42 foot travel trailer weight

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

Trailer Weights by Trailer Type

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.

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.

Trailer Weights Explained

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Typical Weight of a 40 Foot Travel Trailer (15 Examples)

One of the most important things you need to know when towing a travel trailer is the weight of the trailer.  

And the larger the trailer, the more important this becomes, as some of the largest travel trailers can weigh well over 5 tons.  

Which can greatly impact the type of vehicle you will need to tow the trailer safely.  

And one of the largest campers you can buy is the 40-foot travel trailer, which really looks and feels more like a small home than a trailer.  

But just how much does a 40-foot travel trailer weigh ?  

A 40-foot travel trailer will typically have a dry weight between 8,000 and 11,000 pounds and a gross vehicle weight between 10,000 and 14,000 pounds.   With items such as trailer design, the number of slides, and four-season capability having the biggest impact on overall weight.

But if you want to know how much a specific 40-foot travel trailer weighs, keep reading.  

As we provide both the dry weight as well as the gross vehicle weight of some of the most popular 40-foot travel trailers on the market today .  

40 Foot Travel Trailer Weights (Lightest to Heaviest)

Understanding the numbers.

When shopping for an RV it’s important that you understand all the different weights associated with a typical travel trailer, because there are actually several different weights you need to be aware of.

The first weight you need to become familiar with is the dry weight of the travel trailer. 

The dry weight of a travel trailer is the weight of the trailer completely empty and unloaded with no cargo and empty holding tanks.  

Gross Vehicle Weight

The gross vehicle weight of a travel trailer is the trailer’s max weight rating which is set by the manufactuer of the RV.  

So the gross vehicle weight of the trailer is the max amount of weight the trailer can safely handle when it is fully loaded with gear and the tanks are full.  

Hitch Weight

Hitch weight is the amount of weight that the tongue of the trailer will load onto the hitch ball or receiver of your tow vehicle.  

Cargo Carrying Capacity

The last number you need to know when it comes to travel trailer weight is the cargo carrying capacity.  

The cargo-carrying capacity of a trailer is the max cargo weight that the travel trailer can handle.  

5 Popular 40 Foot Travel Trailers and their Specs

In order to give you an even better idea of all the different weights associated with a 40-foot travel trailer.

We wanted to highlight some of the more popular 40-foot travel trailers and provide their full specs with all their different weights including their dry weight, gross vehicle weight, hitch weight, and cargo-carrying capacity.

So you get a real feel for all the different weights associated with a 40-foot travel trailer.

Jayco Eagle 332CBOK (One of the Most Popular)

Quick specs.

• Cost :  $48,000 
• Length :  40 Feet 1 Inch
• Dry Weight :  10,885 Pounds
• Gross Vehicle Weight :  11,995 Pounds
• Hitch Weight :  1,325 Pounds
• Cargo Carrying Capacity :  1,110 Pounds

The Jayco Eagle 332CBOK is one of the most popular 40-foot travel trailers on the road today.  

Featuring a large rear entertainment area that includes ample seating, a fully equipped kitchen with a center island and residential-style appliances, and two large slides.

In addition, this spacious 40-foot travel trailer also comes equipped with a large three-piece center bath and an owner’s suite at the front of the trailer that can be optioned with a wash and dryer.  

Heartland Mallard M335 (Lightest)

• Cost :  $32,000 
• Length :  39 Feet 8 Inches
• Dry Weight :  9,320 Pounds
• Gross Vehicle Weight :  9,900 Pounds
• Hitch Weight :  780 Pounds
• Cargo Carrying Capacity :  1,028 Pounds

The Heartland Mallard M335 has the distinction of being one of the lightest 40-foot travel trailers you can buy, with a dry weight of 8,840 pounds and a gross vehicle weight of 9,900 pounds.

Making this large camper one of the few 40-foot travel trailers that has a gross vehicle weight under 10,000 pounds.  

In addition, this well-appointed travel trailer also has the distinction of being one of the cheapest 40-foot travel trailers you can buy with an average price of only $32,000.

Which is pretty amazing considering how large and well-equipped this travel trailer is from Heartland.  

Forest River XLR Boost 31QB (Toy Hauler)

• Cost :  $35,000 
• Length :  39 Feet 3 Inches
• Dry Weight :  8,840 Pounds
• Gross Vehicle Weight :  13,465 Pounds
• Hitch Weight :  1,465 Pounds
• Cargo Carrying Capacity :  4,145 Pounds

If you’re looking for a large travel trailer that can not only comfortably accommodate your entire family but also all your toys and outdoor gear, then you need to look no further than the Forest River XLR Boost 31QB .

Because this toy hauler from Forest River is in its own class when it comes to its toy hauler capabilities. 

As this 40-foot toy hauler has a 4,145-pound cargo-carrying capacity, a rear garage with a length of 12 feet 6 inches and a width of just over 8 feet, and a large ramp that allows for easy loading and unloading of all your toys and gear.  

Jayco Eagle 330RSTS (Built for Entertaining)

• Cost :  $50,000 
• Dry Weight :  10,600 Pounds
• Hitch Weight :  1,300 Pounds
• Cargo Carrying Capacity :  1,395 Pounds

Another great option if your looking for a large travel trailer is the Jayco Eagle 330RSTS which features a large rear entertaining area that has two huge slides, a well-equipped kitchen with a center island and residential-style appliances, theatre seating, a tri-fold sofa, and a freestanding kitchen table. 

In addition, this 40-foot travel trailer also comes standard with two separate awnings measuring 16 feet in length and 10 feet 6 inches in length. 

But the amenities don’t stop there as this well-appointed large travel trailer from Jayco, also has a large three-piece dry bath , a total of 3 slides, and an optional wash and dryer.  

Forest River Explore Vibe 34BH (Bunk House)

• Cost :  $33,000 
• Length :  39 Feet 5 Inches
• Dry Weight :  8,164 Pounds
• Gross Vehicle Weight :  9,972 Pounds
• Hitch Weight :  972 Pounds
• Cargo Carrying Capacity :  1,608 Pounds

Another trailer on the lighter side for a 40-foot travel trailer is the Forest River Explore Vibe 34BH .

But just because it has a gross vehicle weight of fewer than 10,000 pounds don’t think that Forest River skimped on features or amenities, because this 40-foot travel trailer is fully loaded with everything you could possibly want.

But perhaps the best feature on this large travel trailer though is its rear bunkhouse which allows this trailer to sleep an amazing 10 people at a time.  

When you factor in the bunkhouse, convertible dinette, double tri-fold sofas, and front queen bed in the owner’s suite.  

Tow Vehicles that can Tow a 40 Foot Travel Trailer

When you want to tow a 40-foot travel trailer that often has a weight of 10,000 pounds or more, not just any tow vehicle will do.

In fact, when you get up to the weight of a 40-foot travel trailer, most of the tow vehicles you see towing smaller travel trailers in the 20 to 30 foot range, such as half-ton trucks and larger SUVs will be totally inadequate.

As they won’t have near the towing capacity to comfortably and safely tow a 40-foot travel trailer.

So to help you figure out what kind of tow vehicle you need to tow a 40-foot travel trailer, we created this helpful list of vehicles capable of towing a 40-foot travel trailer.  

• Ford F250 (Towing Capacity 12,300 – 15,000 Pounds)
• Ford F350 (Towing Capacity  12,000 – 20,000 Pounds)
• Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD (Towing Capacity 14,500 Pounds)
• Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD (Towing Capacity 14,500 – 20,000 Pounds)
• GMC Sierra 2500HD (Towing Capacity 14,500 Pounds)
• GMC Sierra 3500HD (Towing Capacity 14,500 – 20,000 Pounds)
• RAM 2500 (Towing Capacity 10,520 – 15,040 Pounds)
• RAM 3500 (Towing Capacity 13,490 – 14,970 Pounds)

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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Camper Weight Chart (10 RV Weight & Size Examples)

How Much Does A Camper Weigh?

The average camper weighs approximately 5,200 pounds , however this is only the dry weight of the camper and additional items need to be factored in when determining the total weight of the camper. 

Lets discuss a few camper weight definitions you need to know when you are deciding upon your first trailer purchase and the average weight of the camper for towing capacity and safety reasons.

The potential legal and insurance ramifications should deter any ignorance because a lack of knowledge in this particular subject could be very costly.

There are laws and regulations in place that are meant to act as guidelines to keep you safe and those around you safe.

Okay, first, since you are curious about the weight of the trailers, let’s take a look at those before we get into the other weight numbers that you will need to know.

Example Camper Weights

• 1,545 Lbs (Unloaded Vehicle Weight) – 13 Feet – 2019 10RK Hummingbird Trailer
• 2,860 Lbs (Batteries and LPs Included) – 16 Feet – 2018 Sport 16RB Trailer
• 2,980 Lbs (Unloaded Vehicle Weight) – 19 Feet 10 Inches – 2019 17RK Hummingbird Trailer
• 3321 Lbs – (Shipped Weight) – 21 Feet 5 Inches – Keystone 175 LHS Single Axle Trailer
• 3,634 Lbs (Batteries and LPs included) – 22 Feet – 2018 Sport 22FB Trailer
• 4761 Lbs (Batteries and LPs Included) – 23 Feet – 2018 International Serenity 23CB Trailer
• 6,586 Lbs (Batteries and LPs Included) – 28 Feet – 2018 Airstream Land Yacht Trailer
• 5625 Lbs (Unloaded) – 29 Feet 2 Inches – 2019 24MBH White Hawk Trailer
• 7,757 Lbs (Unloaded) – 37 Feet 10 Inches – 2019 32BHS White Hawk Trailer
• 6,620 Lbs (Unloaded) – 35 Feet 3 Inches – 2019 30RD White Hawk Trailer

Camper Composition & Trailer Weight

Generally speaking, there are two types of campers; those made of aluminum and those made of fiberglass.

There are benefits to both, so you will need to make some calculations and decide what is right for you and your situation. Here’s a quick rundown:

Aluminum is cheaper than the fiberglass campers which should immediately indicate which one is perceived as the superior product.

You should know that aluminum isn’t a bad product.

True it can be damaged more easily than the fiberglass campers, but those damaged sections are cheap and easy to replace.

Their exterior structure is made of shingles which makes removing one piece and replacing it with another super simple and cheap.

The downside to these trailers is that they often have wooden frames which isn’t the lightest material that you could choose.

This has a direct impact upon your gas mileage, and puts an additional strain upon your truck and its transmission.

This is usually considered to be the superior material for a number of reasons.

The exterior is much more durable, so it will do a better job of holding up to the various rocks kicked its way as well as other sources of potential dents to the fiberglass.

However, when something inevitably does damage it, it will be more expensive to repair

Fiberglass also stays cleaner and maintains its shine better than others.

Its smooth surface is also easier to clean than the aluminum shingles. Since these campers look better over a longer duration, their resell price holds up better.

That isn’t the only reason for the better reselling price.

The fiberglass exteriors usually mean that the structure of the camper is made of aluminum piping rather than wood. This means better gas mileage.

That isn’t a big deal for short and uncommon trips, but it will add up fast of you intend to take the camper around the country.

Trailer Weight Definitions to Know

Okay, hopefully that gives you an idea of the camper weights that you will be encountering. Let’s move onto some definitions.

Afterwards, we can go a bit more into how you can use these numbers to keep everyone safe and help prevent you from destroying your transmission.

It is important to remember that just because you can move the trailer, it doesn’t mean that nothing is going wrong.

Side Note – You can find a lot of the truck-related information on the driver-side door of the truck.

That same information can also be found on the truck’s manual and on the manufacturer’s website

Vehicle Curb (Also called Kerb) Weight

This is the weight of the vehicle with absolutely nothing inside of it. It is the weight of the vehicle itself.

It may or may not include the additional weight of a full tank of fuel, so there can be some variation there. In the United States, a driver is not included in the calculation.

In Europe, many of the manufacturers will add 165 lbs. to account for the driver.

Dry Weight is like Curb Weight except all of the vehicle’s consumables such as fuel, oil, washer fluid, coolant, etc. are not included in the calculation.

Gross Vehicle Weight

This is the combined weight of the vehicle, the people inside the vehicle, and any cargo that is located inside of the vehicle.

To clarify, the Gross Vehicle Weight does not include anything hauled behind the vehicle.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating

This is the the maximum operating weight of the vehicle. The manufacturers are including the weight of the vehicle of this calculation.

You will have exceeded this number if you drive onto a scale and the number displayed exceeds the GVWR number in the vehicle’s manual.

Gross Combined Weight Rating

The GCWR is the maximum weight of absolutely everything.

When you total the vehicle, everything inside the vehicle, the towing apparatus, the trailer, and everything inside the trailer, it should be less than this number.

Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)

This is the maximum weight that can be placed on the specified axle.

The individual ratings of each axle will likely be specified with a FR (Front Rating) and a RR (Rear Rating).

Additional Camper Weight Considerations.

Campers with Slides

At the turn of the 21st century, campers began to incorporate a sliding room system that expanded the living space from what was essentially a hallway to something a bit more comfortable.

This was a fantastic addition for every camper’s quality of life, but it is also a rather heavy addition. Typically, there will be an additional 750+ lbs per slide.

Water, Food, Clothing, and other random necessities

You might be surprised how quickly the random items that you toss into your camper will quickly add up.

The water alone will typically add about 400 lbs to the load, so don’t fill up until you are at your destination.

According to several sources – You will probably be looking at a rough 1,500 pounds added to the curb weight of your camper when you are all packed up and ready to go.

That will vary of course. Here is some reference material of the bulkier items to help you calculate the amount of weight that you can expect to be adding to your camper.

Potable Water

Yeah, you are probably going to want water.

Most RV sites offer showers and water hookups, so you should be able to fill up at the location.

However you should be aware of the total estimated weight if you are going to carry it with you.

Water weighs 8.3 pounds per gallon. Assuming that you have the rough average of a 40 gallon tank, you will be adding 332 pounds of weight just with that single addition.

Propane Tank

Okay, it isn’t the heaviest item, but it is one of the heavier common items.

You likely have a 30 to 40 pound propane tank.

That base weight of the 30 to 40 pound tank will increase by 25 to 34 pounds respectively.

Each person is expected to add 175 pounds each.

That is the combined average of the typical adult male (191 Pounds) and typical adult female (159 Pounds).

I’m not saying that we should each be eating an average of 3 to 5 pounds of food per day; I am simply listing the averages, so that you can use them in your calculations.

Floor Jack and random tools

The floor jack is going to cost you 35 Lbs, and don’t forget about the other tools that you will probably want to keep handy.

Miscellaneous information

Of course, you will also have 100’s of pounds of random supplies that range from a toaster to toiletries.

Oh, and you will want your books. Don’t forget your Ipad because you really don’t want to leave that behind.

Don’t forget your charging cables…It will add up fast. There are a thousand little items like that that will steal your available weight one ½ pound at a time.

I’d recommend not waiting to pack till the last day because of how common it is to load everything up and find yourselves overweight.

Camper Weight Distribution – Just as Important as Total Weight

One rv is not like the other.

Many people make the mistake of assuming that RV manufacturers take weight distribution into account. Unfortunately, that is not always true.

Sometimes, presentation is the focus because obviously, presentation sells.

I’m not saying this is normal, but it is something to research before committing to a purchase.

I recently made a trip from Bend, Oregon to Orlando Florida.

It was a mad dash that took my brothers and I three days to complete. It was a blast…but it also had it’s risky moments.

A couple times w hile we made our way across the rather boring states in the center of the United States, we came across a couple different campers that were swaying back and forth.

The drivers were doing a good job controlling their vehicles, but you could feel their panic as the winds battered there sides.

A little sway was constantly making the rest of us rather uncomfortable.

Now, there is only so much that you can do in a situation like that.

The one thing that I highly recommend is purchasing a hitch built with anti-sway and weight distributing capabilities.

The Equalizer is the favored hitch at the moment, but there are many other good hitches out there.

Keep in mind that some of them should not be used in icy conditions, so be aware of what your hitch can and cannot do.

Tongue Weight

When dealing with such heavy weights, balance becomes a big issue.

One of the factors needed to achieve this balance is the tongue weight.

This is the calculated weight that is being applied to the ball of the hitch.

Ideally, roughly 9 to 15 percent of the gross trailer weight will be placed upon this point.

Camper Weight Management

The tow hitch rating should exceed the need.

If you are searching for the right camper then you might also be looking for a new towing hitch.

If that is the case, make sure to buy a hitch that is rated for an amount of weight that exceeds what you plan on hooking onto the back of your truck.

The common consensus to exceed that weight by 10 to 30%. Just keep that in mind when you are looking.

Campers hold quite a bit of weight, and can demolish another vehicle if the hitch fails.

You’ll be thankful that you did when you inevitably need to make a sharp turn to avoid a careless driver.

It brings peace of mind knowing that the hitch is less likely to snap or bend.

Don’t Max out the Weight of your Trailer and Vehicle

On a similar note, you shouldn’t load up your trailer and truck to the top of what the Truck is rated to carry and pull.

Just because it can move, does not mean that it can move well.

It is a common mistake to purchase a camper and load it up until it just barely fits within the capabilities of the truck.

Your truck will have a difficult time maintaining the speed limit when hauling that load up the steeper hills.

I have seen this countless times, as I’m sure that you probably have too. That is also a fantastic way to burn up the transmission of your truck.

Braking Considerations

When calculating the weights, keep in mind that the more weight you have, the more difficult it will be to stop in the event of an emergency.

For safety, stay as light as possible; you are not just risking your life out there, you are risking others as well. 

You will also be wearing down your brake pads faster.

Do yourself a favor, trim the campers weight and have a safer journey.

I really don’t want you to get hurt.

Weighing Stations – Ticket Warning

You may or may not be aware of this, but there are weigh station checkpoints and police officers with portable scales that are stationed along the major roads to monitor the trucks that are hauling various cargo.

Some of these weigh stations can require campers to stop, but the qualifications for required stops vary from state to state ( You can find more information here weigh stations and RVs ).

About half of the states won’t require you to stop unless your load exceeds 10,000 pounds, but that isn’t the case .

You could be driving away with a hefty fine if the the weight being towed exceeds the tow rating that is listed on the inside of your truck door. Please be careful.

Conclusion on Camper Weight

There are many factors to consider when looking for the average trailer weight. My recommendation is to look at some of the forums of the specific RV that you are looking to purchase to see what other RV owners have experienced with the particular trailer that you are looking at. The overall weight is going to be different than than the dry weight and every owner typically has their own items that they use that should be factored in when thinking about towing capacity.

Recommended RV Articles

• Best Travel Trailers Under 4000 Pounds (Light Towable Trailers)
• Best Travel Trailers Under 2000 Pounds (lbs)
• Best Travel Trailers Under 5,000 Lbs
• 10 Best Pop Up Campers (2020 & 2021)
• 6 Best Teardrop Trailers for 2021
• Do RVs Have to Stop at Weigh Stations?
• Average RV Tank Size and Gas Mileage (MPG) Chart

About the Author / Johnathan R. Smith

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

• Last Updated: August 22, 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.

IN THIS ARTICLE

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?

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.

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 & 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.

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.

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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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. 

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. 

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

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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. 

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!

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.

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

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? 

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

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.

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

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.

Pingback: How To Ship a Trailer (Costs and Tips From The Experts) - The Roving Foley's

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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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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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 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

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

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

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.

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.

Trailer Equipment and Camping Gear: Must-Have Recommendations

To ensure a safe and enjoyable towing experience, it’s essential to have the right equipment. Here are some highly recommended products that can help with your trailer needs, all available on Amazon:

1. Trailer Equipment:

• Curt Class 3 Trailer Hitch: Secure your load with this durable hitch. Find it on Amazon.
• Reese Towpower Hitch Receiver: Trusted by towing professionals. Check it out here.
• B&W Trailer Hitch: Offers strength and reliability. Available here.

Tie-Down Straps

• Rhino USA Heavy Duty Ratchet Straps: Premium ratchet straps for peace of mind. Get them here.
• Erickson Retractable Ratchet Straps: Convenient and retractable design. See on Amazon.
• Keeper 1″ x 12′ Cam Buckle Tie-Down: Lightweight and efficient. Shop now.

Trailer Accessories

• CURT Breakaway Switch: Ensure trailer braking control. Buy it here.
• Hopkins Trailer Light Tester: Quickly test your trailer lights. Check it out.
• Tow Ready Trailer Wiring Harness: Keep your trailer lights operational. Shop on Amazon.

Weight Distribution Systems

• Equal-i-zer 4-Point Sway Control Hitch: Reduce sway and improve control. Find it on Amazon.
• Fastway e2 Hitch: Simple yet effective weight distribution. Get it here.

2. Camping Gear

• Coleman Sundome Tent: Affordable and reliable camping tent. Find it here.
• ALPS Mountaineering Lynx Tent: Durable and lightweight. Check it out.
• CORE 9-Person Instant Cabin Tent: Spacious for larger groups. Available here.

Portable Grills

• Weber Q1200 Portable Grill: High-quality portable grilling. Buy it on Amazon.
• Cuisinart CGG-180 Petit Gourmet: Compact yet versatile grill. Find it here.
• Coleman RoadTrip 285 Portable Stand-Up Grill: Ideal for camping. Get it here.

Camping Chairs

• Kijaro Dual Lock Portable Camping Chair: Comfortable and stable. Shop now.
• ALPS Mountaineering King Kong Chair: Heavy-duty comfort. Check it out here.
• Helinox Chair One: Ultra-light and compact design. Available here.

 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.

Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. If you click on these and purchase a product, we may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.

Raphael Dume is a passionate outdoor enthusiast and the visionary behind OutdoorDoer.com. Outdoor Doer is a passionate community of outdoor enthusiasts dedicated to inspiring and equipping adventurers. We offer expert advice, unbiased product reviews, and comprehensive guides on camping, hiking, fishing, and more. Our mission is to promote outdoor accessibility, holistic well-being, and sustainability through high-quality, engaging content and top-tier gear. Join us to explore, discover, and thrive in the great outdoors.

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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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