Understanding The Weight Of A 19-Foot Hybrid Camper

The weight of a camper trailer is an important consideration when planning a camping trip. It can affect its manoeuvrability, fuel efficiency, and the type of vehicle needed to tow it. On average, hybrid campers weigh between 1000 and 3000 kg. However, the weight of a trailer can vary depending on its length, size, construction materials, and features. A 19-foot hybrid camper, such as the 2015 Jayco Jayflight 19RD, typically has a dry weight of around 3715 pounds or 1684 kg. This weight can increase when you pack in water, food, and other gear. It's important to stay within the weight limits of your towing vehicle to ensure a safe and enjoyable camping experience.

Tare weight: the weight of the camper as it leaves the factory, without accessories, water or food

Tare weight, or dry weight, is the weight of a camper as it leaves the factory, without any accessories, water or food. It is an important metric to understand when purchasing a camper, as it will affect the type of vehicle you need to tow it. Tare weight can vary depending on the size and construction materials of the camper.

For example, a small camper trailer will weigh less than a bigger trailer with more intricate floor plans. The length of the trailer will also have an impact on its weight; a 19-foot trailer will weigh more than a 15-foot trailer. Additionally, the construction materials used can also affect the tare weight. Campers built with fibreglass tend to be lighter than those made with wooden frames.

When shopping for a camper, it is important to check the actual tare weight and not be misled by marketing terms such as "lightweight" or "superlight". The tare weight should be provided by the manufacturer and can usually be found in the owner's manual or on the manufacturer's website.

It is also important to note that the tare weight does not include any dealer-installed options or accessories. So, if you are planning to add any accessories or make any modifications to your camper, you will need to take that into account when calculating the total weight.

Overall, understanding the tare weight of your camper is crucial for ensuring safe towing and complying with any weight restrictions or regulations. By knowing the tare weight, you can make sure that your vehicle has the necessary towing capacity and that you do not exceed any weight limits.

Aggregate trailer mass (ATM): the weight of the camper when fully loaded to the manufacturer's recommendation

When it comes to your 19ft hybrid camper, there are several metrics you need to be aware of to understand its weight. One of the most important is the Aggregate Trailer Mass (ATM).

The ATM is the total weight of your camper trailer when it is fully loaded to the manufacturer's recommended capacity. This includes the weight of the trailer itself plus the weight of everything you pack into it, such as water, food, gear, and any other accessories. It is important to note that the ATM is the weight of the trailer when it is unhitched and resting on its jockey wheel, not when it is coupled to your towing vehicle.

How to Calculate ATM

To calculate the ATM of your 19ft hybrid camper, you need to know two weights: the weight of the empty trailer (also known as the tare weight) and the weight of the load you are adding to it. The tare weight should be provided by the manufacturer and can usually be found on the vehicle plate or in the manufacturer's handbook. Once you have these two numbers, simply add them together to get the ATM.

The ATM is crucial because it directly affects the towing vehicle's capabilities. If the ATM of your trailer exceeds the maximum towing capacity of your vehicle, you will need to reduce the weight of your load. Towing a trailer that is too heavy for your vehicle can lead to accidents and cause serious mechanical failures. It can also affect your fuel efficiency and manoeuvrability.

How to Stay Safe

It is important to follow the manufacturer's recommendations and not exceed the ATM for your trailer. You can use a weighbridge to check that you haven't packed your trailer too heavily. Additionally, make sure to allow for extra weight when travelling, as you may accumulate more weight along the way (e.g., grey water, waste, and items you pick up during your trip). Always give yourself a margin of error in your calculations to ensure you stay within safe limits.

Tow ball weight: the weight added to the tow vehicle when towing the camper

When towing a camper, the tow ball weight, also referred to as tow ball mass (TBM), is the weight added to the tow vehicle via the tow ball. In other words, it is the weight pushing down on the tow ball by the coupling of the camper being towed. This weight is critical for safe towing and greatly affects the stability of the trailer.

The tow ball weight can be influenced by how you pack your camper. If you have more weight closer to the tow vehicle, you will have a high tow ball weight, which will affect the handling of the vehicle. You may notice this as the car will be raised at the front axles, and the whole combination will dip in the centre. On the other hand, if you place too much weight at the back of the camper, you will have a light tow ball weight, which can cause the trailer to sway.

The ideal tow ball weight is typically 10% of the Aggregate Trailer Mass (ATM). However, it is important to note that the maximum tow ball weight is specified by both the vehicle and trailer manufacturer, and you must use the lesser of the two limits. For example, if a vehicle has a maximum tow ball weight of 350 kg and the trailer has a maximum tow ball weight of 220 kg, the tow ball weight must not exceed 220 kg.

The tow ball weight can be measured using tow ball weight scales purchased from auto and RV stores, or by weighing the vehicle with and without the trailer attached and calculating the difference. It is also important to ensure that your tow ball weight does not exceed 80% of the total weight your towing vehicle can tow, as specified by the manufacturer.

By understanding and properly managing the tow ball weight, you can ensure safe and legal towing, prevent accidents, and protect your vehicle from damage.

Payload: the amount of packing ability or cargo carrying capacity of the camper

Payload: Packing Ability and Cargo Carrying Capacity

The payload of a hybrid camper refers to its packing ability and cargo-carrying capacity. It is the weight of all the items you can pack into your camper, including food, water, gear, and personal belongings. A good payload estimate can be calculated by subtracting the tare weight (the weight of the camper when it leaves the factory) from the Aggregate Trailer Mass (ATM) or Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) (the weight of the camper when fully loaded).

When considering the payload of your 19ft hybrid camper, it is important to note that hybrid campers can vary significantly in size and weight. The average weight of a hybrid camper ranges from 1,000 to 3,000 kg (or 2,200 to 6,600 pounds). The payload capacity will depend on the specific model and its features.

Some lightweight hybrid campers offer excellent off-road capability for couples or small families, while larger options may accommodate bigger families but have reduced off-road performance. When choosing a hybrid camper, it is essential to consider not only the tare weight but also the payload capacity to ensure you can pack everything you need for your camping adventures.

• Forest River Flagstaff Shamrock 19 Hybrid Trailer: This camper has a dry weight of 4,137 lbs and a payload capacity of 1,591 lbs. It offers two expandable sections and can sleep up to eight people.
• Palomino Solaire 147X: With a gross vehicle weight rating of just over 3,800 lbs, this lightweight hybrid camper has a payload capacity of 742 lbs. It features two pop-out sections and can accommodate up to eight sleepers.
• Forest River Rockwood Roo 233S: This larger hybrid camper has a dry weight of 5,063 lbs and a payload capacity of 1,587 lbs. It includes three expandable sections and can sleep up to ten people.
• Jayco Jay Feather Hybrid X23E: With a dry weight of 5,120 lbs, this camper offers a payload capacity of 1,030 lbs. It also has three expandable sections and can sleep up to ten people.

When packing for your trip, it is important to consider the weight of essential items like water, food, and gear. Water is particularly heavy, weighing 8.34 pounds per gallon. Other items to consider include kitchen supplies, bedding, clothing, toiletries, cameras, computers, and camping gear. By weighing and calculating the weight of your cargo, you can ensure that you do not exceed the payload capacity of your hybrid camper.

Gross vehicle weight: the camper's weight when its fuel and water tanks, plus cargo load, are full

When calculating the weight of your camper, it's important to consider its gross vehicle weight (GVW). This metric accounts for the weight of your camper when its fuel and water tanks are full and includes the weight of your cargo load.

The gross vehicle weight of a camper is a crucial factor to consider when planning your travels. It can impact the type of vehicle you need for towing, as well as your fuel efficiency and manoeuvrability on the road. Additionally, understanding the GVW will help you stay within the safe towing capacity of your vehicle, ensuring a smooth and safe journey.

To calculate the GVW, you should first fill all the tanks and then add your equipment, gear, food and other supplies. The most accurate way to determine the total gross weight is to use a truck scale and weigh your fully loaded camper. On average, you can expect your camper weight to be about 250 lbs (113 kg) per foot of the trailer. However, this will depend on the type of trailer and the materials used for construction.

For example, a camper with a length of 19 feet can have a GVW ranging from 2,600 to 2,900 lbs. This weight includes the weight of the camper itself, as well as the weight of the fuel, water, gear and other cargo. It's important to note that the GVW can vary depending on the size of the cargo load and any optional features included in the camper.

When considering the GVW, it's crucial to also think about the weight of the water and fuel tanks. Water weighs approximately 8 lbs (3.6 kg) per gallon, and a typical trailer has a 48-gallon freshwater tank, adding nearly 400 lbs (181 kg) to the GVW. Additionally, generators can weigh around 90 lbs (81 kg), further contributing to the overall weight.

It's also important to be mindful of the weight distribution within your camper. An uneven weight distribution can lead to an unbalanced trailer, making it more challenging to handle on the road. To ensure a safe and comfortable journey, aim for a balanced weight distribution and consider using weight distribution systems if needed.

By understanding the gross vehicle weight and carefully considering the weight of your cargo, fuel and water tanks, you can make informed decisions about your camper and towing vehicle. This knowledge will help ensure a safe and enjoyable camping experience.

Frequently asked questions