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here , as this is not always the case . Like with the vehicle ’ s overall towing capacity , you must not exceed the maximum permissible towbar mass of the vehicle .
TARE AND ATM
It ’ s now time to match your vehicle to a caravan . There are two key figures to understand here : Tare and Aggregate Trailer Mass ( ATM ). The story on GoRV . com . au discusses the others , too , but let ’ s wrap our heads around these two first . Tare is the unladen mass of the caravan or camper trailer . It refers to the weight of the van as it leaves the factory , excluding any options that might be later added by a dealer , such as a generator or solar panel . ATM is the total permissible weight of the caravan or camper trailer , unhitched from a tow vehicle , as stipulated by the rig ’ s manufacturer . Like with all the weights relevant to the van , the ATM should be engraved onto a compliance plate , found in either the front boot , the tunnel boot or riveted to the drawbar .
GROSS TRAILER MASS
You ’ ll see this figure on your van ’ s compliance plate , alongside Tare and ATM . When it comes to safe and legal towing , however , it ’ s not
as relevant as the other two . Gross Trailer Mass ( GTM ) is the total permissible weight of the caravan when it is hitched to a tow vehicle . In real terms , it equals the ATM minus the towball weight .
SUMMING UP
This is just a brief overview of the facts and figures relevant to safe and legal towing . It can , and does , get much more involved but the above information will set you on the right path .
READ FULL STORY
14 gorv . com . au