Towing Capacity
Towing capacity refers to the maximum weight your vehicle can safely tow. It’s critical to understand and respect this limit, as exceeding it may compromise your safety and vehicle performance.
Key Weight Terms You Should Know
ATM (Aggregate Trailer Mass)
- Found on the VIN plate of your caravan.
- The maximum weight of a fully loaded caravan when not hitched to the vehicle.
- Includes the caravan, personal belongings, water, gas, and supplies.
GCM (Gross Combination Mass)
- Specified by the tow vehicle manufacturer.
- The maximum combined weight of the loaded tow vehicle and loaded caravan.
- Includes passengers and cargo inside the vehicle.
GTM (Gross Trailer Mass)
- The weight supported by the caravan wheels when hitched.
- Excludes the ball weight transferred to the vehicle.
Tow Ball Weight (Tow Ball Mass)
- Also found on the VIN plate.
- The downward force the caravan places on the vehicle’s tow ball.
- A common rule: aim for 10–15% of the GTM.
Tare Weight
- The empty weight of your caravan as delivered by Harvok.
- Includes only standard fittings — no gear, food, or water.
- Stamped on your caravan’s compliance plate.
A Simpler Way to Understand Caravan Weights
If the above seems technical, here’s a practical breakdown:
A: Payload
All the things you load into the caravan — food, water, clothes, equipment.
B: Weight on Caravan Wheels
The portion of the load supported by the axles.
C: Ball Weight
The portion of the load transferred to your vehicle’s tow ball.
Weight Formulas in Practice
- ATM = A + B + C
The total loaded weight of your caravan — must not exceed the ATM on the compliance plate. - Tare = B + C
The empty weight from the factory.
Payload = ATM – Tare
As a general rule:
- Tandem axle caravans should offer at least 400 kg of payload.
- Single axle caravans should offer at least 300 kg of payload.
- GCM = Loaded Tow Vehicle + A + B
Ensure the total combined weight of the loaded vehicle and caravan stays within your vehicle’s GCM limit.
Towing Capacity Examples (General Guide)
| Vehicle Model | Towing Capacity | GCM | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota Land Cruiser (2022) | 3,500 kg | 6,500 kg | Recommend van tare < 3,100 kg |
| Ford Ranger (2021) | 3,500 kg | 6,000 kg | |
| Nissan Navara (2022) | 3,500 kg | 6,000 kg | |
| Nissan Patrol (2022) | 3,500 kg | 7,000 kg | |
| Isuzu D-Max (2022) | 3,500 kg | 6,950 kg | May vary by variant |
Important Disclaimer
Towing capacities vary depending on the vehicle’s model, engine, transmission, and tow package. Always refer to your vehicle’s official spec sheet or check with your dealer to confirm the limits for your setup.