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Average Weight Of A Travel Trailer (With 35 Examples)

Average Weight Of A Travel Trailer (With 35 Examples)

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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.

travel trailer average weight

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Team Camping

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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Trailer Weights by Trailer Type

Trailer Weights by Trailer Type - Guide

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.

Truck Towing Boat Trailer

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.

Truck Towing 5th Wheel Trailer

Trailer Weights Explained

Canoe / Kayak Trailer

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.

Truck Towing Kayak Trailer

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.

Jeep Towing Jet Ski Trailer

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.

Truck Towing Motorcycle Trailer

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.

Truck Pulling Trailer with Fishing Boat

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.

Van with Tow Dolly Pulling Car

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.

SUV Towing Small Landscape Utility Trailer

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.

Pickup Truck Towing Small Enclosed Trailer

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.

Car Towing Teardrop Trailer

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.

SUV Hauling A-Frame Camper

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.

Pickup Truck Towing Car Trailer

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.

Dually Truck Launching Large Boat

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.

SUV Towing Pop Up Camper

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.

Ford Truck Towing Large Enclosed Trailer

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.

SUV Camping with Small Travel Trailer

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.

Truck Towing Small Horse Trailer

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.

Work Truck Towing Large Flatbed Trailer

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.

Unloading Dump Trailer Full of Dirt

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.

Pickup Truck Towing Large Travel Trailer

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.

Gooseneck Flatbed Trailer with Skidsteer

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.

Farm Truck Towing Large Livestock Trailer

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.

GMC Truck Pulling Toy Hauler

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.

Truck Towing 5th Wheel Camper

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.

The Savvy Campers

The Savvy Campers

travel trailer average weight

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? [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 Camper Weight truck hauling a fifth wheel

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. 

average camper weight infographic

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. 

2020 escapod topo

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

2020 Forest River Rpod

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.

2020 Oliver Legacy Elite II

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 Pop Up

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.

2020 Airstream Flying Cloud

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.

2020 apex nano

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.

2020 coachmen clipper propane tanks

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. 

2020 Crusier radiance travel trailer

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!

2020 Forest RIver Flagstaff Classic 5th wheel and travel trailer

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.

travel trailer average weight

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

2022 Jayco Eagle Fifth Wheel

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? 

2020 Grand Design Reflection 5th wheel

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

2020 Open Range 5th wheel

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.

2020 keystone montana fifth wheels

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 the roving foleys

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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RV Weight Explained – Travel Trailers, Motorhomes, and 5th Wheels

RV Weight Explained

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How much does my RV weigh? This can be a complicated question depending on what kind of RV you have. The average weight of an RV is about 10,000 pounds. As you load up the RV with your gear, that weight inevitably changes. Typically, the amount of gear brought on board adds up to about 1,500 pounds. Remember to account for this additional gear weight when figuring out the total weight of your RV.

Of course, if you have a large RV, like a motorhome or fifth wheel, your weight is going to be higher than 10,000 pounds, and if you have a small RV, like a travel trailer or pop up camper, your weight will be less. It’s better to assume your RV is going to be on the heavier side of things if you don’t know the exact weight.

What Do All The Weight Numbers Mean?

There are a lot of different numbers when it comes to the weight of an RV. Many companies promote the dry vehicle weight, but what does that mean, and how does that affect what you can carry? Let’s clear up what the different weight listings mean when it comes to your RV weight.

Unloaded or dry vehicle weight is the weight of the trailer with nothing in it. This means no gas, water, waste, or gear. Essentially this is the bare minimum that your RV is ever going to weigh when it rolls off the production line. On average, your RV will weigh 1,500 pounds more than its dry weight once filled with gear.

Gross Vehicle Weight (GVWR) is how much the trailer weights when full. This is the max weight of the RV carrying all of your gear. If you surpass the GVWR, it can affect the performance of the RV and or the towing vehicle. For example, it can increase the required stopping distance quite a bit. And, in some cases, insurance companies will not cover accidents if the RV is over the GVWR. It is never okay for you RV to weigh more than the listed GVWR.

Dry Hitch Weight , also known as tongue weight, is the weight of the empty RV to the trailer hitch. This is important for determining how much weight your vehicle can tow. The dry hitch weight is only applicable if you have a pop-up camper or travel trailer. Remember that your hitch weight will increase as you load up your RV with gear. When pulling a trailer, it is essential not to exceed the weight your vehicle can tow.

The Cargo Carrying Capacity (CCC) is the maximum amount of weight you can load onboard your RV. This includes all your gear, water, gas, waste, and you! Generally, the larger and burlier your RV, the more weight and gear you can carry. If you are concerned about how much you can bring, start with your empty RV and weigh everything as you bring it on. This may seem like a tedious task, but it will help with knowing your weight in the long run.

What Class Does My RV Fall Into?

There are different RV classifications based on length, chassis type, and weight. Certain classes of RVs will be restricted in some areas. Know what class your RV falls into before hitting the road to avoid getting stuck. Consider where you want to be taking your RV and what its primary purpose will be when choosing which class to buy.

Class A RVs are the largest motorhomes with a built-in engine. These RVs have bodies that are 30 to 40 feet long and weight anywhere from 13,000 to 30,000 pounds dry. Typically, class A RVs drive and look more like a bus. Class A RVs are sometimes restricted in national and other parks due to roads being difficult to navigate. Keep in mind where you want to go when selecting a class A RV.

Class B RVs are more of a camper van style. They weigh much less than other RVs at 6,000 to 8,000 pounds, and they are only about 18 feet long. These camper van conversions often have lofted fiberglass roofs to allow passengers to stand up inside. There are typically fewer restrictions for class B RVs since they are not much larger than a work van.

Class C RVs have bodies built on a truck chassis. The truck chassis is specifically designed to carry the heavy load of an RV. A truck chassis can make the RV feel more normal to drive than a class A. And, the driver and passenger doors are more accessible. Therefore getting in and out of a Class C RV is much easier, which is something we really like about our Class C. We enjoy being able to get in and out of the RV at a moments notice to take pics or video. Class C RVs have a dry weight of 10,000 to 12,000 pounds and are 20 to 30 feet long.

Travel trailers, pop up campers and 5th wheels do not have the weight of an engine and therefore weigh much less than a motorhome RV. A trailer type of RV typically weighs anywhere from around 1,500 to 7,000 pounds dry. Travel trailers and pop-ups attach to a standard trailer hitch, and fifth-wheels attach to the bed of a truck. One benefit of the fifth-wheel trailer is you get maximum space for trailer length. If you choose a travel trailer, keep in mind how much weight your vehicle is able to tow and stay below that limit.

RELATED READING: For a fully detailed breakdown of every RV class and style check out our article called What Are RV Classes? – All Types and Styles Explained.

How To Manage Your RV Weight

When it comes to managing your RV weight, you must decide what things you need on your trip, and what you can live without. Do you need to pack for every possible scenario, or are you willing to go with the flow in order to sacrifice some weight? Try and bring only the necessities that will add value to your trip.

It’s hard to judge how much your RV is going to weigh when packing small one- or two-pound items. If you can, stop at a truck weigh station and see what your weight is. This way you’ll know if you have room to bring more along, or if you need to purge some weight.

A good rule of thumb when packing for a trip is after all the essentials are packed, something must come out when you bring an additional item in. This will really force you to think hard about how important each item is that you bring onboard.

For those fortunate to start with a completely empty RV, you can weigh each item or group of items before they go inside. This can be a tedious and time-consuming task, but it will give you a good reference of how much your gear weighs. Knowing the weight of your gear can help you decide what gets to come along and what stays behind.

Remember, under no circumstances can your weight be over the GVWR. Driving overweight can affect how well your RV drives and your insurance coverage. When in doubt, get your RV weighed.

How Does Weight Affect How Much My Vehicle Can Tow?

Travel trailers and pop up campers.

GVWR Pick Up Truck

The GVWR, or Gross Vehicle Weight Rating, is calculated by adding the RV weight plus the passengers’ weight, plus all gear and supplies, plus any liquids. Camping World has an awesome tow weight calculator for every make and model of car and truck.

RELATED READING: If you are considering hauling a Popup Camper check out our article Average Pop Up Camper Weight – All You Need to Know .

Fifth Wheels

If you are planning to tow a 5th wheel the calculation is much more involved. You will need much more info to determine the maximum weight your pick up truck can pull. Luckily, Changingears.com has a terrific 5th Wheel Weight Calculator to help you figure it out.

When you visit their link it will walk you through all of the info you need to input into the calculator to determine the maximum weight fifth wheel your truck can tow.

Class A, B, and C Motorhomes

If you plan to tow a car (or anything else) behind your Class A B or C rig you have a lot to figure out. First of all, how much weight can your RV tow? And second, can your vehicle be towed with all 4 wheels on the ground or do you need a dolly to tow your vehicle? Let’s just tackle how much your RV can tow.

GCWR Sticker

The first thing you need to know is the GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating) of your RV. The GCWR is found on a sticker on your RV like the one to the right that I found on my RV. In my case, the GCWR of my RV is 20,000 lbs.

The next thing you need to do is to figure out how much your RV weighs when fully loaded with passengers, supplies, groceries, camping gear, gas, propane, water, and wastewater. The easiest way to figure this out is to load up your RV and go weigh it. My RV is always loaded with gear and camping supplies so all I need to do is fill the water tank and gas tank to get a good idea of what my RV weighs.

The tricky thing about this is that your RV will always have a different weight depending on the number of people on board plus groceries, water, wastewater, propane, etc. So, if you get your RV fully loaded with just yourself in the RV, remember to add for extra passengers when you will be towing a vehicle.

I get my RV weighed at the county dump about 20 minutes away from my house. They have a huge scale for commercial garbage trucks and they were nice enough to let me drive onto the scale to weigh my RV.

Anyway, after you know how much your fully loaded RV weighs, which in my case is 12,657 lbs then you add the weight of your tow vehicle. This total needs to be less than the GCWR of 20,000 lbs in my case. After adding, if the total pounds exceed the GCWR, you are overweight!

Max Hitch Weight

There is just one last thing to check and that is the maximum weight my hitch can handle on my RV. Unfortunately for me – the max weight my hitch will handle is 5,000 lbs. So even though the numbers say my RV can tow my truck, the RV hitch can not.

Weight Factors to Consider When Choosing Your RV

When choosing your RV, you should consider how much it’s going to weigh. For example, some bridges roads have weight restrictions. And many people have ruined their towing vehicle’s engine towing too heavy of a load up a steep incline. Other factors include how much additional weight your RV is going to be able to carry. If you’re going to tow your RV, you should know how much your vehicle can tow safely.

I watched my next door neighbors load their travel trailer full of food, clothing, gizmos, gadgets and all sorts of stuff for hours before leaving for their vacation only to find that their SUV could barely pull their travel trailer up the driveway. They eventually had to buy a much larger, more expensive SUV just to pull their travel trailer when fully loaded.

Depending on where you want to go, some areas have vehicle length and weight restrictions. National Parks are a common place to see these limits. Since may National Parks have steep, winding roads going through them, vehicles are restricted to specified lengths and weights. Here you have two options; you can choose a smaller RV such as a class B or C, or tow your car along.

Watch out for RVs that come with all the bells and whistles. If you’re adding on heavy appliances and features you’ll have less room for weight when it comes time to pack your gear. Ask yourself, do you really need a flat screen TV mounted in your RV bedroom? Or could you save that weight and use it elsewhere. Chances are if you’re adventuring you won’t want to watch TV.

If you’re the type of person who wants to bring a lot of gear with them (think climbing, boating, biking, etc.) look for an RV with higher cargo carrying capacity. The greater cargo carrying capacity will sacrifice some of the luxury items, but you’ll be too busy using all the extra gear you brought to worry about that.

In short, when in doubt, get your RV weighed. It’s better to know your weight rather than guessing and assuming you’re under the GVWR. Commercial weigh stations at state lines or anywhere that weighs heavy loads can do this for you. If you do find yourself in a situation where you need to know you RVs weight, err on the heavier side when estimating. It’s better to be safe than sorry so you can avoid getting stuck somewhere.

travel trailer average weight

4 thoughts on “RV Weight Explained – Travel Trailers, Motorhomes, and 5th Wheels”

Thank you for this information. Learning that there is a sticker inside our vehicle that tells the GVWR was perfect. We kept hearing conflicting opinions about the weight we could pull with our 2014 Toyota Tacoma 4wd. Kathryn

Hi Kathryn, Glad you found the article helpful! Mike

I nearly made the mistake of purchasing a Keystone Cougar half ton with a hitch weight of 1545 lbs. My 2021 Ram 2500HD 6.7 turbo diesel crew cab has a sticker on the pillar of the driver’s side door that reads the max payload is 2,204 lbs including passengers and cargo! My understanding is that the hitch weight plus the passengers (500lbs) plus a full tank of fuel (210lbs) alone would have exceeded this recommendation. That is not even including my cargo yet! I would like to point out that the max payload is more important than the towing (pulling) capacity of my tow vehicle for the safe operation of my truck on the road and for the health of the drivetrain. I even went to the Ram website and plugged in my VIN and it returned the same number for my max payload (2,204.36 lbs). Any thoughts including evidence to the contrary is welcome, please.

Great Comment Jon. This is very important to know when towing a trailer or 5th wheel. Thanks! Mike

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travel trailer average weight

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How Much Does a Camper Weight

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

Aaron Richardson

  • 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

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

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.

Fuel Efficiency

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 & AC Units

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.

How to Efficiently Manage Weight in Your Camper

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.

Aaron Richardson

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

travel trailer average weight

Writen by Tom Hank

travel trailer average weight

Fact checked by Joseph Varney

how much does a travel trailer weigh

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

camper-weights

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

5th-wheel-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.

Joseph-Varney

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 Does a Travel Trailer Weigh? A Detailed Answer

Written by Philip Lopez / Fact checked by Paul Lemaire

how much does a travel trailer weigh

Whether you are brand new to towing or have owned many travel trailers in your life, knowing the trailer weight at various stages of use is essential, both for purchasing a hitch and for the vehicle’s life.

So, if you are wondering, “How much does a travel trailer weigh?” you’ve come to the right place. This article will be helpful if you are trying to figure out the size of a travel trailer to purchase for towing your current or future vehicle.

Travel trailers range in weight from 1,200 to about 9,000 pounds. They come in various styles, lengths, and constructions, allowing for a wide range of weights. Smaller travel trailers have an average maximum weight of around 3,500 pounds, while larger models can reach over 10,000 pounds when fully loaded.

Keep reading for more information!

Table of Contents

How Much Does a Travel Trailer Weigh

camper-weights

The weight of a travel trailer can vary significantly, and no one answer fits all because there are many influencing factors.

For example, the longer the travel trailer, the heavier it will be. The type of construction, features (i.e., slide-outs), and the appliances inside also significantly affect the weight.

The following is a complete explanation of common trailers.

1. Kayak And Canoe Trailer

These models are commonly used to haul personal water vehicles, such as kayaks, paddleboards, and canoes.

Their weight ranges from 100 to 400 pounds when unloaded, and the maximum weight can range from 200 to 800 pounds when carrying a watercraft.

2. Jet Ski Trailer

On average, the empty weight of jet ski trailers is 300 pounds. Smaller models weigh around 100 pounds, while heavier ones weigh close to 500 pounds. When loaded, the weight of this trailer type can range from 800 to 3,000 pounds.

3. Motorcycle Trailer

These trailers are used to transport motorcycles, allowing you to tow them with another vehicle. Their weight ranges from 300 to 800 pounds without motorcycles loaded. However, their maximum weight can be somewhere between 1,300 and 3,500 pounds when loaded.

4. Fishing Boat Trailer

The empty weight of the fishing boat trailers ranges from 3,000 to 5,000 pounds, depending on the trailer length and the boat itself.

5. Small Open Utility Trailer

These trailers have an average weight of about 700 pounds when they are emptied. However, their weight can vary greatly, from 300 to 1,100 pounds, depending on many factors, such as width, texture, features, and more. The average cargo load for these trailers is 1,800 pounds.

6. Tow Dolly

These models typically weigh about 600 pounds if not hooked up to another vehicle. The weight of a tow dolly ranges from about 400 to 800 pounds, depending on the style and construction. Their average capacity can be up to 3,400 pounds.

7. Small Enclosed Trailer

Empty weight for these models is somewhere between 400 and 1,800 pounds with brisket. Their weight is mainly determined by the material used to make the trailer, as well as the number of axles. The weight of these hooks can be up to 7,000 pounds when fully loaded.

8. Teardrop Trailer

The weight of a teardrop trailer ranges from 500 to 3,200 pounds, depending on the features included. When fully loaded, it can be up to 4,000 pounds.

9. A-Frame Camper

The weight of this trailer is between 1,200 and 2,300 pounds when it is emptied. However, the total weight may range from 2,500 to 3,600 pounds when it is fully loaded.

10. Car Trailer

The empty weight of car trailers can range from 500 to 2,800 pounds, depending on the length, style, and construction. They can weigh up to 15,000 pounds when loaded with one or more cars.

11. Large Boat Trailer

The empty weight of this trailer ranges from 1,100 to 4,400 pounds. When it loads a large boat, its weight can increase greatly, ranging from 5,400 pounds to 34,400 pounds.

12. Pop Up Camper

The empty weight of these campers can range from 1,400 to 3,000 pounds, while their GVWR can range from 2,700 to 4,000 pounds.

13. Large Enclosed Trailer

Large enclosed trailers typically weigh from 900 up to 5,200 pounds, depending on the number of axles, frame construction, and other factors. When loaded, they can weigh from 3,000 pounds up to 10,000 pounds.

14. Small Travel Trailer

Small travel trailers are typically about 22 feet or less in length, with an unladen weight range from 1,200 to 3,900 pounds. Meanwhile, their GVWR can vary from 1,900 pounds to 4,500 pounds.

15. Small Horse Trailer

The empty weights of these trailers range from 2,300 to 3,900 pounds. When loaded, their GVWR ranges from 7,000 or 8,000 pounds. So, they can be used to transport one or two horses that weigh between 2,300 and 3,900 pounds.

16. Large Flatbed Trailer

Large flatbed trailers can weigh between 500 and 7,700 pounds when they are empty. However, when it comes to their GVWR, the lowest is around 2,900, and the maximum is about 26,000 pounds.

17. Dump Trailer

A dump trailer can weigh from 1,100 to over 10,000 pounds when it is empty. Meanwhile, the GVWR of this trailer can be 3,000 pounds or up to 30,000 pounds.

18. Large Travel Trailer

When not loaded, large travel trailers weigh from 4,500 pounds to about 9,000 pounds, depending on the types of features and number of axles they have. However, when filled with cargo, fluids, and supplies, they can weigh between 6,300 and 10,500 pounds.

19. Gooseneck Flatbed Trailer

These trailers can be somewhere between 4,700 pounds and 10,000 pounds for empty weight. They are designed to carry heavy cargo, so their GVWR can range from 16,000 pounds to 36,000 pounds.

20. Large Livestock Trailer

The weight of large livestock trailers ranges from 4,200 pounds to nearly 11,000 pounds when unloaded. Yet, when carrying animals and cargo, that range is 14,000 pounds to 24,000 pounds.

21. Toy Hauler

When unloaded, the toy haulers weigh between 3,600 and 11,400 pounds. When loaded, they can weigh from 15,000 to over 22,000 pounds.

22. 5th Wheel Camper

The 5th wheel camper weight can range from 5,000 pounds to 16,000 pounds at no load. But, when fully loaded and ready for towing, you can expect the 5th wheel weight to be somewhere between 17,000 and 20,000 pounds.

Why Is Determining the Weight of Travel Trailers Important?

5th-wheel-weight

Determining the weights of travel trailers is very important.

You should keep the weight of your trailer close to the minimum towing capacity to ensure its long life. This is especially crucial if you regularly tow mountain passes during strenuous drives.

The overall weight of the trailer when loaded is also essential. You don’t want to fill your trailer with heavy objects that exceed its capacity. In this case, even if the tow vehicle can handle it, it’s not the best idea if you want to prolong the life of your trailer.

Travel trailers are designed to carry and transport recreational vehicles or heavy equipment. However, they also have their limits. That’s why if you overload trailers, their frames can warp and bend.

The trailer weight also affects the level of control when you are on the road. For instance, a heavier trailer may be more challenging to handle than lighter models when you are on extensive freeways, as well as other roads.

The arrangement of the objects inside the travel trailer is also important! For example, if you put too many objects in front of the trailer, you will most likely find it harder to tow.

Understanding The Trailer’s Various Weights

If you’re new to the world of RVs, you might feel a little confused about the RV trailer weight. Bear in mind that buying a travel trailer too heavy for your vehicle can cause irreparable harm.

Fortunately, manufacturers always include weight-related specifications of any travel trailers they provide.

Here are some basic terms you need to know when weighing your trailer.

1. GVWR – Gross Vehicle Weight Rating

It shows the weight of your trailer when fully loaded, including passengers, cargo, liquids, dry weight, and other optional accessories. GVWR does not include the weight of the tow vehicle.

2. GCWR – Gross Combined Weight Rating

GCWR refers to the total weight of both your trailer and tow vehicle. This includes any passengers or cargo placed in either vehicle.

3. UVW – Dry Weight or Unloaded Vehicle Weight

UVW indicates the trailer’s weight when manufactured at the factory, excluding the weight of cargo, passengers, liquids, propane gas, etc. In other words, it is the trailer’s weight with nothing inside of it.

4. HW – Vertical Load Rating (Or Tongue Weight)

It is the downward force exerted at the coupling point of your vehicle and the trailer. That means you are checking for the maximum vertical load you can carry.

5. GAWR – Gross Axle Weight Rating

GAWR refers to the maximum allowable weight that each axle assembly is designed to carry.

6. CCC – Cargo Carrying Capacity

CCC is the greatest amount of weight your belongings and gear should total to. It is possible to weigh items separately before loading to accurately track your cargo’s weight.

What Affects the Travel Trailer Weights

The following are common factors that can affect the travel trailer weights.

As mentioned above, trailers come in many variations, and their design directly affects the weight.

Size is one factor that directly contributes to a trailer’s weight. For instance, a 13-foot trailer and a 20-foot trailer are both considered small trailers. However, they differ significantly in weight.

3. Materials

Manufacturers use different materials to maximize the innovation of their trailers, resulting in significant weight differences between trailers of the same size.

4. Facilities

Higher-end trailers will come with many facilities, such as wood cabinets, kitchens, bathrooms, and more. In contrast, beginner-level models will have fewer facilities, and therefore, carry less weight.

Final Thought

There is nothing better than the peace of mind that comes from knowing how much your new trailer weighs!

The travel trailer’s weight will depend on many factors, such as design, size, materials, and facilities. The list may seem endless, but we need to factor everything in.

Hopefully, we have answered your question about how much a camper weighs.

Philip-Lopez

Okay, so I’m Philip Lopez. I join Riverside Trailer as an editor, where I will be doing research for both content and reviews. I contribute to studies aimed at understanding the most typical problems encountered by RVers on the road. I also keep up with the newest RVing gadget innovations so that I can promptly evaluate and recommend the best options.

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How Much Do Small Travel Trailers Weigh? Answered

Small Travel Trailer at Campsite

Knowing how much a small travel trailer weighs is one of the most important factors to know when towing one.  

Because choosing a travel trailer that exceeds your vehicle’s towing capacity poses a significant safety risk and can cause extensive damage to your tow vehicle.

So to begin, let’s take a look at the average weight of a small camper .

Small travel trailers typically have a dry weight or unloaded weight ranging from 1,200 to 4,000 pounds, and a gross vehicle weight rating, ranging from 2,000 to 6,000 pounds.

However, simply knowing the average dry weight and gross vehicle weight rating of small travel trailers isn’t sufficient to determine the type of travel trailer your specific vehicle can tow.

So to help you figure out specific travel trailers your vehicle may be able to tow, we’ve compiled a list of the 20 most popular small travel trailers and their respective weights .

20 Small Travel Trailer Weights (Lightest to Heaviest)

Understanding different travel trailer weights.

It’s easy for RV beginners to become confused about the weight of a small travel trailer, as each trailer usually has several different weights, such as dry weight, hitch weight, cargo-carrying capacity, and gross vehicle weight rating.

Plus, to further add confusion, different RV manufacturers often use varying weights for their marketing and spec sheets, which can make it difficult to compare one trailer’s weight to another.  

So to help clarify this confusion, we’ve defined the most common weights you’ll encounter when trying to determine the weight of a travel trailer.  

Dry Weight (Unloaded Weight)

Dry weight or unloaded weight is the weight of a travel trailer when it’s completely empty with no cargo, fluids, propane, or batteries.

Basically, the dry weight of a trailer is the weight of the trailer as it comes from the RV manufacturer. 

While this is an important figure to know, as it gives you a good starting weight for the trailer, it doesn’t offer a complete picture of the trailer ‘s weight when fully loaded. 

So when you see an RV manufacturer highlighting the dry weight of their travel trailer, take this with a grain of salt and realize this is not an accurate picture of the weight of the trailer when it’s fully loaded with cargo and fluids.  

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating

Gross vehicle weight rating is the maximum weight the travel trailer is rated for when fully loaded.  

The gross vehicle weight rating is set by the RV manufacturer and represents the maximum weight the trailer can safely handle. 

Hitch Weight

The hitch weight of a travel trailer is the amount of weight a camper loads onto the hitch of your tow vehicle.  

Which is important to know, as your tow vehicle will not only have a max tow capacity but also a max hitch weight rating.  

Cargo Carrying Capacity

The final weight you need to know when it comes to travel trailer weights is the cargo-carrying capacity of the trailer.  

The cargo-carrying capacity on a travel trailer is the maximum amount of weight you can load into the trailer without exceeding its gross vehicle weight rating.

For example, if the dry weight of the travel trailer is 2,000 pounds and the gross vehicle weight rating is 3,000 pounds, then the maximum cargo-carrying capacity of the trailer would be 1,000 pounds.  

Which is a pretty common cargo-carrying capacity, as most small travel trailers can usually handle anywhere from 800 to 1,500 pounds, depending on the trailer.   

What Affects the Weight of a Small Travel Trailer?

SUV Towing Small Travel Trailer

There are many factors that can affect the weight of a small travel trailer, including size, design, construction, features, and amenities.  

Size of the Camper

There is no greater factor affecting a small travel trailer’s weight than its size and length.  

For example, both a 13-foot and a 20-foot camper are generally considered a small travel trailer, however, these two trailers will usually have a weight difference of several thousand pounds.

Travel Trailer Type

While you might assume there is just one type of small travel trailer, in reality, there are many different types of small campers on the road today.

Including teardrop trailers, stand-up campers or “Standy’s”, classic travel trailers, and toy haulers .

When it comes to travel trailer weight though, the important thing to know is that trailer type can have a big impact on its overall weight.

Construction and Materials

The construction of a small travel trailer can vary as much as its design.

As different RV manufacturers use a wide variety of building materials and construction techniques, which can greatly impact the overall weight of the trailer.

For example, RV manufacturers like Scamp and Casita use a fiberglass shell in their construction with no internal framework to maximize interior space and reduce the trailer’s weight.

While Forest River and Winnebago typically use wood frame construction, similar to how a home is built.

Using stick frame wood construction for support and structure, with interior sheeting made from plywood, MDF, or vinyl, and exterior sheeting made from fiberglass.   

Features and Amenities

Another factor that can significantly impact the weight of a small travel trailer is the number of features and amenities it has.  

For example, a fully loaded classic travel trailer with slide-outs, wood cabinetry, a bathroom, and a well-equipped kitchen will weigh substantially more compared to a basic teardrop camper that offers few amenities beyond a place to sleep and perhaps a small kitchenette.  

What Travel Trailers are the Lightest?

The two lightest travel trailers on the road today are teardrop trailers and stand-up trailers, which usually have a dry weight ranging from 1,200 to 2,500 pounds.  

Teardrop trailers are generally the lightest, with dry weights usually falling between 1,000 and 1,500 pounds, depending on the make and model of the trailer.

If you want to know what the absolute lightest travel trailers are today though, we’ve put together this list of the lightest travel trailers you can buy.

Top 10 Lightest Travel Trailers Unloaded (Lightest to Heaviest)

  • Little Guy Trailers MyPod – 760 Pounds
  • ProLite Eco – 995 Pounds
  • Timberleaf Pika – 1,025 Pounds
  • Happier Camper HC1 – 1100 Pounds
  • Scamp 13 Standard Trailer – 1,200 Pounds
  • nuCamp RV TAG – 1,213 Pounds
  • Forest River Rockwood Geo Pro G12RK – 1,252 Pounds
  • Forest River Flagstaff E-Pro E12RK – 1,252 Pounds
  • TAXA Outdoors TigerMoth – 1,310 Pounds
  • Sunset Park RV 109 – 1,320 Pounds

Best Lightweight Travel Trailers Under 1,000 Pounds

Finding a travel trailer under 1,000 pounds is a challenging task, as only a handful of options in the entire RV market weigh under or close to 1,000 pounds.  

However, we did manage to find three awesome little travel trailers that are either right at or under 1,000 pounds, which means they can be pulled by almost any small SUV as well as some cars.  

1. Little Guy Trailers MyPod

Quick specs.

  • Average Cost :  $15,000
  • Dry Weight :  760 Pounds
  • Length :  11 Feet 6 Inches
  • Sleeping Capacity :  2

After extensive research, the lightest travel trailer we could find currently on the market is the MyPod, with a dry weight of only 760 pounds .

Which beats the next closest lightweight travel trailer by more than 100 pounds.

A pretty amazing accomplishment considering how challenging it is just to be under 1,000 pounds.  

This ultralightweight travel trailer also has a really sleek and aerodynamic look with its all-fiberglass body, frameless windows, and rear hatch door.

And while this trailer from Litte Guy Trailers is far from loaded, it does offer plenty of features to make your next camping trip more than comfortable.

Including such features as a built-in AC, a 3-speed fantastic fan, an entertainment center with a TV, and 12V and 110 power.  

2. Timberleaf Pika

  • Starting Cost :  $14,750
  • Dry Weight :  1,025 Pounds
  • Length :  12 Feet

The Timberland Pika was designed with the outdoor adventurer in mind, thanks to its available aggressive off-road package.

This package includes a Timbren axleless 3,500 independent suspension, 4-inch lift, electric drum brakes, BFGoodwrench KO2 tires, oversized fenders, front corner rock sliders, and a Max-Coupler articulating hitch.  

Allowing this rugged ultralight travel trailer to go just about anywhere. 

However, it’s not all about off-road capabilities with this small camper, as it also has a well-appointed interior as well.

Including such features as LED lighting throughout, a large skylight, a 4-speed electric vent fan, and multiple USB charging ports as well as a 110 outlet.   

3. Happier Camper HC1

  • Starting Cost :  $32,950
  • Dry Weight :  1,100 Pounds
  • Length :  13 Feet 5 Inches

While not quite under 1,000 pounds, the Happier Camper HC1 with a dry weight of just 1,100 pounds, is a super lightweight camper and one of the few ultralight campers you can actually stand up in, with a center interior height of 6 feet 1 inch.

The lightweight design of this small camper is just one of the things that makes this compact trailer so special.

As the trailer also uses a modular interior layout as well, which allows you to completely customize the interior of the trailer.  

This ultra-lightweight customizable trailer doesn’t come cheap though, as the base price of this small camper is $32,950.

Making this trailer from California-based Happier Camper one of the most expensive lightweight campers you can buy.  

Best Lightweight Travel Trailers Under 1,500 Pounds

When you move up to travel trailers under 1,500 pounds, you have a lot more options compared to travel trailers under 1,000 pounds.  

As many RV manufacturers make lightweight campers under 1,500 pounds, including Forest River, Scamp, and nuCamp.

1. Scamp 13 Standard Trailer

  • Average Cost :  $17,000
  • Dry Weight :  1,200 Pounds (Without Bathroom)
  • Length :  13 Feet
  • Sleeping Capacity :  4

No list of small lightweight travel trailers is complete without including the iconic Scamp 13 , which has a dry weight of just 1,200 pounds in its simplest form, with no bathroom or air conditioning.

(When fully equipped with all options, including a wet bath, awning, and air conditioner, the Scamp 13 Trailer has a dry weight of 1,500 pounds.)

One of the main reasons why the Scamp trailer is so light is due to its construction.

As Scamp uses a lightweight two-piece fiberglass hull that’s joined in the middle without any internal framing, which also makes the camper very strong and watertight.

Despite its compact lightweight size though, this little camper from Scamp has everything a family of four would need for a weekend getaway.

Including such amenities as a convertible dinette booth that sleeps two, double bunk beds, a small kitchenette, with a sink, fridge and two-burner cooktop, and a decent amount of storage.   

2. Forest River Rockwood Geo Pro G12SRK

  • Average Cost :  $14,500
  • Dry Weight :  1,252
  • Length :  11 Feet 3 Inches

One of the most popular teardrop trailers on the market today is the Forest River Rockwood Geo Pro G12SRK , which has a dry weight of only 1,252 pounds.

Allowing you to tow this small base-camp style camper with just about any small SUV.

Plus, despite its short hitch-to-bumper length of just over 11 feet, Forest River was able to pack a ton into this small camper.

Including such features as a full-size bed, an optional roof-mount AC, an entertainment center with TV, and a rear outdoor kitchen that includes a small fridge, microwave, and sink.  

3. TAXA Outdoors TigerMoth

  • Starting Cost :  $28, 589
  • Dry Weight :  1,310 Pounds
  • Length :  12 Feet 10 Inches
  • Sleeping Capacity :  4 (With Optional Roof Top Tent)

One of the coolest looking and most unique lightweight travel trailers on this list has to be the TAXA Outdoors TigerMoth , which can sleep up to 4 campers at a time and has a dry weight of only 1,310 pounds when equipped with standard features. 

Many factors make the TAXA Outdoors TigerMoth unique, but one of the most noticeable is its two large gas-strut supported doors at the rear and side, which swing open to give the trailer a very open feel inside. 

But its unique and industry-leading features don’t stop there.

As this small camper from TAXA Outdoors also includes a slide-out camp kitchen, a full week of off-grid capability, a flexible multi-purpose interior, and a large gear rack. 

Best Lightweight Travel Trailers Under 3,500 Pounds

One of the most popular weight classes for small travel trailers is between 2,500 and 3,500 pounds.

As this trailer weight class, allows for a lightweight yet fully self-contained travel trailer.

Such lightweight campers usually feature a wet bath, a full kitchen, additional sleeping capacity, and ceiling heights adequate enough for standing inside.

Which helps to provide a much more comfortable and enjoyable camping experience.

1. Forest River R-Pod RP-171

  • Average Cost :  $23,000
  • Dry Weight :  2,937 Pounds
  • Length :  19 Feet

One of my favorite lightweight travel trailers in this weight class is the Forest River R-Pod RP-171 , which is one of the smallest R-Pods you can buy.  

Despite its compact size though, this lightweight RV has everything you could want in a small travel trailer, including a wet bath, a rear queen-sized bed, a convertible dinette booth, and a complete kitchen that even has a microwave.  

But the main reason why I love this lightweight travel trailer is due to its unique teardrop shape with rounded front and rear walls.

As this teardrop shape really makes the Forest River R-Pod stand out from every other RV in its class. 

2. Lance 1475S

  • Average Cost :  $45,000
  • Dry Weight :  3,225 Pounds
  • Length :  19 Feet 8 Inches
  • Sleeping Capacity :  3

When it comes to premium lightweight travel trailers, Lance trailers are some of the best you can buy .

And the Lance 1475 is no exception to this rule.

As this lightweight travel trailer from Lance has some of the best quality finishes and amenities you’ll find in a light camper.  

What Lance trailers are best known for though is their four-season capability, allowing you to camp year-round.

Which is quite rare among lightweight travel trailers.

As lightweight campers are usually only three-season trailers and not meant for cold weather winter camping . 

3. Forest River Flagstaff E-Pro E19FBS

  • Average Cost :  $28,000
  • Dry Weight :  3,375 Pounds
  • Length :  20 Feet 2 Inches

With a dry weight of over 3,000 pounds, the Forest River Flagstaff E-Pro E19FBS is one of the heaviest RVs on this list.

However, with this extra weight comes best-in-class comfort and interior space .

Du e in large part to the trailer’s slide-out, which significantly opens up the interior and provides more room than you’d typically find in a trailer of this size. 

Additionally, this RV also comes equipped with a full three-piece dry bath, a welcome upgrade from the standard wet bath commonly found in small lightweight travel trailers.

To see other compact travel trailers with a three-piece dry bath, check out our blog post “ 10 Smallest Travel Trailers With a Dry Bath “.

What is the 80 Rule for Towing?

The 80 rule for towing is a rule of thumb used when towing a trailer. It states you should never exceed 80% of your tow vehicle’s max tow capacity.  

For example, if your tow vehicle has a max tow capacity of 2,500 pounds, the 80 rule for towing states you shouldn’t tow anything heavier than 2,000 pounds.  

While this rule is not an industry standard or requirement, it’s generally a good guideline to follow when towing a travel trailer.

As it provides a safety cushion, ensuring that you don’t overload your tow vehicle .  

Another reason why the 80% rule for towing is advisable is that the maximum towing capacity specified by your vehicle manufacturer and what your vehicle can comfortably tow can differ significantly.   

For instance, your small SUV might have a max tow capacity of 2,500 pounds.

However, it’s important to keep in mind that this number is what the vehicle manufacturer is stating is the absolute maximum tow limit of the vehicle.

So while you could technically tow 2,500 pounds, you probably shouldn’t long term, as it would put a lot of stress on the engine, drivetrain, and brakes potentially shortening the life of all three.

To find out which travel trailers are the shortest, check out our blog post “ The Top 10 Shortest Travel Trailers on the Road Today “.

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 Trailer Weights by Type: Understanding the Load on Your Hitch

Raphael Dume

When it comes to towing, knowing the weight of your trailer is not just a matter of curiosity; it’s a critical aspect of ensuring safety on the road. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway with a small travel trailer, heading to the lake with your jet ski, or moving cargo with a flatbed trailer, understanding the weight of your trailer is crucial.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the world of trailer weights, providing you with valuable insights into how much different types of trailers typically weigh. We’ll begin with a detailed examination of trailer weight charts and camper weight charts to provide you with a solid foundation. Then, we’ll explore the specific weights of various trailer types, helping you make informed decisions for your towing needs.

Table of Contents

 How Much Does a Trailer Weigh?

Trailer weight chart: unveiling the numbers.

Before we delve into the specifics of individual trailer types, let’s start with a trailer weight chart. This chart provides a broad overview of the average weights for various trailer categories. Keep in mind that these figures are approximate and can vary based on factors such as trailer size, materials, and added accessories.

Here's the chart with various camper and trailer types, including their average empty weight, empty weight range, GVWR, and average load capacity. It's detailed and organized for easy reference.

Average Trailer Weights Chart by Type

This detailed table provides a comprehensive overview of the various trailer types and their respective weights and capacities. Please note that these numbers are average estimates and may vary depending on the manufacturer, trailer model, and any additional modifications or accessories.

Camper Weight Chart: Tailoring Your Camping Experience

If you’re particularly interested in camper trailers, it’s helpful to look at a camper weight chart. Camper trailers come in various shapes and sizes, each offering a unique camping experience. Here’s an overview of average weights for different camper types:

Average Camper Weight Chart

Here’s the table for the specified camper types along with their specifications:

This table provides a focused look at the various specified camper types and their respective weights and capacities. Understanding these average weights is a great starting point for anyone planning to tow a camper trailer. However, keep in mind that the specific weight of a camper can vary depending on its size, construction materials, and the amenities it offers.

Trailer Weights Explained: Beyond the Numbers

To gain a deeper understanding of trailer weights, let’s break down the components that contribute to a trailer’s overall weight:

1. Trailer Frame:

  • Description : The frame serves as the backbone of the trailer, providing structural support. It is typically made of materials such as steel or aluminum. The choice of materials and the frame’s construction can significantly impact the trailer’s weight.

2. Wheels and Tires:

  • Description : The type and size of wheels and tires used on a trailer can affect its weight. Larger wheels and tires may add extra pounds to the overall trailer weight.

3. Flooring and Walls:

  • Description : Trailers come with different types of flooring and wall materials, including wood, aluminum, or fiberglass. The choice of materials can influence the trailer’s weight.

4. Accessories:

  • Description : Additional accessories such as spare tires, toolboxes, cargo racks, or specialized hitches can increase a trailer’s weight. It’s essential to account for these additions when calculating the total weight.
  • Description : The cargo you load onto the trailer is a significant factor in its weight. It’s crucial to stay within the trailer’s weight capacity and ensure even distribution of the load for safe towing.

6. Axles and Suspension:

  • Description : Trailers have one or more axles that support their weight. The type and number of axles, along with the suspension system, play a crucial role in the trailer’s weight-bearing capacity. Upgrading the axles and suspension can sometimes increase a trailer’s capacity, but this should be done carefully and in consultation with experts.

Now that we’ve covered the fundamentals of trailer weights let’s delve into the specific weights of various trailer types:

Specific Trailer Types and Their Weights

Canoe / kayak trailer weight.

  • Average Weight : 200 – 500 lbs
  • Description : Canoe and kayak trailers are designed with lightweight materials and simple construction to safely transport watercraft. These trailers are relatively easy to tow and provide a convenient way to transport canoes or kayaks to your favorite paddling spots.

Jet Ski Trailer Weight

  • Average Weight : 300 – 800 lbs
  • Description : Jet ski trailers are compact and lightweight, specifically designed for transporting personal watercraft. Their weight varies based on the number of jet skis they can carry and their size.

Motorcycle Trailer Weight

  • Average Weight : 300 – 1,500 lbs
  • Description : Motorcycle trailers come in various sizes, from single-bike carriers to larger trailers capable of transporting multiple motorcycles. The weight depends on their size, construction materials, and additional features.

Fishing Boat Trailer Weight

  • Average Weight : 800 – 2,500 lbs
  • Description : Fishing boat trailers are designed to transport fishing boats of different sizes. The weight of these trailers can vary significantly depending on the length and construction of the boat.

Tow Dolly Weight

  • Average Weight : 500 – 1,500 lbs
  • Description : Tow dollies are used for towing vehicles behind another vehicle. They are relatively lightweight and compact, making them easy to store when not in use. The weight of a tow dolly depends on its design and capacity.

Small Open Utility Trailer Weight

  • Description : Small open utility trailers are versatile and can be used for transporting a wide range of items, from landscaping equipment to furniture. Their weight varies based on their size and the materials used in their construction.

Small Enclosed Trailer Weight

  • Average Weight : 1,000 – 3,000 lbs
  • Description : Small enclosed trailers offer protection for your cargo and are commonly used for moving or storage purposes. Their weight depends on their size and the materials used to build them.

Teardrop Trailer Weight

  • Average Weight : 1,500 – 3,000 lbs
  • Description : Teardrop trailers are known for their compact and lightweight design, making them an excellent choice for campers seeking a cozy and minimalist camping experience. Their weight can vary depending on their size and the amenities they offer.

A-Frame Camper Weight

  • Average Weight : 1,500 – 4,000 lbs
  • Description : A-frame campers provide a convenient and comfortable camping experience. Their weight varies depending on their size and the amenities they are equipped with. Larger A-frame campers tend to weigh more.

Car Trailer Weight

  • Average Weight : 1,500 – 4,500 lbs
  • Description : Car trailers are designed for the transportation of vehicles. Their weight depends on their size and their capacity to carry different types of vehicles, from compact cars to larger SUVs.

Large Boat Trailer Weight

  • Average Weight : 2,000 – 7,000 lbs
  • Description : Large boat trailers are built to transport sizable watercraft such as fishing boats, speedboats, or sailboats. The weight of these trailers can vary based on the size of the boat they are designed to accommodate and the materials used in their construction.

Pop Up Camper Weight

  • Average Weight : 1,500 – 3,500 lbs
  • Description : Pop-up campers are lightweight and compact when towed, making them a popular choice among campers. These campers expand into comfortable living spaces when set up at the campsite, and their weight depends on their size and the amenities they offer.

Large Enclosed Trailer Weight

  • Average Weight : 3,000 – 8,000 lbs
  • Description : Large enclosed trailers are used for transporting a wide range of cargo, from motorcycles to construction equipment. The weight of these trailers depends on their size and the materials used in their construction.

Small Travel Trailer Weight

  • Average Weight : 2,500 – 5,000 lbs
  • Description : Small travel trailers offer the convenience of a home on wheels, making them a popular choice for road trips and camping adventures. Their weight can vary based on their size and the amenities they provide.

Small Horse Trailer Weight

  • Average Weight : 2,000 – 5,500 lbs
  • Description : Small horse trailers are designed to transport one or two horses safely. Their weight depends on the number of horses they can accommodate and the materials used in their construction.

Large Flatbed Trailer Weight

  • Description : Large flatbed trailers are versatile and used for transporting heavy and oversized cargo. The weight of these trailers depends on their size and load capacity, with larger flatbeds being heavier.

Dump Trailer Weight

  • Average Weight : 2,500 – 8,000 lbs
  • Description : Dump trailers are commonly used in construction and landscaping for hauling materials such as gravel or debris. Their weight varies based on their size and load capacity.

Large Travel Trailer Weight

  • Average Weight : 4,000 – 12,000 lbs
  • Description : Large travel trailers provide spacious living areas for extended camping trips. These trailers offer a range of amenities, and their weight can vary significantly depending on their size and the features they include.

Gooseneck Flatbed Trailer Weight

  • Average Weight : 5,000 – 15,000 lbs
  • Description : Gooseneck flatbed trailers are heavy-duty and ideal for transporting large and heavy loads. Their weight is higher due to their size and load-bearing capacity, and they are often used in commercial and industrial settings.

Large Livestock Trailer Weight

  • Average Weight : 4,000 – 10,000 lbs
  • Description : Large livestock trailers are designed to safely transport animals such as cattle, horses, or sheep. The weight of these trailers depends on their size, capacity, and the materials used in their construction.

Toy Hauler Weight

  • Average Weight : 5,000 – 14,000 lbs
  • Description : Toy haulers combine living space with storage for recreational vehicles such as ATVs, motorcycles, or dirt bikes. Their weight varies based on their size, amenities, and the weight of the toys they are designed to carry.

5th Wheel Camper Weight

  • Average Weight : 7,000 – 18,000 lbs
  • Description : 5th wheel campers offer spacious interiors and are towed using a specialized hitch located in the bed of a pickup truck. These campers are among the heaviest in the category due to their size and the amenities they provide.

 FAQs Addressing Common Questions

Now that we’ve covered various trailer types and their weights, let’s address some frequently asked questions related to trailer weights:

Q1: How do I determine the weight of my trailer?

A1: To determine the weight of your trailer, you can use a truck scale or visit a weigh station. Ensure that your trailer is empty or loaded as you intend to use it, as the weight can vary based on cargo.

Q2: Why is knowing my trailer’s weight important?

A2: Knowing your trailer’s weight is crucial for safe towing. It helps you avoid overloading, which can lead to accidents and damage to your vehicle. Additionally, it ensures compliance with towing regulations.

Q3: Are there weight limits for towing trailers?

A3: Yes, there are weight limits for towing trailers, which vary by state and country. It’s essential to be aware of these limits and ensure your towing setup stays within the legal weight restrictions.

Q4: Can I upgrade my trailer’s axles to increase its weight capacity?

A4: In some cases, upgrading your trailer’s axles and suspension may increase its weight capacity. However, it’s essential to consult with a professional and ensure that your trailer frame can handle the increased load.

Q5: What should I do if I suspect my trailer is overweight?

A5: If you suspect your trailer is overweight, it’s crucial to offload some cargo or reconfigure your load to comply with weight limits. Overloaded trailers can lead to dangerous situations on the road.

Q6: How can I balance the weight on my trailer for safe towing?

A6: Properly balancing the weight on your trailer is essential for safe towing. Ensure that the weight is evenly distributed, with slightly more weight towards the front of the trailer. Use tie-downs and secure your cargo to prevent shifting.

Understanding the average trailer weights by type is a fundamental aspect of safe and responsible towing. Whether you’re planning a leisurely camping trip with a teardrop trailer or transporting heavy equipment with a flatbed trailer, knowing your trailer’s weight and staying within legal limits is paramount.

Always consult manufacturer guidelines and adhere to towing regulations to ensure a smooth and safe towing experience.

Raphael Dume

Raphael Dume, bestselling author and internet entrepreneur, is the visionary behind OutdoorDoer.com. He developed this platform to inspire and educate outdoor enthusiasts. OutdoorDoer.com, driven by a team of experts, offers accurate, insightful content and resources for adventurers of all levels. The site is a trusted guide for outdoor tips, gear reviews, and experiences, reflecting Raphael's passion for the outdoors and commitment to fostering a community of nature lovers.

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Trailer Weights by Trailer Type | Trailer Weights Explained

Do you need to know the weight of your trailer? Whether it’s empty of filled to capacity, you can learn about your trailer’s weight here.

Pretty much every type of trailer on Earth is represented here. You can find the average empty weight and load capacity of each type of trailer, along with the ranges of both empty weights and GVWR (fully loaded) weights.

  • 1 1. Canoe/Kayak Trailer
  • 2 2. Jet Ski Trailer
  • 3 3. Motorcycle Trailer
  • 4 4. Fishing Boat Trailer
  • 5 5. Tow Dolly
  • 6 6. Small Open Utility Trailer
  • 7 7. Small Enclosed Utility Trailer
  • 8 8. Teardrop Trailer
  • 9 9. A-Frame Camper
  • 10 10. Car Trailer
  • 11 11. Large Boat Trailer
  • 12 12. Pop Up Camper
  • 13 13. Large Enclosed Utility Trailer
  • 14 14. Small Travel Trailer
  • 15 15. Small Horse Trailer
  • 16 16. Large Flatbed Trailer
  • 17 17. Dump Trailer
  • 18 18. Large Travel Trailer
  • 19 19. Gooseneck Flatbed Trailer
  • 20 20. Large Livestock Trailer
  • 21 21. Toy Hauler
  • 22 22. 5th Wheel Camper

1. Canoe/Kayak Trailer

Canoe Kayak Trailer

The average canoe or kayak trailer weighs 200 pounds, though they can weigh anywhere from 100 to 400 pounds. They can usually carry loads of at least 100 pounds, but heavier-duty ones can carry up to 600 pounds. That puts the weight of a loaded trailer somewhere between 200 and 800 pounds.

So, you should be able to load up several kayaks or even a big canoe on one of these trailers, and then tow it with pretty much anything, even a sedan.

2. Jet Ski Trailer

Jet Ski Trailer

When a jet ski trailer is empty, it will weigh somewhere between 100 and 500 pounds. The average jet ski trailer is 300 pounds when empty. The weight will vary based on how many jet skis it is designed to carry.

Each jet ski trailer is made to hold a specific number of jet skis, so the weight it can carry will depend on how many jet skis it’s built to hold. The average jet ski trailer has a load capacity of 1500 pounds. A loaded jet ski trailer can weigh anywhere from 800 to 3000 pounds.

3. Motorcycle Trailer

Motorcycle Trailer

A motorcycle, built to tow one or more motorcycles behind another vehicle, will usually weigh around 500 pounds when it’s empty, though a smaller trailer may weigh as little as 300 pounds, and a bigger trailer can weigh as much as 800 pounds.

Like jet ski trailers, motorcycle trailers will vary in weight and weight capacity based on how many motorcycles they’re meant to carry. The average load capacity is 1900 pounds. A trailer that can only carry one motorcycle might weigh 1300 pounds at most when loaded, and a bigger trailer might weigh up to 3500 pounds when it’s filled to capacity.

4. Fishing Boat Trailer

Fishing Boat Trailer

A fishing boat trailer, meant to hold a light boat, will usually weigh around 600 pounds when empty. A smaller trailer might weigh only 200 pounds, and bigger trailers can weigh up to 1100 pounds. Most fishing boat trailers can carry about 2700 pounds.

The length of the trailer and the length of the boat will determine how much the trailer weighs when it’s loaded. If they’re shorter, they may only weigh 900 pounds together. If they’re longer, their combined weight can get up to 6000 pounds.

5. Tow Dolly

travel trailer average weight

The average tow dolly weighs 600 pounds by itself. Depending on how the tow dolly is built, it might weigh as little as 400 pounds or as much as 800 pounds.

Tow dollies are usually made to be used for towing vehicles that way somewhere between 2600 and 4200 pounds, with the 3400 being the average capacity for the tow dolly. That means the combined weight of the tow dolly and the vehicle it’s helping to pull can be anywhere from 3000 pounds to 5000 pounds.

6. Small Open Utility Trailer

travel trailer average weight

An open utility trailer is like the bed of a stake bed truck, but as a trailer so that an SUV can pull it. These trailers vary greatly in size, build, and capacity and small ones that are less than 10 feet long can weigh anywhere from 300 to 1100 pounds.

On average, small open utility trailers weigh about 700 pounds when they’re empty. The average cargo capacity is 1800 pounds, which gives a total of 2500 pounds for the average trailer. Some trailers may only be able to carry 700 pounds for a total weight of 1000, while others may be able to carry a load of about 2000.

7. Small Enclosed Utility Trailer

travel trailer average weight

The weight of enclosed trailers varies even more than that of open trailers. The small ones, 12 feet long or less, average 1000 pounds empty, but can weigh as little as 400 pounds or as much as 1800. A trailer with more axles or that’s made with heavier materials will weigh more than another trailer of similar length.

When loaded to capacity, the average small enclosed trailer could weigh around 2200 pounds. The smallest weighs 2000 pounds, and the largest weighs 7000 pounds at full capacity.

8. Teardrop Trailer

Teardrop Trailer

The weight of a teardrop camper trailer will vary based on the features that are built into the camper. On average, a trailer will weigh about 1700 pounds empty, but its empty weight could be anywhere between 500 and 3200 pounds.

It will be on the heavier side if it has features like a kitchen built in, and it will be much lighter if it’s just a bare-bones camper for keeping the rain off.

Usually, a fully loaded camper will only be able to carry 700 pounds of cargo, for a total weight of 1200 pounds.

9. A-Frame Camper

A-Frame Camper

An A-frame camper will weigh 1700 pounds on average, not counting any cargo. These types of campers can weigh anywhere from 1200 to 2300 pounds when they’re empty, and 2500 to 3600 pounds when they’re loaded to capacity. Most will carry about 1200 pounds of cargo. That’s a lot more cargo space than teardrop campers have.

10. Car Trailer

Car Trailer

A car trailer will usually weigh about 1900 pounds by itself. If it’s built lighter, it might weigh as little as 1500 pounds. Heavier builds can weigh as much as 2800 pounds.

The load capacity will depend both on the length and the construction of the trailer, but the average capacity is 7100 pounds. A smaller one may have a maximum weight of 6000 pounds when loaded, and a larger one that holds two cars could weigh up to 15000 pounds.

11. Large Boat Trailer

Large Boat Trailer

A large boat trailer, one that’s made for hauling heavy boats like motorboats and yachts, can vary greatly in weight. The lightest ones weigh 1100 pounds, and the heaviest weigh 4400 pounds. On average, they weigh 2200 pounds, but that doesn’t mean much given how different these trailers can get.

They vary even more in weight capacity. A small one that’s only meant to carry a motorboat might weigh 5400 max when it’s loaded up, but a big one could weigh as much as 34400 pounds when it’s carrying a huge craft. The average capacity is 11400 pounds, but again, that doesn’t mean a lot since the boats they carry vary so greatly.

12. Pop Up Camper

Pop Up Camper

Pop-up campers weigh 2300 pounds on average when unloaded. Depending on the features it’s equipped with, a certain camper might weigh as little as 1400 pounds or as much as 3000 pounds.

The features will also limit the amount of cargo capacity. A fully loaded camper might weigh anywhere from 2700 to 4000 pounds.

The average pop-up camper can carry about 1100 pounds. Like an A-frame camper, it’s a good amount of storage space for a nice camping trip.

13. Large Enclosed Utility Trailer

We Recommend These Size Trailers

Like the smaller enclosed trailers, large enclosed trailers have a lot of variation in weight. These are trailers 12 feet or longer and have a bumper pull coupler. Some weigh as little as 900 pounds when empty, and some weigh as much as 5200 pounds. The average trailer in this category weighs 2700 pounds.

The load capacity varies even more between these trailers. Their maximum total weight when loaded might be anywhere from 3000 pounds to 10000 pounds. 10000 pounds is the maximum GVWR that non-CDL drivers can tow. On average, one of these trailers can carry about 4400 pounds.

14. Small Travel Trailer

Small Travel Trailer

A small travel trailer can weigh anywhere between 1200 and 3900 pounds when empty, given that it isn’t longer than 22 feet. On average, trailers in this size range weigh about 2800 pounds when empty.

Unlike A-frames and pop-up campers, these trailers don’t tend to have a lot of capacity for extra cargo. The average travel trailer can only carry 800 pounds. One with a stronger build and more axles may be able to carry a maximum of 1400 pounds in cargo.

A fully loaded trailer might weigh anywhere from 1900 pounds to 4500 pounds.

15. Small Horse Trailer

travel trailer average weight

A horse trailer made for no more than two horses weighs 2900 pounds on average, given there’s nothing in it. Trailers of this size range from 2300 to 3900 pounds when empty.

The strongest of these horse trailers can weigh up to 8000 pounds when loaded to capacity. The cargo capacity is usually around 4300 pounds.

16. Large Flatbed Trailer

large trailer flatbed

A large flatbed trailer, generally for hauling equipment and other utility cargo, can weigh as little as 500 pounds or as much as 7700 pounds by itself. The average is 3000 pounds.

They might have a maximum total weight of 2900 pounds, but heavier-duty ones could weigh as much as 26000 pounds when they’re loaded to capacity. That’s not even counting the gooseneck trailers, but we’ll get to those.

17. Dump Trailer

Dump Trailer

An empty dump trailer weighs 4500 pounds on average when it’s not loaded, but empty dump trailers can weigh as little as 1100 pounds or as much as 10000 pounds.

Those smaller ones can only carry enough cargo to make bring their total weight up to 3000 pounds. The larger ones might weigh up to 30000 pounds when loaded to capacity. The average dump trailer weighs around 12400 pounds when fully loaded, which gives it a load capacity of about 7900 pounds.

18. Large Travel Trailer

Large Travel Trailer

An average large travel trailer weighs 6700 pounds when empty. This is any travel trailer that’s bigger than a small travel trailer but smaller than a 5th-wheel camper. The weight varies based on the features the trailer is equipped with and how many axles it has. It may weigh as little as 4500 pounds or as much as 9000 pounds.

The load, including the fluids that make the features work, can bring the trailer’s total weight up to anywhere between 6300 and 10500 pounds. The average one has a load capacity of 1600 pounds.

19. Gooseneck Flatbed Trailer

Gooseneck Flatbed Trailer

Gooseneck flatbed trailers, made for heavy-duty hauling, can weigh anywhere from 4700 to 10000 pounds when empty. The average trailer weighs 7000 pounds and can carry 16000 pounds of cargo. A gooseneck trailer loaded to capacity could weigh as little as 16000 pounds or as much as 36000 pounds.

20. Large Livestock Trailer

Large Livestock Trailer

Large livestock trailers are a lot bigger than the small horse trailers we covered earlier. On average, an empty trailer weighs about 7300 pounds and can carry a load of 11400 pounds.

However, these trailers vary greatly in size and capacity. An empty one may weigh as little as 4200 pounds or as much as 11000 pounds. The smallest might weigh up to 14000 when fully loaded, and the heavy-duty ones can get up to 24000 pounds at capacity.

21. Toy Hauler

travel trailer average weight

A toy hauler can have a variety of purposes, and so they can vary greatly in weight and load capacity. On average, they weigh 7600 pounds and can carry 10000 pounds of cargo.

A lighter one can weigh as little as 3600 pounds when empty, and a heavier one can be as heavy as 11400 pounds. That weight will depend on the features the trailer has, how many axles there are, and how long the trailer is. A fully loaded one may weigh anywhere from 15000 to 22000 pounds.

22. 5th Wheel Camper

5th Wheel Camper

A 5th wheel camper can weigh anywhere from 5000 to 16000 pounds when empty, with the average being 12700 pounds. This sort of camper has the most cargo capacity of any other, with most being able to carry 6000 pounds. That includes the fluids that make the features work, but those aren’t going to put a dent into 6000 pounds any time soon.

Even the lightest-duty 5th wheel camper has a maximum total weight of 17000 pounds, and the heavier duty ones can get up to 20000 pounds when fully loaded.

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Average Travel Trailer Weight (With 35 Examples)

Before you buy a travel trailer, knowing the weight is incredibly important. This vital statistic will determine how suitable the travel trailer is for your car, truck, or other vehicle. It helps you understand if the trailer is fit for purpose, so you might assume finding the weight is a simple task.

Average Weight of a Travel Trailer (With 35 Examples)

Although the manufacturer will generally reference the weight of the travel trailer, this isn’t quite the full story.

There are a few other details and ratings that have to be considered before you make a choice. Factor in the weight of everything you add to the trailer, and determining how suitable your trailer is for your car becomes much more complicated.

Considering weight, length, age, and all the additional factors can give you a fairly accurate weight for your travel trailer. Use this guide to find out everything you need to know about the average weight of the travel trailer.

What’s The Average Weight Of A Travel Trailer?

The average weight of a small travel trailer is 3500 lbs , and the average weight of a large travel trailer is 6300 lbs . However, this is just the average, so there are travel trailers that weigh significantly more or less than that.

A travel trailer might weigh anywhere between 1000 lbs, and 9000 lbs . Some even up to 10,000 lbs .

The length is an incredibly significant factor in determining the weight of a travel trailer, and there’s plenty of variety to be found here.

The average travel trailer is around 25 feet in length , 10 feet high , and 7 to 8 feet wide .

All these measurements are important when considering the weight of a travel trailer, but it’s the length that has the most variety. The length of a travel trailer can vary from 10 feet to 38 feet. Most trailers are 20 to 30 feet.

Height can also vary, although there isn’t the same amount of choice. Width changes very little, as the trailer has to be safe for road usage.

The weight of the travel trailer is hugely dependent on the length. So, you might assume that knowing the length means you understand the weight. However, it isn’t quite that simple. There are other factors that contribute to the overall weight of the travel trailer.

At this point, you might be wondering why it’s so important to understand the weight of your travel trailer.

A travel trailer needs to be pulled by another vehicle, so that vehicle needs to have the correct towing limit. A travel trailer that’s too heavy for the vehicle can’t be safely towed. A car will have a limit that cannot be exceeded.

When you know the rough weight of the travel trailer, you can see if it’s suitable for your vehicle, and if you have a good enough hitch.

Weight also affects the driver’s license requirements. Depending on the state, a larger travel trailer may require a different license to drive legally.

Understanding the dry weight of the trailer itself isn’t the only thing you need to know. When we take our trailers out, we need to pack them with everything necessary for the trip. This adds to the overall weight of the travel trailer.

Finding the total weight of your travel trailer means finding the dry weight, and the weight it can handle. Below, we’ll go into detail about the terms and acronyms used when describing the different weights of the trailer.

The first thing you need to know is what factors affect the weight of the travel trailer.

How Length And Age Affect The Weight Of A Travel Trailer

The length of the travel trailer is directly related to how much the trailer weighs. A longer trailer will weigh more than a shorter trailer, with the weight increasing with every inch of length added.

If you’re trying to find a lighter travel trailer, you should start by looking at the shorter models. Without the added feet of length, these trailers have less weighing them down. Smaller trailers can’t carry as much, either, which means a smaller trailer will still weigh less when fully loaded.

Some examples;

  • An 18-foot travel trailer will have an average weight of 2000 lbs .
  • The average weight of a 25 ft. travel trailer is around 5000 lbs.
  • A 35-foot travel trailer will have an average weight of 7500 lbs.

Height can also affect the weight of a travel trailer, but there’s less variety in size. A trailer will only be between roughly 8 and 12 feet in height. So, while a taller trailer does increase the weight, it isn’t as noticeable a difference.

Furthermore, a longer trailer has more room for additional weights such as appliances and furniture. Extra height doesn’t have the same effect.

A shorter trailer will have less weight on average than a longer trailer. But there’s more to it than simply finding the length. The age of the trailer can have a surprising effect.

Older trailers tend to be heavier, because the construction techniques and materials are less refined. As technology improves, sturdy trailers are built using lighter materials. So, if you’re buying a travel trailer second hand, you should consider the age as well as the length.

The furniture of an older trailer often contributes to the weight. If you have a second hand trailer, then bulky furnishings, including doors and windows, may be adding excessive weight. Even a small trailer can weigh a lot when filled with heavy materials.

Something else to consider is if the travel trailer has a slide out. A slide out provides the trailer with a larger living space, but it also adds a significant amount to the overall weight. A short trailer with a slide out may end up weighing as much as a longer trailer without a slide out.

A slide out can potentially add as much as 800 lbs to the weight of a trailer. However, the slide out might still be a low weight alternative to increasing space. It’s a tricky balancing act between space, length, and weight.

While length is an important consideration, it’s also important that you don’t see it as the only thing that matters. Otherwise, you might be surprised when your small trailer ends up heavier than you assumed.

Understanding The Weight Of Your Travel Trailer (Acronyms And Terminology)

Before you begin finding the weight of your travel trailer, you need to understand the terminology used. Otherwise, you might misinterpret what weight the manufacturer has provided.

The weight the manufacturer provides generally refers to the unloaded weight. This is the weight of the trailer itself, without anything on.

However, the weight will change as you start to pack up your travel trailer. By the time you’re ready to hit the road, your trailer might be a completely different weight, and no longer suitable for your vehicle and hitch.

This might mean you need to do some math to determine the total weight of your travel trailer.

First is the Unloaded Vehicle Weight, or the UVW. This is sometimes known as the dry weight. The UVW refers to the weight of the travel trailer when it’s empty of everything, including water tanks and propane tanks.

The UVW is often what’s provided by the manufacturer, but it doesn’t quite tell the full story. By the time the travel trailer is fully loaded, it might have gained an extra 1500 lbs, on top of the dry weight.

There’s also the dry hitch weight. This refers to the weight of the trailer that rests on the hitch, which is typically around 10 to 20 percent of the total weight. The rest of the weight will be balanced on the wheels and axle.

Next is the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating, or the GVWR. This is the maximum weight that the travel trailer can be when fully loaded. This number includes the passengers and driver, as well as fuel and water, and anything else you bring with you.

The CCC, or Cargo Carrying Capacity, is the total weight available for equipment, accessories, cargo, and passengers. To find the CCC, take away the UVW from the GVWR .

Another acronym to be aware of is GCWR, which stands for Gross Combined Weight Rating. This refers to the maximum weight of the trailer and the towing vehicle combined.

Finally, there’s the Sleep Capacity Weight Rating, or the SCWR. A simple acronym, this refers to how many people are allowed to sleep on the travel trailer. Travel trailers generally have room for 2 or 3 sleepers. The SCWR will assign an assumed weight for each passenger, and calculate from there.

As you can see, the unloaded and loaded weights of the travel trailer are quite different. Knowing them both will give you an accurate idea of the weight that your car will be towing, so you can determine what’s suitable.

Now that you understand what you’re looking for, we can give you some examples of the average weight of different travel trailers.

The 5 Longest Travel Trailers You Can Buy

Small Travel Trailer Weight (With Examples)

To help better understand the correlation of weight and length in a trailer, it’s useful to see some examples. This allows you to easily comprehend how the length interacts with weight, and how it isn’t quite as simple you might first assume.

For small travel trailers, we’ve rounded up some popular brands that sell trailers that are 25’ long or less. We’ve put them in weight order, so you can see how the length and weight isn’t always a direct correlation.

  • Coachmen Clipper 9.0TD. Length: 14’2”. UVW: 1,418 lbs.
  • Aliner Ascape Plus. Length: 13’. UVW: 1630 lbs.
  • Forest River Flagstaff E-Pro E12SRK. Length: 12’3”. UVW: 1,763 lbs.
  • Coachmen Clipper 12.0TD MAX. Length: 17’5”. UVW: 2,225 lbs.
  • Forest River Flagstaff E-Pro E15TB. Length: 16’4”. UVW: 2,667 lbs.
  • KZ Sportsmen Classic 180BH. Length: 21’5”. UVW: 2,690 lbs.
  • Forest River R-Pod RP-171. Length: 19’. UVW: 2,714 lbs.
  • Jayco Hummingbird 16MRB. Length: 19’10”. UVW: 2,890 lbs.
  • KZ Sportsmen Classic 160QB. Length: 22’. UVW: 2,900 lbs.
  • Forest River Flagstaff E-Pro E16BH. Length: 19’. UVW: 3,280 lbs.
  • KZ Sportsmen Classic 180RBT. Length: 21’9”. UVW: 3,370 lbs.
  • Forest River R-Pod RP-192. Length: 22’2”. UVW: 3,379 lbs.
  • Coachmen Apex Nano 185BH. Length: 20’ 7”. UVW: 3,406 lbs.
  • Forest River Flagstaff E-Pro E20FBS. Length: 21’8”. UVW: 3,442 lbs.
  • Coachmen Apex Nano 194BHS. Length: 22’8”. UVW: 3,634 lbs.
  • Forest River R-Pod RP-193. Length: 22’11”. UVW: 3,654 lbs.
  • Airstream Flying Cloud 23FB. Length: 23’9”. UVW: 4,000 lbs.
  • Coachmen Apex Nano 208BHS. Length: 25’. UVW: 4,260 lbs.
  • Forest River R-Pod RP-202. Length: 25’. UVW: 4,574 lbs.

As you can see, length does play a significant role in the weight of a travel trailer. But you can also see that length clearly isn’t the only factor. Some longer trailers, such as the KZ Sportsmen Classic 180BH, weigh less than shorter travel trailers.

Part of this might be caused by the build of the trailer, and the materials used in construction. Clever building techniques and lightweight materials allow larger trailers to be built at a lower weight.

So, you must consider the brand, and the build, when deciding on the length of your travel trailer.

Large Travel Trailer Weight (With Examples)

From looking at the specs of small travel trailers, we could see a close connection between length and weight. For larger travel trailers, the length and weight is even more important. Larger trailers aren’t suitable for all vehicles, and some may even require a different driver’s license.

To see just how large a travel trailer can be, this list covers the weight and length of some of the biggest options available.

All these trailers are over 25’ long, and some are close to 40’. A larger travel trailer is able to sleep multiple people, and will have plenty of room for storage. When considering a larger trailer, it’s necessary to consider the GCWR, as well as the UVW.

  • Prime Time Avenger 21RBS. Length: 27’7”. UVW: 5,209 lbs.
  • Airstream Flying Cloud 25FB. Length: 25’11”. UVW: 5,600 lbs.
  • Prime Time Avenger 25FSLE. Length: 29’7”. UVW: 5,673 lbs.
  • Cruiser Radiance R-25BH. Length: 29’11”. UVW: 5,727 lbs.
  • Airstream Flying Cloud 28RB. Length: 28’. UVW: 6,100 lbs.
  • Jayco Jay Flight 28BHBE. Length: 33’7”. UVW: 6,640 lbs.
  • Jayco Jay Bird 29RKS. Length: 33’11”. Weight: 6,750 lbs.
  • Forest River Flagstaff Super Lite 26FKBS. Length: 29’8”. UVW: 6,838 lbs.
  • Prime Time Tracer 28RES. Length: 32’11”. UVW: 6,866 lbs.
  • Cruiser Radiance R-30DS. Length: 35’5”. UVW: 7,160 lbs.
  • Forest River Flagstaff Super Lite 27BHWS. Length: 32’10”. UVW: 7,310 lbs.
  • Forest River Flagstaff Super Lite 29BHS. Length: 35’5”. UVW: 7,605 lbs.
  • Jayco Jay Flight 31MLS. Length: 35’7”. UVW: 7,975 lbs.
  • Forest River Flagstaff Super Lite 27FBIK. Length: 33’1”. UVW: 8,324 lbs.
  • Jayco Jay Flight 33RBTS. Length: 37’10”. UVW: 8,750 lbs.
  • Prime Time RV Lacrosse 3411RK. Length: 38’10”. UVW: 8,963 lbs.

Again, the length of the trailer plays a huge role in determining the weight. But, as with the smaller trailers, it isn’t the only factor.

Build, size, and materials can all affect the weight of the travel trailer. Another factor that needs to be considered is the floor plan. It might be surprising, but the layout of a travel trailer can affect the weight distribution.

A travel trailer under 10,000 lbs is unlikely to require a separate license to tow. However, in some states, to tow a large and heavy travel trailer may need to apply for a Class B Non-Commercial license.

What Else Adds Weight To A Travel Trailer?

We can clearly see that for the average travel trailer, length and weight are closely connected. However, we can also see that it isn’t the only factor. Sometimes, a smaller trailer can be heavier, and some longer options can be surprisingly light.

Once you’ve purchased your trailer, you probably want to get out onto the road fairly quickly. No one wants a travel trailer just to sit in the garage . So, you pack up, hitch the trailer to your car, and get ready to go. Only to discover that you can’t tow the trailer.

This might be because you’ve been thinking about the UVW, and not the GVWR. That means you’ve only considered the unloaded weight, and you’ve forgotten the load.

The UVW is the weight the manufacturer often provides, and it doesn’t include all the added cargo. If you’ve bought a larger trailer because your vehicle can tow the UVW, it might struggle with the larger GVWR.

So, here are the items of cargo that tend to add the most weight to the travel trailer:

  • The generator. Every travel trailer needs a generator, and choosing the right size isn’t easy. Too small, and it can’t provide the level of power you require. Too large, and it weighs the trailer down. A handheld portable generator can be fantastic, but even these end up adding a significant amount of weight to the trailer. Before purchasing your generator, consider exactly what it needs to be used for, and what size you can get away with.
  • Water. It’s easy to forget about the water weight, because it’s so vital. However, it’s important to factor this in when considering the total weight of your travel trailer. Once the water tank has been filled , the weight of the trailer will increase significantly. And while you can cut down on appliances and comforts, the trailer needs water.
  • Fuel. Dry weight, or the UVW, doesn’t include the weight of a full fuel tank. Again, this is an added weight, but a necessary one.
  • Appliances. One of the great things about travel trailers is that they can feel like a home away from home. But every time you add a home comfort to your travel trailer, you increase the weight. With some items, this weight may not make much of a difference, but it can quickly start to add up. Plus, the more electricals you take, the larger a generator you’ll require.
  • Repair kits/hoses/first aid kit/etc. Basically, all the essentials. There are some things you need to take in your travel trailer, to ensure smooth running. Sometimes, these things are so necessary, we forget that they add weight.

There are many things that add weight to the travel trailer, and a lot of them are fairly essential. But with some careful packing, you can easily reduce the load.

Correctly Distributing Weight In A Travel Trailer

Sometimes, you can easily spot that a travel trailer has been loaded incorrectly.

There will be an obvious lean, or tilt, and you can easily see where the weight has built up. Other times, it isn’t quite so simple. Instead, you’ll only notice that the weight is off center when you start to drive.

Uneven weight distribution can seriously impact the safety of your trip. The towing hitch and the trailer can both be affected by incorrect loading. Before you start packing up your travel trailer, you need to know how to distribute the weight.

When the trailer is manufactured, it’s built in a way that correctly distributes the weight for towing.

First, you need to place the heaviest cargo at the front of the trailer. It should be ahead of the axle, and evenly distributed from left to right.

Start with the heavy cargo first, so you can secure everything in place. The cargo shouldn’t shift as you drive, as this ruins all the work you did finding an even distribution. It can also cause damage to the cargo, and the trailer.

As a general rule, 60% of the weight should be in front of the trailer’s axle.

In many cases, the travel trailer will come with a guide from the manufacturer explaining the best way to load. Read this to understand the best weight distribution for your specific brand of trailer.

An incorrect weight distribution will generally be noticeable as you tow the vehicle. The more you use the trailer, the better you should understand how to load correctly.

A fully loaded travel trailer should never weigh more than the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating. If you exceed this weight limit, you may cause damage to the hitch, the towing car, or the trailer itself.

Even correctly distributed weight can’t make up for a trailer that’s too heavy for the tow.

Once you’ve got everything loaded, you can weigh your trailer to check that it’s within the correct specifications. Weigh with and without the car, to understand where the weight is.

12 Best Small Travel Trailers for a Family of 4

How To Make Your Travel Trailer Lighter

When you first weigh your travel trailer, it can be a surprise to discover just how heavy it is when fully loaded.

All the small and light things you pack are heavy when put together, until you’re adding a significant amount of weight to your trailer.

Many of us have been over enthusiastic with our first load, and ended up overpassing the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating by some amount.

Don’t worry, it happens. You just have to learn a few tricks for cutting down the excess. Here are some easy ways to make your travel trailer lighter.

  • Begin by weighing the trailer both with and without the car. This helps you understand exactly where the weight is coming from. Don’t waste time taking everything off the travel trailer, when the real problem is a packed car.
  • Make sure you know your limits. Stay aware of the GVWR as you pack, so you don’t go over.
  • Budget for the essentials. There are some things that are necessary, including water and fuel. These have to be the priority, so make them your first consideration.
  • Get rid of anything you haven’t been using. It’s tempting to pack everything you possibly can, but those little appliances can have a big effect. Take away anything that isn’t being used, any extras that you can easily live without, and all the things you forgot were in there in the first palace.
  • Replace heavy furniture with lighter alternatives. Built-in furniture can often be surprisingly heavy. Take it out, and add new, lightweight replacements. This is true for doors as well, which can generally be replaced with curtains. Also, drawers and cabinets can sometimes be switched with lighter materials.
  • Don’t forget the outside. Are you towing around a bike rack but no bike? There are frequently things on the outside of the trailer that don’t get used, and end up completely forgotten. Take them off, and you can reduce the weight significantly.
  • Use aluminum for repairs. Aluminum is fantastic for repairs on a travel trailer because it’s strong but light. Learn to work with this material, and you may not reduce the weight of the trailer, but you’ll ensure you aren’t adding more.
  • Write a checklist of what you need. Don’t overload just because you’ve forgotten what you already have. Write a checklist and stick to it. At the end of your trip, look back through the list. Were there items you didn’t need? Can they be left behind next time?
  • Calculate the watts you actually use, and buy a smaller generator. Or, try and install solar panels. They can provide the bulk of the power, while a reduced size generator does the rest.

The more you use your travel trailer, the better you’ll understand what items are necessities, and what will be left behind. The travel trailer is a great way to lead a simplified life, so you don’t need to pack it full of gadgets to have a good time.

How Does The Weight Of A Travel Trailer Compare To Other RVs?

The standard travel trailer is a wonderful choice for touring and exploring. If you prefer a lighter option , the pop-up travel trailer, or the teardrop travel trailer both weigh significantly less on average. A small pop-up trailer could weigh as little as 600 lbs.

The larger travel trailer is the fifth wheel travel trailer. Some of these can weigh upwards of 10,000 lbs, and will require a separate license to drive.

If you’re choosing between a motorhome and a travel trailer, you may be interested in the weight difference.

The largest motorhomes are Class A motorhomes. These have a length between 21 feet and 45 feet. The average Class A motorhome is 33 feet long. The weight range is between 16,000 and 30,000 lbs. A Class A motorhome is almost a house on wheels.

A Class C motorhome is smaller than a Class A, and also lighter. Class C motorhomes tend to weigh between 12,000 and 20,000 lbs, and are 28 feet long on average. With a separate bathroom area, these are a comfortable size.

The Class B motorhome is the smallest of them all. These are generally the size of a van, and will weigh between 4,000 and 14,000 lbs. Although they may not have the luxury of space you can expect to find in a Class A or C motorhome, they’re an economical choice for short trips.

Final Thoughts On The Average Travel Trailer Weight

Knowing the weight of your travel trailer when it’s loaded and unloaded is incredibly important. It ensures you’re safe on the road, and can even affect the type of license you need.

Before buying a trailer, you should understand the unloaded weight, the total weight allowance, and what that means for your towing vehicle.

Keeping the weight of your travel trailer low makes it easier to maneuver, and more efficient to run. Although a travel trailer is generally lighter than an RV, or other types of motorhome, it’s still a heavy item.

Length and weight of the travel trailer are closely linked. A shorter trailer will generally weigh less than a longer trailer. On average, a travel trailer will weigh between 2000 lbs and 8000 lbs, depending on the size and build.

Understand the weight and allowances of your travel trailer. Then you can enjoy the experience, without the worry of a heavy trailer.

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  1. Average Weight Of A Travel Trailer (With 35 Examples)

    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.

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

    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.

  3. A Guide to Trailer Weights by Trailer Type

    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.

  4. Average Trailer Weights Examples

    Water weighs eight pounds per gallon, and an average trailer has a 48 gallon fresh water tank. Just your fresh water tank will add nearly 400 pounds to the weight of your trailer. Then, we add in gear to the camper. A generator capable of powering a travel trailer air conditioner weighs about 90 pounds.

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

    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. Make/Model. Length.

  6. What do 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.

  7. 2023 Average Camper Weight (15 Example Campers)

    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 ...

  8. Average Weight of a 24′ Travel Trailer (with 10 examples)

    Exterior Length: 24 feet, 2 inches. Unladen Vehicle Weight: 4,113 lbs. Cargo Carrying Capacity: 1,482 lbs. Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: 5,595 lbs. Hitch Weight: 495 lbs. This travel trailer has a clean, open floor plan with a good amount of walking space. You won't feel cramped in this model! A queen-sized bed occupies the front of the ...

  9. Understanding Weight of RVs, 5th Wheels and Trailers

    Class C RVs have a dry weight of 10,000 to 12,000 pounds and are 20 to 30 feet long. Travel trailers, pop up campers and 5th wheels do not have the weight of an engine and therefore weigh much less than a motorhome RV. A trailer type of RV typically weighs anywhere from around 1,500 to 7,000 pounds dry. Travel trailers and pop-ups attach to a ...

  10. Average Weight of Travel Trailers (Including Tips for Tow Weight)

    The average weight of a standard travel trailer is 5,200 lbs. Other types of trailers will weigh less, like a pop-up trailer, while toy haulers will weigh more. To tow a travel trailer, you will usually need a mid-sized SUV or truck. There are so many lengths and mechanization that it is important to look in-depth at individual trailer and needs.

  11. Average Travel Trailer Weight: How Much Does A Camper 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 ...

  12. Average Travel Trailer Weight In 2024 (37+ Camper Examples)

    The average dry weight of a travel trailer measures around 5,200 lbs. It only comes fitted with standard types of equipment. Another side, the average gross weight of a trailer is 7,000 lbs. The gross weight is a combination of unloaded vehicle weight with cargo capacity.

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

    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 ...

  14. The Average Weight of Travel Trailers (Including Tips for Tow Weight

    The average weight of a travel trailer is between 1,200 to 8,700 pounds and up. You'll need a heavy-duty pickup truck like a Ford F-150 or a Nissan Titan XD to haul that much weight. An SUV is also a suitable towing vehicle. In today's article, we'll tell you everything you need to know about travel trailer weight. We'll even present a ...

  15. How Much Does a 30-Foot Travel Trailer Weigh?

    That said, the average dry weight of a 30-foot travel trailer is about 5,500 pounds. Factors That Influence Travel Trailer Weight. ... For example, if the dry weight of your travel trailer is 5,100 pounds (2,313 kilograms), your new net weight would be 5,700 pounds (2,585 kilograms). Naturally, this total doesn't include the weight of trailer ...

  16. Average Weight of a 26-Foot Travel Trailer (15 Examples)

    A 26-foot travel trailer generally has a dry weight of between 4,500 and 6,000 pounds and a fully loaded weight of between 5,000 and 6,500 pounds. Depending on the make and model of the camper and the amount of gear loaded into the trailer. If you're looking for a more detailed answer, though, keep reading.

  17. How Much Does a Travel Trailer Weigh? A Detailed Answer

    Travel trailers range in weight from 1,200 to about 9,000 pounds. They come in various styles, lengths, and constructions, allowing for a wide range of weights. Smaller travel trailers have an average maximum weight of around 3,500 pounds, while larger models can reach over 10,000 pounds when fully loaded. Keep reading for more information!

  18. Average Weight of a 20-Foot Travel Trailer With 12 Examples

    A 20-foot travel trailer will generally have a dry weight of between 2,500 and 4,000 pounds and a fully loaded weight of between 3,000 and 4,500 pounds. Depending on the make and model of the trailer and the amount of cargo loaded into the camper. If you're looking for a more detailed answer, though, keep reading.

  19. How Much Do Small Travel Trailers Weigh? Answered

    So to begin, let's take a look at the average weight of a small camper. Small travel trailers typically have a dry weight or unloaded weight ranging from 1,200 to 4,000 pounds, and a gross vehicle weight rating, ranging from 2,000 to 6,000 pounds. However, simply knowing the average dry weight and gross vehicle weight rating of small travel ...

  20. Average Trailer Weights by Type: Understanding the Load on Your Hitch

    Small Travel Trailer Weight. Average Weight: 2,500 - 5,000 lbs; Description: Small travel trailers offer the convenience of a home on wheels, making them a popular choice for road trips and camping adventures. Their weight can vary based on their size and the amenities they provide. Small Horse Trailer Weight. Average Weight: 2,000 - 5,500 lbs

  21. Trailer Weights by Trailer Type

    The average dump trailer weighs around 12400 pounds when fully loaded, which gives it a load capacity of about 7900 pounds. 18. Large Travel Trailer Large Travel Trailer. An average large travel trailer weighs 6700 pounds when empty. This is any travel trailer that's bigger than a small travel trailer but smaller than a 5th-wheel camper.

  22. Jayco Eagle Travel Trailer Average Weight (With 11 models listed)

    The average weight of an unladen Jayco Eagle travel trailer is 8,574 lbs. The lightest model is 7,090 lbs. and the heaviest is 10,441. Once fuel, water, and other cargo are added though, the weights can be much higher than this. Knowing the average sizes and weight specifications of these trailers are important.

  23. Average Travel Trailer Weight (With 35 Examples)

    The average weight of a small travel trailer is 3500 lbs, and the average weight of a large travel trailer is 6300 lbs. However, this is just the average, so there are travel trailers that weigh significantly more or less than that. A travel trailer might weigh anywhere between 1000 lbs, and 9000 lbs. Some even up to 10,000 lbs.