Travel trailer weight is an essential factor to consider when purchasing a trailer because it establishes which vehicles can securely tow the trailer, how well the trailer handles when driving, and what kind of gas mileage that vehicle will get.
How much does a travel trailer weigh before you’ve thrown in all your camping supplies? Depending upon size, trailer weight might differ substantially from as little as 500 pounds to a few tons. Smaller trailers, such as popups and teardrops, could have a dry (empty) weight of around 1,500 pounds, compared to the bigger, fifth-wheel trailers which could weigh about 15,000 pounds.
As you continue reading this article, you’ll get suggestions for the various types of trailer weights, recognize why trailer weight is an issue, and how to properly distribute the weight in your travel trailer.
What are the Different Weight Specifications for a Travel Trailer?
There are several factors when looking at the exact weight of a travel trailer and what your vehicle can tow. This is because trailers don’t have a single weight to consider. Let’s take a closer look at the 3 different weight specifications:
- Unloaded Vehicle Weight (UVW)
- This is the weight of the trailer, as built in the factory, prior to loading in your camping supplies, propane tanks, and freshwater.
- Cargo Carrying Capacity (CCC)
- This is the weight capacity of all your supplies you can load. This amount is calculated by taking the overall Gross Vehicle Weight ranking (GVWR) and subtracting the UVW.
- Gross Vehicle Weight Ranking (GVWR)
- This is the maximum allowable weight for a fully loaded trailer (liquids and cargo) This is the number you need to pay close attention to when considering if your tow vehicle has the pulling capability.
How Much Does A Travel Trailer Weigh?
Both the style, or type of trailer, and the size of the trailer have a large influence on the weight of a particular travel trailer. Larger and longer trailers have a tendency to be heavier, while smaller ones like the teardrop and pop-up trailers are on the lighter end of the range. On average most trailers have a UVW of 2,550 to 6,600 pounds and an average GVWR of 3,200 to 8,400 pounds.
| Trailer Type | Average GVWR | Average UVW | Average CCC |
| Teardrop | 2,000 – 4,000 lbs | 500 – 3,200 lbs | 700 lbs |
| A-Frame | 2,500 – 3,600 lbs | 1,200 – 2,300 lbs | 1,200 lbs |
| Pop-Up (Tent) | 2,700 – 4,000 lbs | 1,400 – 3,000 lbs | 1,100 lbs |
| Travel Trailer (under 22 feet) | 1,900 – 4,500 lbs | 1,200 – 3,900 lbs | 800 lbs |
| Travel Trailer (over 22 feet) | 6,300 – 10,500 lbs | 4,500 – 8,700 lbs | 1,600 lbs |
| Toy Hauler | 14,700 – 22,500 lbs | 3,600 – 11,400 lbs | 10,000 lbs |
| 5th Wheel | 17,000 – 20,000 lbs | 5,000 – 16,000 lbs | 6,000 lbs |
Why Does The Weight of a Trailer Matter?
The simple answer to this question is the safety of your tow vehicle. The lighter the trailer the better performance for that vehicle. Let’s take a deeper look.
Towing Capacity
The vehicle you use for towing has a specific weight capacity. To tow your trailer safely it is recommended to keep the weight under your vehicle’s GVWR.
For example, let’s say I have a 2015 Ford Expedition. Based on the manufacturer’s specs, it has a max towing capacity of 6,600 pounds. My tent trailer has a GVWR of 3,770 pounds. The Expedition should pull the trailer easily. It weighs just over half of the towing capability.
Before purchasing a trailer it would benefit you to know the towing capacity. Check out this handy tool from General RV Center.
Trailer Type
Most trailers can be towed behind a truck or SUV. However, if you choose a 5th Wheel, a heavy-duty truck is what you’ll need. This type of trailer needs a special type of hookup. This involves being attached directly to the bed of the truck.
Cargo Weight
Just because you have a toy hauler, doesn’t mean you can just pack the trailer full. So much needs to be taken into consideration. You need to check that the weight of those ATV, dirt bikes and other “toys” you plan on taking with you fall under the CCC.
Fuel Performance
With the trailer loaded and hooked up to the tow vehicle, it’s now time to discuss gas mileage. Gas mileage with any vehicle is important. In towing a trailer it is even more important. The heavier the trailer the more gas you’ll be using.
For illustration, I had a 2003 Ford Expedition which by itself was getting 13.5 MPG driving around town. It could get up to 16 MPG if I was doing long freeway/highway driving (and that’s with cruise control on). However, when I tow my tent trailer it goes down to around 11 MPG. When loaded for an extended trip, it has gotten down to 9 MPG. Makes for frequent refueling.
Keep in mind that you want to not kill your vehicle. So make sure you research the weight of the trailer and the towing capacity of your truck or SUV.
How to Efficiently Distribute Weight in Your Travel Trailer
For the smoothest tow of your trailer, the following is recommended to make it light and evenly loaded. Having an off-balanced trailer can be dangerous, so it is better to get it right before you leave.
Evenly Distribute Weight
Try to pack heavier objects over the axles. Too much weight in the front of the trailer puts stress on the hitch and in turn your tow vehicle. Too much in the back could cause the hitch to come loose.
When loading items such as a portable generator or camp stove arrange them over the axles placing lighter items in the spaces in front and behind.
Often having a printout of your trailer’s layout will visually help where to place your camping supplies with the trailer.
In the layout above, which is my trailer, when the slideout is retracted there small storage areas both in front and behind. Between the stove and toilet area, you can fit about three containers. This is usually the firewood and extra cooler. The space by the “L” shape seats hold plastic three drawer storage bins. Plus you can pack items on the seats.
Keep the Party To A Recommend Size
Camping with family and friends is what it is all about. However, too many people in the trailer can damage it. Plus it can get overcrowded quickly.
As an example, my 2005 Fleetwood Niagra can sleep 6. If all 6 people were standing in the trailer, it would be difficult to move. The total body length of the trailer is 17 feet. And that isn’t with the beds extended.
You also need to recall the GVWR and CCC. Those 6 people add to the CCC now that you are parked and ready to camp. Adding more to the trailer can put stress on the wheels and stabilizers.
You Don’t Have to Bring Everything
When my family first started camping, we had a travel trailer (not the pop-up we have now). Each member of the family would throw items into their designated space. They would empty their clothes drawers from the room into the trailer. Then spend time rearranging their items once we were at our camping spot.
Make a plan. Have a checklist. Try not to overpack. Here’s an article I wrote on what to pack in your trailer.
After a few adventures, you’ll figure out what you need. Plus always having the essentials packed in your trailer will make it easier for you to get ready.
Maintenance Is Key
A key safety feature for any trip is maintenance. Before taking a trip, I always make sure that not only is my tow vehicle in top working condition, but also my trailer. Problems sometimes happen while towing or while camping. Don’t let neglect be one of them.
Tire care is very important. They hold the trailer up while traveling as well as when it is parked. And unlike your tow vehicle, the trailer sits more often than it moves. Make sure to get a tire inspection prior to a long trip.
It is also recommended to get the axles checked as part of that maintenance. A lot is riding on those wheels. Literally.
Wrapping It Up
As you can see the weight of your trailer is very important to keeping you and your tow vehicle safe. As stated at the beginning of this article, travel trailer weight is an essential factor to consider when purchasing a trailer because it establishes which vehicles can securely tow the trailer, how well the trailer handles when driving, and what kind of gas mileage that vehicle will get.
