If you’re in search of information on average trailer weights, you’re in the right place. These figures are valuable for determining the suitable size of a trailer to tow with your current or future truck.
Unveiling the Importance of Trailer Weight
There is a camper trailer for nearly every type of vehicle, even a car can tow a small one-man teardrop trailer. However, attempting to tow a massive 26′ trailer with a mini-SUV may stress its towing capacity.
In general, a vehicle claiming a towing capacity of 7,200 pounds (3,250 kilos) is sufficient for towing most trailers under 24 feet. Be cautious when shopping for trailers to avoid being misled by marketing claims of trailers being “lightweight” or “featherlite.”
Weight Breakdown of Popular Camper Models
On average, trailer weights hover around 5,200 pounds (2,350 kilos) in dry weight. This is the weight of the trailer without filled tanks and gear. To get a real-world example, add approximately 1,500 pounds (680 kilos) for gear and water.
The weight varies based on the camper trailer’s length and construction type. As a rule of thumb, expect your trailer, filled with water and gear, to weigh about 250 pounds per foot of trailer (box length, not including the hitch).
- 3,715 pounds without gear and water – 2015 Jayco Jayflight 19RD (19 feet box length)
- 3,786 pounds without gear and water – 2017 R-Pod RP-176 (17 feet long)
- 3,974 pounds without gear and water – 2017 Coleman CTS192RDWE (23 feet box length)
- 4,800 pounds without gear and water – 2017 Rockwood Mini-Light 2504s (25 foot long box length, 29 foot total length)
- 5,118 pounds without gear and water – 2017 Salem Hemisphere 24BH (24 foot long box length)
- 5,605 pounds without gear and water – 2015 Jayco Jay Flight 26RKS (26 foot long box length)
- 6,030 pounds without gear and water – 2015 Jayco Jay Flight 27RLS (27 foot long box length)
- 7,690 pounds without gear and water – 2016 Jayco Jay Flight 38BHDS (38 foot long box)
- 7,705 pounds without gear and water – 2017 Cherokee West 274DBH (32 foot long box)
Decoding Trailer Weight Numbers
Understanding the various numbers associated with trailers can be confusing. Focus on the unloaded vehicle weight and add 1,500 pounds for gear and water to get a practical figure.
- Unloaded vehicle weight: The weight of the camper itself without water or gear.
- Gross vehicle weight: The total weight of the trailer with full tanks and an average load of gear.
- Dry hitch weight: The dry hitch weight represents the load on the trailer ball when the trailer is without water and gear. Typically, this figure is relatively low, approximately 10% of the total trailer weight.
- Cargo carrying capacity: The maximum amount of gear the trailer can hold.
Trailer and Truck Considerations During RV Shopping
Check the sticker on the driver’s door of your tow vehicle for the accurate towing capacity. Rely on that number rather than the one obtained from online searches, as it depends on the vehicle’s options and packages.
The weight your tow vehicle can pull depends on the options and packages it was purchased with. This number represents the maximum weight the trailer can bear when empty or fully loaded. Stick to this weight rating, considering you’ll likely travel with a loaded trailer.
Impact of Water, and Gear on Trailer Weight
Water weighs eight pounds per gallon, and an average trailer has a 48-gallon fresh water tank, adding nearly 400 pounds to the trailer weight. Additional gear, such as a generator (90 pounds) and camping supplies (around 400 pounds), contributes to the overall weight.
Slides and Trailer Weight
Camper slide-outs increase trailer weight, with a single slide-out often adding 800 pounds. Motorized slide-outs contribute to the weight, unlike canvas tent “pop-outs.”
Fiberglass vs. Aluminum Trailers: A Weight Perspective
Camper trailers are built in two main ways: fiberglass construction, which is lighter with smooth exterior side walls, and “stick-built” trailers with aluminum corrugated siding, usually about 900 pounds heavier.
Tow Wisely: Don’t Max Out Your Towing Vehicle
While your vehicle may have a “maximum towing capacity” greater than your camper’s weight, it’s advisable not to tow it. Ensure the weight of the camper, plus 1,500 pounds, doesn’t exceed 80% of your towing vehicle’s total capacity.
Reasons not to max out your towing capacity:
- Risk of transmission burnout over the long term.
- Inability to drive near the speed limit uphill.
- Leave room for error in case of optimistic numbers from trailer companies or towing vehicles.
If you want a large RV, consider getting a matching larger truck.