It is important to know the weight of your car trailer. Because this information can help you gauge how much cargo can be loaded on the trailer and how the total weight is distributed.
Car trailer weight
The weight of a car trailer ranges from 1,500 lbs. to 2,800 lbs. with an average of 1,900 lbs. You can calculate this by using the two values on the VIN sticker, which are GVWR and MPC.
GVWR is the gross vehicle weight rating, meaning that the sum of the load and the trailer’s own weight cannot exceed this rating. The GVMR for car trailers ranges from 6,000 to 15,000, with an average load capacity of typically 7,100 pounds.
MPC is the maximum payload capacity and refers to the weight you can add to the trailer. In no case should you carry more weight than the MPC or you may have an accident?
Trailer weight = GVWR – MPC
In addition to the above-even indicators, there is a more important indicator on the side of the trailer: GAWR, Gross Axle Weight Rating. It represents the maximum weight that the trailer axle can bear.
The weight located on and near the axle must not exceed the GAWR or it may cause the axle to break.
Managing the weight of the trailer
1. Weight Allocation
When assigning weight, you need to know where each item is going. With a trailer, 60% of the loaded weight should be loaded in the front of the trailer and 40% in the back of the trailer. Place the heaviest items as far forward as possible to ensure that the trailer is stable when traveling.
2. Securing
During transportation, all cargo needs to be well secured. Every car trailer usually has D-rings or other designs on the side for securing the load. Belts are effective tools for securing loads. This not only helps to manage the weight distribution on the trailer, but also helps to protect the load on the trailer.
The Importance of Trailer Weight
1. Ensure safe transportation
Your load is within the weight rating of your trailer and is the key to keeping everyone safe on the road. If the rating is exceeded, it could result in damage to the trailer, or cause damage to the road. These are things we do not want to happen.
2. Avoid trailer or tractor damage
Excessive weight or improper distribution of weight can cause serious damage to a trailer. These damages include engine, and transmission stress, tire wear, brake wear, and even chassis damage.
We hope you will have a pleasant trip. If we can help you in any way, please feel free to let us know. If you need a car tow, please don’t hesitate to contact us as well.
I found it helpful when you said that to ensure that the trailer is stable when traveling, the heaviest items must be placed as far forward as possible. This is a good tip for road and car towing companies that need to purchase trailers that will work best for them. I could imagine how they could consider your tips to tow cars and other heavy machines safely and efficiently.