By Towing Solutions Limited
Loading a caravan correctly is one of the most important — and most misunderstood — aspects of safe towing. Many caravanners focus on what they are packing, but far fewer think carefully about where that weight goes. In reality, incorrect loading is a leading cause of instability, snaking and poor handling when towing.
In this guide, we explain how to load a caravan safely, using practical, real-world advice based on what we see every day on professional caravan towing courses across the UK. Whether you are new to towing or simply want more confidence before your next trip, getting the loading right will transform how your outfit behaves on the road.
Why loading a caravan safely really matters
Even a well-matched car and caravan combination can become unstable if the caravan is poorly loaded. Excess weight, uneven distribution or incorrect noseweight can all lead to:
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Snaking or sway at speed
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Poor braking performance
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Reduced steering control
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Increased driver fatigue
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Greater risk during crosswinds or overtaking
The good news is that most of these issues are completely avoidable with a methodical loading approach.
Understand caravan weights before you start packing
Before anything goes into the caravan, you need to understand three key figures:
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MiRO (Mass in Running Order): The caravan’s empty weight with standard equipment (often excluding the leisure battery).
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MTPLM (Maximum Technically Permissible Laden Mass): The maximum legal weight the caravan can weigh when fully loaded.
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Payload: The difference between MiRO and MTPLM — this is your usable allowance for everything you add.
A typical family caravan might have a payload of only 150kg. Once you add an awning, motor mover, leisure battery, clothes, food and accessories, that allowance disappears quickly.
Overloading is more common than many caravanners realise — and roadside checks do happen, particularly during peak holiday seasons.
Don’t overload your caravan (and don’t rely on guesswork)
To load a caravan safely, you need to know what you’re adding.
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Weigh bags individually using bathroom scales
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Or weigh yourself holding the item, then subtract your body weight
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Keep a simple payload tally
If you are unsure, a public weighbridge can provide confirmation — but make sure you are not already overloaded when travelling to it.
You should also consider car-to-caravan matching. While not a legal requirement, the widely accepted 85% guideline suggests the caravan’s actual loaded weight should not exceed 85% of the tow car’s kerbweight, particularly for newer or less experienced towers.
Weight distribution: where items go is critical
Correct weight distribution is just as important as staying within limits.
Key loading principles:
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Keep heavy items low to maintain a low centre of gravity
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Position heavy items over or close to the axle
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Avoid heavy loads at the extreme front or rear
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Balance weight evenly from left to right where possible
Rear under-bed storage areas may look ideal, but they should only be used for light, bulky items such as bedding or coats. Heavy items placed too far back can create a pendulum effect and significantly increase the risk of snaking.
The importance of correct noseweight
Noseweight (towball download) plays a major role in towing stability and is often misunderstood.
As a general guide:
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Aim for 5–7% of the caravan’s actual loaded weight
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Never exceed the vehicle or towbar noseweight limit, even if it is lower
For example, a caravan loaded to 1400kg would typically need a noseweight between 70–98kg — but if your car or towbar limit is 75kg, that becomes the maximum.
Noseweight should be measured:
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On level ground
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With the caravan loaded as for travel
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Using a proper noseweight gauge
Make small adjustments and recheck regularly. Moving items too far rearwards in one go can quickly destabilise the outfit.
Preventing load movement while towing
Even a well-loaded caravan can become unsafe if items move during the journey.
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Use non-slip mats in cupboards and lockers
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Fit cargo bars across the caravan floor where appropriate
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Avoid stacking heavy items that could shift under braking
If you have to brake sharply or take evasive action, stop at the next safe opportunity and recheck the load.
Don’t forget the tow car
Your car has a payload too — and it includes:
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Passengers
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Luggage
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Accessories
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Caravan noseweight
Check the vehicle weight plate (usually inside a door shut) and ensure the gross vehicle weight is not exceeded.
Load the car sensibly:
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Heavy items pushed forward, close to the rear axle
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Lighter items higher or further back
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Roof boxes reserved for light items only
A high centre of gravity affects stability just as much on the car as it does on the caravan.
Touring with pets
If you travel with pets, factor them into your loading plan. Crates, barriers and harnesses take up space and reduce usable payload in the car. Safe, legal restraint systems are essential and should never be an afterthought.
Extra storage options: use with care
Roof rails, roof boxes and bike racks can be useful, but they must be used sensibly:
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Choose vehicle-specific roof bars, not universal systems
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Keep roof loads light
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Account for increased height at barriers and car parks
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Be cautious with rear-mounted caravan bike racks, which add weight behind the axle
Every accessory changes weight distribution — reassess loading whenever something new is fitted.
The professional approach to safe caravan loading
On professional towing courses, we regularly see caravans that are technically legal but poorly balanced. Small changes — moving a single heavy item or adjusting noseweight by a few kilos — can dramatically improve stability and driver confidence.
Learning how to load a caravan safely isn’t about ticking boxes. It’s about understanding how weight affects handling, braking and control in real driving conditions.
Final thoughts: load smart, tow safely
Safe caravan loading goes far beyond the 85% guideline. Know your weights, respect your limits, keep heavy items low and central, measure noseweight correctly and secure everything properly.
Get the loading right, and towing becomes smoother, safer and far more enjoyable from the very first mile