By the numbers: Towed haul
Caravanning boomed during COVID, introducing a whole new generation of travellers to the joys of life on the road. But with this comes an increased risk that some newcomers may not be fully aware of the various rules and regulations that apply.
Journeys recently participated in a Volkswagen Australia towing test featuring the popular Style TDI600 variant of the Amarok 4x4 ute, towing a Jayco Silverline Outback caravan. Here’s our guide to the various towing weights and terms for that combination, to help members better understand this sometimes confusing topic.
2378kg - Kerb weight
The weight of the empty VW Amarok Style TDI600 when fully fuelled.
3350kg - GVM (gross vehicle mass)
Total weight of the vehicle that must not be exceeded. This includes passengers, accessories and down ball weight.
972kg - Maximum payload
Maximum weight the vehicle can carry, calculated by GVM minus kerb weight.
397kg - Total payload
Calculated by adding the weight of the vehicle occupants (87kg), plus any additional cargo (0kg), plus the trailer down ball weight (310kg).
310kg - TBW (total ball weight)
Also known as trailer down ball weight, the weight the towbar places on the vehicle.
575kg - Available payload
Calculated by subtracting total payload (397kg) from maximum payload (972kg).
2775kg - Total weight
Of vehicle (2378kg) with listed occupants (87kg) and total ball weight of trailer (310kg).
3100kg - Trailer tare weight
The weight of the empty caravan with factory-fitted accessories.
6400kg - GCM (gross combined mass)
The maximum combined weight for the VW Amarok and a caravan combined.
5875kg - Total combined mass
Total weight of the trailer (3100kg), vehicle (2378kg) with listed occupants (87kg) and total ball weight of the trailer (310kg).
For more, visit the Volkswagen website.