Do Police Weigh Caravans in Australia?
If you tow a caravan in Australia, you’ve probably wondered — can the police actually weigh your caravan?
The short answer is yes, they can, and they do.
In recent months, there’s been a nationwide crackdown on overweight caravans, with state police and transport authorities carrying out roadside checks to ensure caravans are legal and safe. It’s become one of the most talked-about topics in caravanning forums and Facebook groups, and even major news outlets have started warning travellers to take notice.
A Nationwide Crackdown Making Headlines
This issue isn’t just forum gossip — it’s been making waves across Australia.
A Yahoo News Australia article recently reported that caravan drivers have been “put on notice” after a string of roadside inspections uncovered common mistakes that can lead to fines starting from $333 and, in some cases, more serious consequences.
On social media, caravan owners are sharing their experiences of being pulled over and weighed during long weekend operations. In one large Facebook group — Caravan and RV Towing and Weighing Australia — dozens of travellers have shared stories of being surprised by how easily their setup went over the limit, even after what seemed like minor additions to their load.
Even the well-known travel blog RVee There Yet ran an article titled “The Weight Debate: Cop Weighs In”, where a police officer explained that many caravans checked on the road are well above their legal towing limits, often without the driver realising it.
Why Police Are Cracking Down on Caravan Weights
The crackdown isn’t about revenue or fines — it’s about safety.
Overweight caravans are one of the leading causes of towing instability, longer braking distances, and dangerous trailer sway incidents. When a caravan exceeds its ATM (Aggregate Trailer Mass) or GTM (Gross Trailer Mass), it becomes more difficult to control, especially when driving downhill, overtaking trucks, or hitting crosswinds.
Authorities across every state and territory — including NSW, QLD, VIC, SA, WA, TAS, and NT — have confirmed they’re conducting more inspections to prevent serious accidents.
Their message is clear: if you tow, you’re responsible for knowing your numbers.
In NSW, There’s No Excuse Not to Know Your Caravan’s Weight
In New South Wales, there are now multiple ways to check your caravan’s weight — both through local government facilities and private mobile weighing services.
Transport for NSW provides public weighbridges and approved sites where caravan owners can get an accurate reading for a small fee.
On top of that, private mobile caravan weighing services Like Ours At Van Weigh Sydney South will come directly to your home, storage yard, or campsite to perform a full weight check.
With both public and private options easily available, there’s really no excuse for not knowing whether your caravan setup is safe and compliant before your next trip.
Common Mistakes That Lead to Overweight Caravans
Many caravan owners are unaware that seemingly small choices can easily push them over the limit. Common mistakes include:
Filling water tanks and gas bottles before travel (which can add over 150 kg)
Packing heavy gear behind the rear axle
Underestimating the tow ball weight
Ignoring the combined Gross Combination Mass (GCM) of the tow vehicle and caravan
Even brand-new caravans can roll off the dealer’s lot close to or already at their ATM, leaving very little allowance for luggage, food, or passengers.
How Police Weigh Caravans
During roadside inspections, police and transport officers use portable weigh pads — small, high-accuracy scales placed under each wheel. These devices can measure the total weight, axle loads, and tow ball weight in minutes.
If your setup is found to be overweight, penalties can include:
On-the-spot fines
Defect notices
Orders to offload items before continuing
Potential insurance issues if you’re involved in an accident while overweight
In extreme cases, some caravans have been grounded on the spot until owners arranged to reduce their load.
Why Caravan Weight Is More Important Than You Think
Beyond legalities, towing overweight can cause significant wear and tear on your suspension, tyres, and brakes. It also affects fuel efficiency and increases the chance of mechanical failure on long trips.
More importantly, in the event of an accident, your insurance provider may refuse to pay out if an investigation finds your caravan exceeded its legal weight limits.
That’s why so many experienced travellers — and even caravan manufacturers — are encouraging owners to have their setup professionally weighed before hitting the road.
How to Stay Compliant: Get Your Caravan Professionally Weighed
The easiest and most reliable way to know where you stand is by booking a mobile caravan weighing service.
These services come to your home or storage site and provide a full report showing:
Tow ball weight
Individual axle weights
Vehicle GVM and GCM
Load distribution advice
Tips for reducing excess weight
This report gives you a clear picture of your towing setup and peace of mind that you’re safe and legal for travel.
The Bottom Line
Yes — police do weigh caravans, and this crackdown is now happening in every state across Australia.
It’s been discussed in national media, debated across caravan forums, and confirmed by law enforcement and weighing experts.
So before your next big trip, take the time to get your caravan weighed. It’s a small step that can save you hundreds in fines — and potentially prevent a serious accident.
Knowing your caravan’s weight isn’t just about compliance — it’s about protecting your family, your investment, and everyone else on the road.