Where Can I Weigh My Caravan? Here Are 3 Options In Australia
Weighing your caravan before a trip isn’t optional — it’s about safety, legal compliance and making sure your towing setup behaves as it should. In Sydney there are a few ways to get an accurate caravan weight: public weighbridges, doing a DIY (home) check, or using a private/mobile caravan weighing service. Below I’ll run through each option, the practical pros and cons, and why a mobile service like ours is often the best fit for Sydney caravan owners.
Mobile caravan weighing — the convenient, safer option (and how we help)
A mobile caravan weighing service brings professional scales and know-how to your driveway, at your workplace, or wherever your rig is parked. Here’s why many Sydney caravan owners choose mobile:
No risky drives: We weigh the caravan where it is. No need to move an already-loaded (and possibly overweight) caravan across town.
Accurate distribution checks: Mobile services can measure axle weights and the tow-coupling load (tongue weight) so you know the true load and distribution — not just total mass.
Practical guidance: Our team can show you how to adjust load distribution, tie-downs, and packing to improve towing stability.
Record-keeping: You get a professional weigh slip to keep with your caravan files — handy for peace of mind, insurance, or compliance checks.
Good use-case: anyone who wants an accurate, hassle-free, safe weighing experience — especially if you’re packing the caravan for a real trip.
Public weighbridges — official but limited
Public weighbridges — like those at truck stops, council sites or depots — are usually the first place people think of for caravan weighing. They can certainly give you a reading, but for Sydney caravan owners they’re not always the easiest or most practical option. Here are a few catches to be aware of:
Many public weighbridges have restricted opening hours or limited access for light vehicles towing trailers.
If your caravan is overweight, driving it on busy public roads to reach a weighbridge can be risky — and in some cases could expose you to legal issues depending on the route and local rules.
They’re often designed for heavy trucks, so positioning a car-and-caravan combo can be awkward and sometimes won’t give an accurate distribution reading for a typical caravan setup.
Good use-case: people who already have easy, lawful access to a weighbridge and a properly loaded caravan for the short trip there.
DIY weighing at home — quick but unreliable
There are several “DIY” approaches people try — axle scales, portable scales under the caravan, or estimating by load lists. They’re attractive because they’re quick and cost-free, but they come with real downsides:
DIY methods are prone to user error (incorrect placement, uneven ground, forgetting to account for the tow vehicle and passengers).
They rarely capture weight distribution — which is critical for safe towing.
An inaccurate reading can give a false sense of security; that’s dangerous on the road.
Good use-case: rough checks between professional weighings — but not a substitute for a certified or accurate mobile weigh.
Tips to get the most accurate weigh
Load the caravan exactly as you would for a trip (water, gas bottles, food, luggage, tools).
Include passengers and the driver in the tow-vehicle weight calculation.
Park on a level surface when possible before we arrive (we can level small slopes but level is best).
Keep the weigh slip and note any changes you make after the first weigh — small adjustments can make a big difference.
Book a Quote or Call Today
Don’t wait until you’re already on the road to wonder if your caravan is overweight. Book a professional mobile weigh today and get a clear, accurate picture of your caravan’s weight and balance.
Phone: 0475 568 753
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