the front, push tow ball mass too high. This time it was ok, and the issue was overall van weight (ATM). It was over the limits set by the manufacturer and means the client will need to reduce some packing weight.

    We encourage clients purchasing a new (or new to them) van to be aware of available payload, as it can impact how you plan to travel. Fortunately, this car was under its specifications and had room for some of that weight to be moved across. Problem solved, and our clients now understand how to keep their van and car safe and legal.

  • In addition to weighing cars, caravans, motorhomes, machinery and floats, we also weigh boats.

    A local marine repairer asked us to check out the weights of a 6.2m Edencraft and its custom boat trailer. Our scales are rated to 3t each, so a boat/trailer weighing in at 2966kg was no problem for us. It came up all green ticks for ATM, GTM, AGL and TBM.

    We are always glad to see people being careful with boat trailer weights, as anything that is registered and used for road travel must meet certain weight compliance criteria.

    This beautiful boat is now checked and appropriately weight matched to its trailer.

  • More and more often, we are weighing caravans that weigh more than the vehicle that tows them.

    Most of us can’t afford an American heavy ute (Chevy, RAM etc) or a large SUV (Toyota Landcruiser, Nissan Patrol etc). These typically weigh in well above 3000kg, so they usually outweigh the van sitting behind them. The most popular tow vehicles in Australia at the moment are the standard twin cab utes, such as Ranger, Isuzu, Hilux, Colorado etc. By contrast these usually weigh in at the 2500-3000kg range, so they are often lighter than the load they are dragging around.

    Frighteningly, Australia is one of the very few countries in the world where this is allowed. When I say allowed, I mean that you can legally do it, but only if all other metrics are within the manufacturer’s specifications ie. GVM, GCM, ATM etc. Basic physics tells us that it can’t be a good idea and is inherently unsafe and we would never advise our clients to do this. The centrifugal and other forces exerted by the caravan can push the car around and cause instability.

    Matching tow vehicle and caravan to each other appropriately, is critical for safety, regardless of whether the law mandates this. We urge you to check your weights, whether it is an existing setup, or you are considering purchasing, and ensure that your tow car is heavier than your van.

  • Yesterday, we were chatting with clients, whose story we want to share as a warning.

    They are long time caravaners, having owned several different car and van combinations over the years. Needless to say, they also have tons of experience towing. Having just retired, the couple were heading out for a big lap in an almost new car and van. An accident just out of Canberra, bought that trip to a sudden halt. There was water on the road and they failed to negotiate a bend.

    Fortunately, they were not injured, however their van and car were substantially damaged. The police took photos at the scene, which were later used as evidence. The remains of their car/van, were trucked to a repair centre by their insurer. The damaged van was weighed and found to be overloaded.

    As both van and car were deemed a write off, the clients had been expecting a sizeable payout, to set up again and resume their trip. Given the excess weight findings, their insurer declined payment and declared their insurance invalid for both car and van. This meant a personal loss of close to $250,000.

    Please don’t guess your weights, even if you have been caravanning or towing the same setup for years. The onus is on you to make sure that all aspects of your combination are within manufacturer’s specifications, so that you never find yourself in this position. Guessing just won’t cut it.

  • We love bringing our equipment to you and weighing at your home, wherever possible. To get accurate results, we just need the following:

    • A sealed surface, such as intact concrete, paving or bitumen. Weighing on heavily cracked surfaces, gravel or grass yields highly variable values, so we don’t ever do it.

    • A level surface (we check this with our Inclinometer) with no front/back or left/right tilt

    • A long enough area to drive the hitched van and car up onto scales and boards, so a few meters longer than your overall rig

    • A clear area, free of obstacles or debris, to set everything up

    If your home isn’t suitable, please don’t worry. We will suggest a local (to you) alternative and send a Google Maps pin, to make it easy to find. For safety, the area will be coned and signed for the duration of the weigh. As always, we aim to take the hassle out of weighing and make it as simple as possible for our clients. Any questions? Please phone us on 0401476948 or jump on our website and check out our FAQ’s.

  • Most people assume that lighter/smaller camping options don’t need to be weighed. The fact is that anything that tows or is being towed, should be checked.

    Camper trailers can be quite weighty, especially the more kitted out options like this one. Our client is towing with a Pajero Sport. This setup came up mostly green, but had a surprising red. The camper was over its GTM (the most weight that can sit on the axles), even though the axles were rated 700kg higher. We suggested that our clients contact the manufacturer to request a new compliance plate with a higher GTM/ATM rating, using the information in the report. This would solve the problem and restore towing peace of mind. 

  • This week, we delivered some bad news and some good news.

    The bad news was the car. Although older Toyota Landcruisers are heavy, strong tow vehicles, they came with much lower towing limits. The biggest concern was the tow hitch rating, which was limited to 2.5t and had been pulling closer to 3.5t. Our clients were also sad to find that the car had a lower BTC and GVM than they thought, and that they were significantly over on both.

    The good news was that their brand new van came up green ticks all round. As always, it is better to know what your real weights and limits are, than to guess. This information can be quite hard to track down (especially with older vehicles) and to stomach, but a professional weigh will at least give you the facts. 

  • Our client this week was a custom builder of small motorhomes and car licensed RV’s.

    They fit out Renaults, Mercedes, Toyota and Iveco bases, creating bespoke travel fit outs. These include showers, toilets, kitchens, storage, sleeping and seating options for life on the road.

    Such additions are not light, so we were asked to check the weights compliance for an almost complete current project. We gave them a complete vehicle report, checking against GVM, Front Axle and Rear Axle maximum specifications.

    It amazed us how many conveniences could be included in a relatively small space, whilst still getting green ticks for weight compliance. The lucky owner will be well kitted out for off grid touring & know their custom vehicle is compliant.

  • This is a topic we see debated regularly, especially on social media. Let me start by saying that both have value, and both are better than guessing your weights. Now, let’s look at the merits of each.

    Weighbridges can give you reasonably accurate data for your vehicle (GVM, GCM, front and rear axles) and caravan (ATM, GAL, calculated TBM). This may be provided via printed tickets or a brief report, depending on which weighbridge service you use. The onus is on you to tow the van there and to move it around on the bridge, to obtain the information. Time may be limited, if there are other users waiting. It is up to you to figure out what the data means and what to do with it.

    A mobile weigh service, such as Drive A Weigh, will come to your home or a suitable local location. We then handle the weighing process of the car, the caravan and the combination over a period of 1.5 - 2 hours. The tow ball weight is measured (rather than calculated,) using a professional tow ball scale. When a WDH device is being used, we do an additional weigh to cover the changes it generates. This is all detailed in a clear report, which covers all the metrics shown above. We go further to provide data relating to balance (left to right and front to back for both car and van), which is critical for safety, wear and handling.  When there are concerns, we can provide professional advice to resolve problems on the day and who to speak to when there is no quick fix. There is a follow up chat a few days later, to check for understanding and answer any further questions. These are all extras, giving you a more comprehensive picture of your weights. 

    Most of the combinations we weigh are worth between $60,000 and $200,000. The question then becomes, is it worth spending $275 to check that your significant investment is weight legal, that insurance cover applies and that it is safe to drive/tow? Only you can decide, but we recommend that you check, rather than guess, whichever weighing option you choose.

  • We compiled this blog post with input from our own loveable pup, Annie. She has travelled with us from the time she was a tiny puppy, seeing and sniff testing much of Australia.

    There are a few things we have learned along the way, that we hope will be helpful for those of you who have furry family members. These are our top tips:

    1. Purchase a strong harness and car attachment, so that your dog is securely anchored, within the vehicle.

    2. Travel with a collapsible silicon bowl and spare water bottle in the car and allow regular rest stops.

    3. We use an “Expandable Dog Car Window Vent” to allow fresh air into the car, but prevent access from the outside (around $25 and one of the best buys we have made)

    4. Keep your pup in the car until you are fully parked up, to ensure they are never under a moving van or car (there is always so much going on, when you first arrive and set up)

    5. Beware of bait use when travelling. Sometimes there will be poison warning signs, but not always. We never let Annie off lead in bush areas, much to her disgust.

    6. Using a short lead when walking will also limit the risk of snake bite. We had a close call with a large Tiger snake (right next to the path at Mallacoota) and it was only the short lead that stopped her getting bitten.

    7. If you want to explore activities that are not dog friendly, consider a free pup sit swap with nearby travellers or find reputable local animal sitters via the caravan park.

    8. Please be aware of heat issues for your pup. Keep them cool with fans and wet towels in extreme temperatures, walk early in the day and don’t leave them in the car/van unattended.

    When we first started travelling many years ago, having a dog was highly restrictive. Now most caravan parks welcome pets and so do many other venues. We can’t imagine not taking Annie with us and feel confident that, with a bit of thought, you will easily manage travelling with your dog.

  • As the Victorian Winter starts to bite, many of you will be planning to hitch up and head North. Before you leave, there are a few things to check, so that your trip is hassle-free and safe. 

    Firstly, we recommend booking a professional weighing session, to look at the weight compliance and overall balance of your car and caravan. We have weighed vans that are technically legal, but so poorly balanced that they were a high accident risk, so this is essential to be aware of. Next, we suggest you perform the following checks, either yourself or using a caravan specialist:

    Check the age & condition of tyres (inflation level, tread and sidewall), including the spare.

    Check brakes, wheel bearings and wheel nut tension

    Clean and refill water tanks (if you travel with water)

    Check gas bottle levels and overall condition. Change bottles, if needed

    Check you have the tools and accessories for running repairs (silicon, cable ties, 100-mile-an-hour tape, fuses etc)

    Check globes in all vehicle and caravan lights (replace if needed and carry spares)

    Check closers on doors, windows and hatches, making sure they are not brittle/sun damaged and likely to give way

    Check cables for safety systems and cameras are all operational

    Make sure you allow time before a big trip to check these things so that you don’t end up with problems that could spoil your holiday.

  • Our Beaconsfield clients use this capable setup to travel to a lot of remote destinations, often off the blacktop. 

    The Patrol is a heavy tow vehicle, so it needed a bit of weight moved across to the caravan to achieve compliance. This weight had to be placed close to the caravan axles, so as not to then make the tow ball weight too heavy. The payload of the Malibu is generous, so it easily achieves all green compliance ticks. We encourage anyone considering a caravan purchase to look at how much payload is really available, as it can have a significant impact on your travels and peace of mind. Watching every kg is hard work and most of us want to travel with some comforts and gadgets. These clients can do just that, knowing that they are still well under the Malibu maximum specifications for GTM and Group Axle Load. 

    If you are not sure how to work out your payload, jump on our website for the explanation and terminology breakdown.

  • This week we met new clients in Yallourn and weighed their Ford Ranger and Franklin Core combination. 

    The caravan was nearly at capacity, so they will need to pack carefully and some gear will now be moved to the back of the car. The next step for this couple was to be the installation of several after-market accessories for the Ranger, including a canopy, drawers etc. 

    They now know exactly what their hitched and unhitched car weights are, including front and rear axles and GVM. This gives them the information to calculate what accessories and added packing they can accommodate, without getting too close to the manufacturer’s maximum specifications. We welcome this approach, rather than fitting/moving all the gear and then realising the car is over GVM and having to remove it. 

    As always, we also encourage clients to end up well below maximum specifications, for better handling and wear.

  • Our Mt Martha clients are heading off around Australia soon, with their young family. They already have a tow vehicle and wanted to check its weight and capacity before going further. 

    They now have the information to make decisions about what kind of caravan they can purchase, given the limits of GVM and GCM. Options will include purchasing a smaller/lighter van, possible vehicle upgrades or even changing the vehicle itself. 

    We encourage anyone who is looking at purchasing a van to do their homework first. Don’t go shopping until you know what you can safely tow. It is best to use one of the many online tow capacity calculators to decide what will work for you, rather than just the BTC of your vehicle. The calculators allow you to enter your car specifications and actual weights, to determine what capacity remains for towing. 

    Many people think it is about the length of the van you are considering, but what matters is the weight. We are happy to have helped our clients towards safer decisions about their setup for long-term travel.

  • We have learned some quick tips for caravan cleaning so that you can spend time enjoying the scenery instead. These are our top 5:

    Invest in dirt-trapping mats, both outside the van and inside the step area. We have used the expensive ones and the cheap knockoffs, it is your choice. They can be hosed off and brushed off regularly to keep sand and mud out of the van itself. 

    Biodegradable wipes are so handy in the van. We use antiseptic ones to wipe the loo and bathroom floor daily, keeping it clean and sweet-smelling. Be sure to bin them and not flush them though.

    For all other cleaning, we use a general-purpose eco cleaner. This saves on weight and stuff to store when travelling, as you can use one small pump bottle for most jobs. 

    A small dust buster type of vacuum (rechargeable) will take care of the floor, or you can use the plastic wet broom from Kmart. 

    A dark-coloured light-weight blanket (as thin as possible) is great to cover the bed. It saves us from having to change the sheets as often and stops a lot of dog muck/red dust from showing up.

  • Even after a professional weigh-session, monitoring how much weight you add back in over time is important. It creeps up quickly!

    We suggest that clients create a simple spreadsheet. Anything that is taken into the van gets weighed on the bathroom scales (placed at the van door) and added to the sheet. Anything that is removed from the van, gets taken off the spreadsheet. This sheet only takes minutes to set up or update, giving you an accurate picture of your current weight at any point in time. If you have added any major after-market accessories to the van, it may be time to ask for a reweigh.

    People often say that they are not sure about what to take or leave out when packing. We recommend using little coloured stickers from Kmart or Officeworks. Stick them on items you are unsure about and note the date. Once you use an item in the van, remove the sticker. Any items that still have stickers at 3 months or 6 months, might be ones you could manage without. Using the sticker technique will help you make solid decisions about the ‘might need’ items so that you don’t have unnecessary payload. Extra weight = extra fuel, which nobody wants.

    Think seriously about placing extra weight on the rear bumper of your van, especially significant weight, such as bike racks. Even a couple of jerry cans and some firewood can add up. Weight placed so far behind the axles is heavier than if it was placed at the centre of your van. Think of childhood see-saws to make sense of this. Weight is better placed directly over the axles themselves.

    You may also use the front drawbar, but be wary of increasing tow ball mass too much, with heavy items. Professional advice might be needed if you are fitting heavy accessories, to make sure you are not affecting balance.

  • We have learned some hacks as we travel, to protect the caravan and ourselves from those really hot days. None of these tips cost much money, so why not try these for yourself…

    Install a shade sail track on the offside, to keep the sun off the fridge/vent area. It is an easy DIY job, takes only seconds to slide some shade sail in and can keep the van much cooler. It also provides extra privacy if you are in tight camp spots.

    Purchase some tyre covers from any auto store (or online) and slip them over your van tyres when you are parked up, especially when not using an awning. This minimises solar damage to the tyre walls and takes only seconds to remove and stow in a hatch when you are heading off again. Tyres are pricey, so best to protect them, where possible.

    Consider an awning “bag”. There are several companies in QLD, making them fit the exact length of your awning. The bag straps over and covers the awning, in between uses. It reduces solar damage (and even hail damage) to the canvas. It may extend your awning life significantly and will pay for itself.

    Roof hatches are often fairly large, and allow a lot of direct sunshine/heat through, even when the concertina blind is pulled across. Try cutting up windscreen sunshades and placing them in the space between the hatch and the blind, reflecting heat up and out. It is amazing how much cooler the van becomes, even on the hottest days.

  • Despite now being Australia’s most popular tow vehicle, we often find the older Ford Rangers come up red, especially if they have a canopy and aftermarket accessories.

    Recently, we weighed a 2016 Ranger and newly purchased Trackmaster Nullabor caravan. We expected the van to push the limits, as being a full off-road rig usually means it is going to be heavy. It turned out to be green ticks all round, with axle load capacity to spare.

    The Ranger was not such good news – over on GVM, GCM, front axle and rear axle maximum specifications. Even with an engineered upgrade, the car would still come in slightly too heavy. Removal of some packing load and accessories would probably bring them just under the upgraded GVM/GCM, but they would still be travelling very close to maximum capacity. They can, but the question is whether they should?

    In this situation, a new tow vehicle may be the safest option, though sadly it will not be the cheapest. The client will now do the sums for the cost and specifications of a new tow vehicle. Tough decisions ahead, but at least the weigh confirmed their suspicions that their current car was not up to the task.

  • This week we weighed a Jeep Grand Cherokee and Paramount combination for our clients. The Paramount was green ticks and compliant against all the metrics GTM, ATM, axle ratings and tow ball mass. Sadly, the Jeep was over the manufacturer’s specifications with GVM, with the car hitched. It was also well over the rear axle ratings.

    Our suggestion was to seek professional advice from upgrade specialists, to find out whether this was a realistic or economical option for them. It was also complicated by the Jeep having rear airbags installed. These car weight issues can sometimes be improved by using a weight distribution hitch to move weight off the rear axle of the car and onto the front axle of the car. The use of such a device can negatively impact the caravan and car chassis and also your warranties/insurance. We are not engineers, so we advised our clients to also seek technical information from Jeep and check with their insurer before deciding their next steps.

  • Our clients tow with a Mazda BT250 and have recently had an Evernew caravan built for them. Interestingly, they were originally going to go up 2 feet in caravan length, believing they needed the extra space. The salesman explained that the slightly smaller/lighter van would be a better match with their tow vehicle and still meet their needs. How right he was, and how refreshing to hear about a salesman with weight awareness.

    This combination is spot on, with green ticks for car, caravan and in combination. The ratio of tow vehicle to caravan weight was also really pleasing. The ratio is not a legal requirement, but we believe it is really important from a safety perspective. Our clients have the payload for longer trips and can tow confidently, knowing they are still well below capacity.

  • We have all had those days where positioning your car and van in a tight spot seems like mission impossible. Despite having done it thousands of times, we still sometimes get it wrong and have to go back to basics. Being tired is a contributing factor, so try to stick to the rule of 3. No more than 300km in a day, no more than 3 straight hours in the car and be in by 3 pm. This certainly reduces the stress when you arrive at the destination. Once you do, these are our top tips for successful parking:

    Both driver and passenger get out and have a good look at the area. Identify any obstacles or issues and work out a plan of approach.

    Use handheld walkie-talkies, the UHF radio handset or your mobile phones to communicate. This is so much better than shouting at each other over engine noise etc.

    Agree on your terminology (E.G. the passenger side/driver side is better than left/right) this helps to avoid confusion.

    The passenger (or person assisting) should be positioned to the rear of the area, well outside of the targeted parking pad. If possible, they should be visible in the driver’s mirrors, but the key issue is being safe, with several escape routes.

    If other caravanners come up and want a chat, politely say that you will chat with them later. We have found this well-meaning disruption can really put us off our game, at a high-pressure time.

    Finally, stay calm (if possible!) Sometimes it just needs another go, from a slightly different angle of approach. We all get there in the end, with small adjustments and a bit of patience.

  • Most combinations we weigh are “red” (over manufacturer maximum specifications) in one or more key areas. It might be that they are a little over ATM on the van or a little over GVM on the car. We spend time on the day, looking at what can be removed or swapped to achieve compliance and bring them into the “green”.

    This usually means reducing packing load, reducing water tank fill level, swapping for lighter gas bottles, removing bike racks/jerry cans etc. Any/all of these steps can help ensure a report with green ticks against key metrics. So far, so good? What it doesn’t do though, is solve the issues that may arise when you constantly tow too close to maximum capacity.

    Doing so increases wear on key components, reduces vehicle handling and can still negatively impact safety. In line with the CIA recommendations, we suggest our clients aim for a set-up at around 80% of the manufacturer’s maximum specifications. We also appreciate how hard this can be to achieve, with modern heavy vans and increasing use of utes as tow vehicles. Reducing unneeded packing and accessories is the key step in reducing costs and risks over the long term. We encourage our clients to see available payload as a bonus and not something to immediately fill up. Having that spare capacity is ideal.

    We all want to see rigs that are legal, but also sustainable, in every sense.

  • We weighed a handsome combination for local clients, a new Essential caravan, towed by a Ford Ranger. Both car and caravan were legal, with green ticks against all key metrics.

    We love being able to deliver such good news and we also love knowing our clients can head off to travel safely. Just as importantly, they will now have valid insurance on both car and van.

    Many people don’t realise that insurance companies are unlikely to pay out if either tow vehicle or trailer is found to be over the manufacturer’s specifications. This could mean $150k+ at risk!

    Protect your passengers and your valuable investment by checking weights initially and then rechecking if you make any significant changes to the set-up. It is always better to know!

  • This week we had a Toyota Hilux and a Jayco Outback on the scales. Unfortunately, both the car and van were over some of the manufacturer’s maximum specifications. We often find utes are too heavy on the GVM and rear axle (especially when towing larger vans), and this was the case. The van was a little over ATM too, so some packing load will need to be taken out.

    As always, we talked to our clients about options, both the things they can do themselves and also some more significant 3rd party changes/upgrades. This set-up looked fine in theory, a ute with 3500kg BTC towing a van with 2500kg ATM. It is a comment we hear often, where clients believe these numbers mean their setup must be Okay.

    Our weight checks prove that it is much more complex, with many other factors that need to be taken into account, to ensure legality and safety. We are always happy to explain the bigger picture!

  • Before heading interstate, our client was keen to check the weights on his Mitsubishi Triton and Jurgens Lunagazer combo. The ute came up all green ticks, with plenty of spare kilograms. Both ATM and GTM on the caravan were slightly over, so we moved some weight back into the ute to ensure compliance.

    Beric also spoke to our client about taking out some more ‘might need’ or ‘don’t need’ items too, to bring the van further below maximum capacity. The industry recommendation is to sit around 80% of the manufacturer’s maximum specifications, for both the car and the van, so that neither is working too hard. This is not always possible, but we can suggest ways to get closer to it. For our clients, this will mean safety and peace of mind. Extra benefits are better handling, less wear and improved fuel economy.

  • It’s weigh day for this Landcruiser 200 series, towing a brand new Goldstream Panther.

    Our clients are setting off on an outback adventure and wanted to check their weights. We had to deliver the bad news that the Landcruiser was over its’ GVM and Rear Axle Rating.They had already made some professional modifications and are now having the car re-plated, which will make them legal.

    The good news was that the caravan was all green ticks, beautifully balanced and with plenty of payload. They can now head off for their trip safely!

  • It is so tempting to take more gear than you really need when you head off in your van. After so many trips, long and short, here are our top tips:

    1. Two for one:

    Try to make sure that items have more than one use. A van step can also serve as a coffee/drinks table. A plastic bowl can work for both preparing and serving food. A large bucket can be used to wash in and then later to carry or store loose items. Even cleaning products can be reduced by choosing those that can be used for several jobs.

    2. Tons of tubs:

    We use tubs for storing so many things. They help you to group similar items so that stuff stays organised. We have one for maintenance items, one for beach gear and another for all our set up items. Label them well to save time rummaging through tub after tub looking for a specific item. Use the smallest size you can, so they are easier to lift out from under the bed or out of hatches. Putting nonslip matting down also prevents tubs and other items moving too much in transit.

    3. Don’t stock up:

    Unless you are heading off somewhere very remote for a long time, try to avoid packing too much food. Keep meals simple rather than hauling a complete pantry and substitute where you don’t have a specific ingredient. This also has the benefit of supporting local businesses as you travel. We bulk cook “all in one” meal options and then freeze portions in bags. This reduces weight and provides quick options for when we can’t be bothered cooking.

    4. Middle heavy:

    Always store the heaviest items (cans/appliances/books/tools etc) over the axles. We also avoid loading heavy items too far towards the front or rear of the van. It is best to only store very light items in the overhead lockers, like sheets/towels/clothes. This is for towing stability and to reduce issues if cupboard locks/drawers fail whilst driving.

    5. Weight check:

    A simple way to manage packing weight is to have the bathroom scales handy and weigh tubs, bags and bulky items as you pack. Jot the numbers down on a list or in a spreadsheet and prepare to be shocked. Toiletries are heavy, food is heavy and tools are really heavy! Packing for a family will quickly use up even a large payload of 400kg plus, unless you pack carefully.

    At Drive A Weigh we are happy to assist by identifying your available payload (in the van and the car) and advising how best to use it. Contact us for a full report before you next head out on the road.

  • Today we weighed the newest addition for UTow, in Somerville. They run a fleet of hire caravans and also provide pre-purchase inspections, servicing and upgrades.

    We hope to assist UTow by weighing their own and their customer’s caravans, prior to pick up. The aim is to eliminate or manage weight and balance issues that exist from manufacture.

    This will be an important safety service and hopefully prevent stress and further costs with vans that are not as ordered or as specified. If you are thinking about buying a new or used caravan, consider using Drive A Weigh and UTow together, so that you have all the facts about weights and condition. What is on the caravan compliance plate is sometimes inaccurate (in our experience) or may vary significantly from what was agreed at the start of the purchase process.

    Your possible purchase can be thoroughly inspected by UTow and weighed by Drive A Weigh, with full reports from both checks. It’s better (and cheaper) to get it right from the start.

  • We weighed an Isuzu DMax and Jayco Silverline 25 combination recently. Fortunately, our clients had already taken our advice and had a GVM/GCM upgrade done on the DMax. This resulted in green ticks all around, except a slightly heavy tow ball mass. We made recommendations to rectify this (redistributing weight between the car and van, and also moving some weight over caravan axles) and then re-checked it.

    Our clients are now safe and ready to set off for their regular Queensland winter trip, knowing that they will pass a roadside weight check.

  • Motorhomes often turn out to be too heavy, given that you only have one payload, not two. Our clients also tow a Suzuki Jiminy, on a professionally fitted frame. They were surprised at how close to the maximum GVM the motorhome was and are now making some decisions to reduce their payload.

    Their setup scored 9 green ticks for compliance, but they now know how careful they will need to be with packing weight to stay under. For those planning to be Nomads, this knowledge is essential for safety, legality and insurance. There are a lot of important reasons to make certain all your weights are right, especially when it is your home.

  • Our clients asked us to weigh their Isuzu Mux and brand-new Mars camper. They are weight savvy and had an idea they might be close to their limits. They were right, with the car over GVM and the camper over ATM. On a couple of other metrics, they were around 96-98% of the manufacturer’s specifications.

    We talked to our clients about these findings and recommended they avoid travelling so close to the maximum ratings. It is legal but can impact handling, safety, wear and more. Our clients will now look at upgrades to address these issues, so they can travel with confidence and peace of mind.

    Professional advice is all part of the service at Drive A Weigh!

  • Ideally, all new caravans, campers and motorhomes should be weighed at the point of pick up from the manufacturer or dealer. This would allow you to check the TARE weight is as shown on the compliance plate and also that it is as agreed in the contract of sale. The risk, if you don’t check, is finding out too late that the payload of your new van is not fit for purpose.

    For those purchasing a second-hand van, you may also weigh before finalising the sale or immediately after to check what you have bought is compliant. This will of course include how it pairs with your existing tow vehicle and the overall Gross Combined Mass limits.

    For caravan owners making significant modifications to your existing set up, a weigh (or reweigh) might be in order, to make sure that you are still within specifications. Bike racks, extra panels, added BBQ slides and upgraded fridges can all add significant weight to your trailer mass.

    Finally, if you are changing tow vehicles, this will impact some of the metrics we check and may alter whether your overall set up is still legal. In short, when you are starting out or making significant changes, it is a small price to know that your weights and balances have been professionally checked. There is nothing worse than realising that the car you own cannot tow your new (to you) van or that the van itself is not legal. Buyer beware!

  • Our customer has recently imported a 24 foot boat from the USA, which he will be using professionally for fishing around Australia. Boats are just as susceptible to weight and balance concerns as caravans, and experience many of the same issues when being towed.

    Our customer mentioned a colleague, whose boat was weighed at a roadside check in NSW, and found to be over specifications. He was prevented from towing further and incurred significant costs to resolve this issue and get his boat home safely. Our client’s concern was to check his own boat and trailer weights, so that this couldn’t happen to him! He also now has a full understanding of his weights, ready to make a decision about a new tow vehicle. The size of this boat and trailer will mean possible professional GVM/GCM upgrades, even with a highly rated tow vehicle.

    We used our own vehicle to move the boat/trailer up onto the scales. Both boat and trailer were well within manufacturer specifications, so it will soon be out on the water. There was some serious envy going on with this weighing job and Beric is keen to accept the kind offer of a day out on the bay. Perks of the job, yes?

  • Sometimes we have to deliver bad news, even though we hate doing it. Our customers may feel they are close to the limits, but it can still be a shock to find they are significantly heavier than anticipated.

    This week we weighed a ute with a canopy and small boat on top, towing a mid size van. The ute GVM was 12% over the manufacturer specifications, even after some adjustments and reductions in load. Of greater concern, was the ute’s rear axle, that was 24% over the specs. This could have been a disaster, from a safety, insurance and handling point of view. Our customer will now have to make some tough decisions.

    If you use a canopy ute (especially as your tow vehicle), we encourage you to check your GVM, axle ratings and balances asap. It gives the opportunity to make changes if you need to, to ensure compliance. On the good news front, the van was well balanced, with green ticks all round.