Caravan weights and payloads: a quick guide

There are two areas to look at here; the actual caravan weight and the maximum weight that it can be when towing. This is where the specialised terminology becomes relevant.

MIRO represents the caravan's weight and is quantified in kilograms.

The subsequent value to consider is MTPLM, which signifies the maximum technically permissible laden mass. Essentially, this is the utmost total weight that the caravan can effectively carry.

Once you grasp these two key measurements, the process of finding a caravan that suits your needs becomes significantly more straightforward. Both of these weights can be found on the caravan weight plates.

What is included in MIRO weightings

The MIRO (mass in running order) is the stated weight of the caravan as it leaves the factory. MIRO weightings include an allowance for gas cylinders, water in the water heater, toilet flush water, and water in an on-board tank in caravans that have these.

MIRO weightings don’t include a leisure battery, which may seem strange given that this is an essential item. It’s generally assumed that this anomaly has its origins across the Channel, where most caravans do not have leisure batteries because they are only ever used with hook-ups.

What is the MTPLM of my caravan?

The MTPLM (maximum technically permissible laden mass) is the maximum weight to which a caravan can be safely loaded; this is determined by the manufacturer. It’s listed amongst the tech specs on manufacturers’ websites and is exhibited on the weight plate beside the caravan’s door (on modern caravans).

It’s really important that you don’t load your caravan beyond its stated MTPLM. Doing so could invalidate your insurance. The MTPLM is based on factors including the weight rating for the caravan’s axle and the load rating of the tyres.

Noseweight

The noseweight of a caravan is the weight exerted by the caravan’s hitch point on the car’s towball. In general, caravans adhere to a noseweight range of 5% to 7% of the MTPLM. Most UK caravans have a maximum noseweight capacity of 100kg.

The best way to measure noseweight is to buy a noseweight gauge. The Milenco Precision Noseweight Gauge 130kg is a good example. These averagely cost between £40 and £50.

If you don’t have one to hand, you could use bathroom scales! Here’s how: raise the corner steadies, place a piece of wood inside the hitch cup and turn the jockey wheel handle to lower the front of the caravan until the piece of wood is firmly resting on the scales.

Caravan payloads

The difference between MIRO and MTPLM is defined as payload. That is the weight of all of the equipment and accessories you can put in your caravan – and it needs careful watching!

Pots and pans, a kettle, hook-up cable, tableware, clothing, shoes, bedding, television, toilet chemicals, waste and fresh water containers and a whole lot more, all come into play. It’s easy to overload a caravan but it’s equally easy to avoid it by calculating the weight of your caravan’s contents and packing it correctly.

For example, the Bailey Alicanto Grande Porto has a MIRO of 1,687kg and an MTPLM of 1,847kg – this means the payload for this particular caravan is 160kg.

When you factor in items like motor movers, awnings, solar panels, etc, those kilos can quickly be eaten up.

Caravan loading

When loading your caravan, ensure an even distribution of contents to avoid imbalance. Place heavier items close to the axle and at a lower point, while lighter belongings can occupy higher spaces.

After your initial towing experience, achieving this balance will become quite manageable.

Caravan weight plates

Caravan weight plates are where you’ll find the MIRO and MTPLM figures as well as make, model and tyre pressure information.

Caravan weight plate upgrades

If you think you might need a bigger weight allowance in your caravan, manufacturers can increase the MTPLM specification.

Manufacturers set MTPLM values to show that a specific caravan can be towed by a broader range of vehicles. This means that there is wiggle room to upgrade the weight plate in some cases, and, once done, this will increase your payload. Just ask the supplying dealer if a plate upgrade is possible on your particular caravan.

Sometimes there is an admin charge to do this, so check prices first with your manufacturer or dealer, although the Erwin Hymer Group, which makes Elddis, Compass, Xplore and Buccaneer, does not currently charge for upgrading a weight plate.

For example, on an Elddis Avanté 868, a weight plate upgrade takes the MTPLM from 1,725kg to 1,800kg, giving you an extra 75kg of payload, and on an Xplore 304, which has a standard MTPLM of 1,043kg, you get an additional 57kg of payload. When you consider the increases, a weight plate upgrade could be worth doing, especially in a bigger caravan that will be housing more people.

Final thoughts

Owning a caravan offers an excellent avenue for exploration. Regardless of whether you're a family, couple, or wanderlust-driven nomad, grasping caravan weight dynamics simplifies the process.

Now you understand caravan weights and payloads, all you need to do is choose a caravan that suits your lifestyle and your vehicle's towing capacity.