Ball weight (also called towball download) is the downward weight your caravan puts on the tow vehicle’s towball. It’s easy to overlook, but it affects legality, handling and stability.
Where ball weight fits with other limits
- Your vehicle and your towbar each have a maximum ball weight. Use the lower of the two
- Ball weight counts as load on the tow vehicle, so it uses up part of your GVM (along with passengers and gear)
- Your caravan’s ATM is split between its axles (GTM) and the towball
RACV notes you need to be conscious of the maximum pressure you can put on the vehicle’s towball (RACV). For the other terms, see our ATM, GVM, GCM and tare explainer.
Why it matters
Too little ball weight (for example, heavy items at the back of the van) can contribute to sway. Too much can overload the rear of the tow vehicle, exceed towbar ratings and affect steering and braking. Manufacturers often recommend a ball weight range relative to the loaded van. Check your caravan and vehicle handbooks for their figures rather than relying on rules of thumb.
How to measure it
- Weighbridge: weigh the van on its own (jockey wheel included), then hitched with only the axles on the bridge. The difference is approximately your ball weight
- Towball scale: a dedicated scale under the jockey wheel or coupling gives a direct reading
- Measure with the van loaded as you travel: water, gas and gear
Adjusting ball weight
- Move heavy items forward or back over the axles. Heavy items low and centred over the axles is the core rule from Transport for NSW (Transport for NSW)
- Watch front-mounted extras like gas bottles, toolboxes and bikes on the drawbar, which add ball weight
- Rear bike racks and spare wheels reduce ball weight and can affect stability
- A weight distribution hitch can spread load but doesn’t increase your legal limits; follow the vehicle and hitch makers’ instructions
Record it
Note your limits and readings in the weight log of the Checklist Pack and re-check after changing your setup.
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