The Weight Of A 28-Foot American Camper

The weight of a camper trailer depends on its length, features, and construction. A 28-foot camper trailer is considered a large travel trailer, which can weigh anywhere from 6,300 to 11,000 pounds. The weight of a trailer is important to know for setting tire pressure and avoiding overloading.

The weight of a trailer is also important for safety reasons. If you exceed the weight limit of your trailer, you are allocating extra weight to the frame, tires, and axles. This can cause the brakes to fail and make it difficult to control. It can also put you and other road users at risk.

The weight of a trailer can vary depending on its standard features. For example, water tanks can add over 400 pounds to the weight of a trailer. Similarly, in-built generators will make a trailer heavier than one without.

The average weight of a 28-foot camper is 4,300-4,900 lbs

The weight of a travel trailer can vary depending on its length, with smaller campers weighing less than larger ones. For example, a 10-12 foot camper typically weighs between 1,200-1,400 lbs, while a 25-27 foot camper can weigh up to 4,200 lbs. The length of the trailer also affects its weight, with longer trailers generally weighing more than shorter ones.

In addition to length, the type of travel trailer also plays a role in determining its weight. Small travel trailers, for instance, usually have a dry weight of 1,100-3,500 lbs and a gross weight of 2,000-6,000 lbs. Large travel trailers, on the other hand, can weigh anywhere from 6,300-11,000 lbs when fully loaded.

The features and amenities of a travel trailer can also impact its weight. For example, a trailer with a 50-gallon fresh water tank will weigh more than one with a smaller tank. Similarly, trailers with built-in generators or air conditioning units will weigh more than those without.

When considering the weight of a travel trailer, it is important to distinguish between the unloaded vehicle weight (UVW) and the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). The UVW refers to the weight of the trailer when it is empty, while the GVWR indicates the maximum weight the trailer should reach when fully loaded, according to the manufacturer.

To ensure safe towing, it is crucial to stay within the weight limits specified by the manufacturer and to distribute weight evenly within the trailer. Overloading a trailer can lead to unsafe driving conditions, increased wear and tear on the vehicle, and potential legal consequences.

The weight of a camper depends on its size, features, and construction

Size

The size of a camper is the major factor that determines its weight. A small camper trailer will weigh less than a bigger trailer with intricate floor plans. The length of the trailer will also affect its weight; a 17-foot trailer will weigh more than a 13-foot trailer.

Features and Amenities

Travel trailers with many amenities such as refrigerators, air conditioning, sinks, slide-outs, and a fully equipped kitchen, will weigh significantly more than teardrop trailers with a small sleeping capacity and kitchen.

Water tanks add over 400 pounds to the weight of the trailer. For instance, if your travel trailer has a 50-gallon fresh water tank, filling it up will mean an extra water weight of 500 pounds to the actual weight of your trailer.

Travel trailers with inbuilt generators are heavier than those without. Additionally, the size of the generator will affect the weight of the trailer.

Camping gear, food, and other basic accessories needed for convenience will add to the trailer’s weight.

Construction Type

RV manufacturers use different materials in building a trailer, so construction type affects the weight of a travel trailer.

Travel trailers built with fibreglass construction usually feature smooth exterior side walls. These trailers have aluminium metal structuring, making them lightweight compared to stick-built trailers that are built with aluminium corrugated siding on the inside.

Weight Terminology

Unloaded Vehicle Weight (UVW)

This is the actual weight of a travel trailer when it’s parked at the dealer’s shop with no water in the propane tanks, no batteries installed, and no water in the holding tanks.

Cargo Carrying Capacity (CCC)

The CCC of a trailer is the maximum cargo weight you can carry in your trailer. The cargo weight includes a full propane tank, water tanks, and any other minor equipment the dealer adds after purchasing the trailer from the manufacturers.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)

The gross vehicle weight rating of a trailer is the maximum weight the trailer weighs when it’s fully loaded. The GVWR indicates what a loaded trailer should weigh according to the manufacturer.

Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)

The GAWR is the combined weight of each trailer axle, and the maximum load the axle of the trailer can support. For instance, if your travel trailer has two axles weighing 3,000 pounds each, then the GAWR is 6,000 pounds.

Tongue Weight

Tongue weight, also referred to as the dry hitch weight, is the total amount of trailer weight that’s transferred to your tow vehicle through the trailer’s tongue. Knowing the tongue weight is what makes the difference between a safe and dangerous towing journey. If there’s not enough weight on your trailer’s tongue, it’ll be unbalanced and sway from side to side. The right tongue weight is usually 10–15% of the total loaded trailer weight.

Net Carrying Capacity (NCC)

The NCC of your trailer is the weight of all your personal belongings included in the trailer. The NCC is calculated by subtracting the unloaded trailer weight from the gross vehicle weight rating.

Sleeping Capacity Weight Rating (SCWR)

The SCWR is the manufacturer’s designated number of sleeping positions multiplied by 70 kg (154 lbs). In essence, this means that the SCWR is 154 pounds times the number of passengers carried.

Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR)

The gross combined weight rating is the maximum allowable weight of both the loaded tow vehicle and the loaded trailer.

Average Weights

On average, travel trailers weigh about 1,000–8,500 lbs, but the weight of a trailer varies greatly based on length, size, and other factors.

Weight by Length

| Travel Trailer Length | Average Weight |

|---|---|

| --- | --- |

| 10–12 feet | 1,200–1,400 lbs |

| 13–15 feet | 1,500–1,800 lbs |

| 16–18 feet | 2,200–2,400 lbs |

| 19–21 feet | 2,600–2,900 lbs |

| 22–24 feet | 3,000–3,600 lbs |

| 25–27 feet | 3,700–4,200 lbs |

| 28–30 feet | 4,300–4,900 lbs |

| 31–33 feet | 5,000–5,900 lbs |

| 34–38 feet | 6,000–8,500 lbs |

Weight by Type

Small Travel Trailer

Small trailers usually have a dry weight of 1,100–3,500 pounds and a gross weight of 2,000–6,000 pounds. Small campers have a small cargo capacity of about 800 pounds, and depending on the model, you might be lucky to find one that can carry up to 1,300 pounds.

Large Travel Trailer

A travel trailer up to or more than 20 feet long with an average weight of 6,500 pounds is classified as a large travel trailer. When fully loaded, a large travel trailer can weigh anywhere from 6,300–11,000 pounds.

Toy Hauler

Toy haulers, when unloaded, weigh between 3,500 and 12,000 pounds. They are designed for transporting even recreational vehicles or small campers, hence they have an average cargo capacity of 10,000 pounds. The average gross vehicle weight of a toy hauler ranges from 16,000 pounds to over 22,000 pounds, and it’ll need a one-ton truck to tow.

Fifth-Wheel Trailers

Fifth-wheel trailers typically weigh as little as 5,000 pounds, while the larger models can weigh up to 15,000 pounds or more. When loaded, the GVWR ranges from 17,000 pounds to 20,000 pounds. The average load capacity is a little under 6,000 pounds, for added cargo like camping gear, extra fluids, and other equipment.

A camper's weight is important for setting tire pressure and avoiding overloading

The weight of a camper is an important factor in setting tire pressure and avoiding overloading.

Firstly, let's look at why a camper's weight is important for setting tire pressure. The air in your tires supports the weight of your camper, so if your tires are underinflated, the weight of the camper can cause premature and uneven wear to the outer treads of your tires, as well as cause a blowout or flat tire. Overinflated tires can also cause issues such as premature and uneven wear to the center tread of your tires and a rough ride. Therefore, it is important to set the correct tire pressure to avoid these issues.

Now, let's discuss why a camper's weight is important for avoiding overloading. Overloading a camper can lead to handling issues, increased stopping distances, reduced maneuverability, and even accidents. It can also cause the camper to sway, fishtail, or tip over, especially when navigating curves or encountering strong crosswinds. In addition, overloading can put too much strain on the camper's components, leading to premature wear and tear, mechanical failures, and safety hazards. This can include damage to the axles, suspension, leveling system, and tires. By staying within the weight limits, you can ensure optimal balance, stability, and performance, as well as preserve the integrity of the structural components.

To ensure you do not overload your camper, it is important to understand the different weight specifications. The Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) is the total weight of the camper when fully loaded, and it includes the weight of the vehicle, passengers, fuel, fluids, and cargo. The GVW determines the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), which is the maximum allowable weight as determined by the manufacturer. Exceeding the GVWR can lead to mechanical failures and safety hazards. The Unladen Weight, or Curb Weight, refers to the weight of the camper when it's empty, without any passengers or cargo, but still including fluids. The Payload Capacity is the maximum weight of passengers and cargo that can be safely added. It's important to distribute weight evenly across axles to prevent overloading any single axle.

Additionally, when towing a camper, you need to consider the Hitch Weight or tongue weight, which is the weight imposed on the trailer hitch. This value determines how much weight your vehicle can tow, and it's important to stay within the specified limits to maintain stability.

To summarize, a camper's weight plays a crucial role in setting the correct tire pressure and avoiding overloading. By understanding the different weight specifications and staying within the recommended limits, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable travel experience while also prolonging the life of your camper.

The weight of a camper is calculated by adding its dry weight, cargo weight, and fluids/water

The weight of a camper is a crucial factor to consider when planning a camping trip, especially when determining if your vehicle can safely tow it. While the dry weight of a camper provides a baseline, it's important to include cargo weight and fluids/water to calculate the total weight accurately. Here's a breakdown of these components:

Dry Weight:

Dry weight, also known as unloaded vehicle weight, refers to the weight of the camper itself, excluding any additional cargo or fluids. This weight includes the camper's construction, tanks (water, propane, etc.), and other built-in features. It's essential to consider the dry weight when purchasing a camper to ensure your vehicle can handle the base weight.

Cargo Weight:

Cargo weight includes all the items you bring with you on your camping trip. This encompasses food, water, clothing, bedding, cooking utensils, personal belongings, and any other gear you pack into the camper. It's important to carefully consider and calculate the cargo weight, as it can significantly impact the overall weight of the camper.

Fluids/Water:

Water is a necessity, but it can also add considerable weight to your camper. A gallon of water weighs around 8.3 pounds, so a large camper water tank can easily add 350 to 500 pounds to the total weight. Therefore, it's crucial to factor in the weight of the water you'll be carrying, especially if you plan to travel to remote areas where water supply is limited.

Calculating the Total Weight:

To calculate the total weight of your camper, simply add the dry weight, cargo weight, and the weight of fluids/water. This calculation will give you an accurate understanding of the overall weight you'll be towing. It's important to stay within the recommended weight limits to ensure safe towing and avoid overloading your vehicle.

Additionally, when calculating the weight of your camper, don't forget to consider the weight of passengers and any accessories or modifications made to the camper. These factors can also impact the overall weight and should be included in your calculations for a comprehensive understanding of the total weight.

By following these guidelines and calculations, you can ensure that you have an accurate understanding of your camper's weight. This knowledge will help you make informed decisions about your vehicle, towing capacity, and packing list, ultimately leading to a safer and more enjoyable camping experience.

A camper's weight can be measured at a commercial public scale or a landfill with scales

The weight of a camper is an important factor to consider when buying one. It can affect where you can travel, how much it will cost, and how you get there. It is also a critical safety issue, as an overloaded trailer can cause accidents and damage your tow vehicle.

There are several ways to weigh your camper, including:

Commercial Public Scales

These scales can be found at truck stops and are designed for weighing large vehicles such as trucks and trailers. They are typically located near major highways and interstates. While they may not provide the exact weight of your trailer, they can give you a good estimate. Keep in mind that these scales weigh per axle, so if you have a triple-axle trailer, you won't be able to tell the exact side-to-side weights.

Landfills with Scales

Some landfills have scales that can be used to weigh vehicles, including trailers. These scales are typically found in rural areas near farming communities.

Agricultural Weigh Stations

Public weighing scales for trailers and motorhomes can also be found in rural areas near farming communities.

Private Trailer Companies

Some private companies that specialize in trailers, motorhomes, and trucks may offer weighing services.

RV Dealerships

RV dealerships may offer weighing services to customers who want to purchase a trailer or service their existing one.

Weighing Your Trailer

To get the actual weight of your trailer, you can unload all your equipment, including propane tanks and batteries, and take it to a local weighing station. Detach the trailer from your vehicle and weigh them separately. By subtracting the weight of your vehicle from the total weight, you can determine the dry weight of your trailer.

It is important to note that the weight of a trailer can vary depending on its size, features, and amenities. A small travel trailer typically has a dry weight of 1,100 to 3,500 pounds, while a large travel trailer can weigh up to 6,500 pounds or more. The weight of a trailer also includes the weight of water tanks, propane tanks, and other equipment, which can add several hundred pounds.

Frequently asked questions