If you’re planning to tow a car, knowing how much does a car trailer weigh is the first step to a safe and legal trip. This weight, combined with your loaded vehicle, determines everything from the truck you need to the brakes on the trailer itself.
Getting this wrong isn’t just inconvenient; it can be dangerous. This guide breaks down trailer weights in simple terms, giving you the knowledge to choose the right equipment and stay within your limits.
How Much Does A Car Trailer Weigh
The short answer is that an empty car trailer typically weighs between 1,500 and 2,800 pounds. However, that’s a broad range because there are several types of trailers built from different materials. The final weight depends heavily on its construction, size, and features.
Think of the trailer’s own weight as the “tare weight.” This is the number you’ll find on its manufacturer’s plate or in the manual. It’s the baseline you must know before adding anything else.
Key Weight Terms You Must Understand
Before we look at trailer types, let’s define the critical weight ratings. Confusing these terms is a common mistake that leads to overloading.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
This is the absolute maximum weight limit for the fully loaded trailer. It includes the weight of the trailer itself plus the car, fuel, and any tools or equipment inside. Never exceed the GVWR.
Tare Weight (Or Dry Weight)
This is the weight of the trailer as it comes from the factory, with no cargo. It’s the number we’re primarily discussing in this article.
Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR)
This is the total maximum allowed weight of your tow vehicle, the trailer, and everything loaded in both. Your truck’s manufacturer sets this limit.
Payload Capacity
This is how much weight your tow vehicle can carry inside itself (passengers, gear) and in the trailer (tongue weight). It’s separate from towing capacity.
Types Of Car Trailers And Their Average Weights
Car trailers fall into main categories, each with distinct weight profiles. Your choice will depend on the vehicle you’re towing and your tow vehicle’s capabilities.
Open Car Trailers
These are the most common and generally the lightest option. An open trailer has no sides or roof, exposing the car to the elements.
- Standard Steel Open Trailer: The most affordable and heaviest among open trailers. Average weight: 1,800 to 2,800 pounds.
- Aluminum Open Trailer: Lighter and more resistant to rust, but more expensive. Average weight: 1,500 to 2,200 pounds.
Enclosed Car Trailers
These trailers offer full protection from weather, road debris, and theft. The added structure and materials make them significantly heavier.
- Steel Enclosed Trailer: Very strong but heavy. Average weight: 2,500 to 5,000+ pounds for a car-sized model.
- Aluminum Enclosed Trailer: Lighter than steel but at a premium cost. Average weight: 2,200 to 4,000 pounds.
Dinghy Tow Dollies
A dolly lifts only the front wheels of the towed car, leaving the rear wheels on the road. They are the lightest option but only for front-wheel-drive vehicles that can be flat-towed or rear-wheel-drive cars with a disconnect. Average weight: 400 to 800 pounds.
How To Find The Exact Weight Of Your Trailer
Never guess your trailer’s weight. Use these methods to get an accurate figure.
- Check the manufacturer’s specification plate or VIN sticker on the trailer tongue or frame.
- Look in the owner’s manual or contact the trailer manufacturer directly with the model number.
- Take the empty trailer to a public weigh station, truck stop scale, or recycling center with a scale. This is the most reliable method, especially for older trailers.
Calculating Your Total Towing Weight
Once you know the trailer’s tare weight, you can calculate your total load. This simple formula is essential for safety.
Total Trailer Weight = Trailer Tare Weight + Weight of Car + Weight of Additional Cargo (tools, spares, etc.)
Here’s a practical example: You have a 2,000-pound aluminum open trailer. You’re loading a 3,500-pound classic car, plus about 200 pounds of tools and gear in the trailer’s front box.
- Trailer Tare Weight: 2,000 lbs
- Car Weight: 3,500 lbs
- Cargo Weight: 200 lbs
- Total Loaded Trailer Weight: 5,700 lbs
You must then ensure this 5,700 lbs is less than both the trailer’s GVWR and your tow vehicle’s maximum towing capacity.
Why Trailer Weight Matters For Your Tow Vehicle
Exceeding your vehicle’s limits stresses every component, from the engine and transmission to the brakes and suspension. It’s a major safety risk.
Towing Capacity Vs. Payload Capacity
Your truck’s “max towing capacity” is the big number advertisers use. But your “payload capacity” is often the first limit you’ll hit. Payload includes the tongue weight of the trailer (usually 10-15% of the total trailer weight), all passengers, and everything in the truck bed.
The Importance Of Tongue Weight
Tongue weight is the downward force the loaded trailer exerts on the hitch. Too little tongue weight causes dangerous trailer sway; too much can overload the rear axle of your tow vehicle.
- Always aim for a tongue weight that is 10-15% of the total loaded trailer weight.
- Use a properly calibrated tongue weight scale to check it every time you load.
Step-By-Step Guide To Ensuring Safe Towing Weights
- Know Your Tow Vehicle’s Limits: Find the factory door jamb sticker for payload and check the manual for GCWR and max towing. Don’t rely on online forums for this critical data.
- Weigh Your Empty Trailer: Use a scale to get the true tare weight, as noted earlier.
- Calculate Your Loaded Weight: Add the weight of the car and all cargo using the formula above.
- Verify Against All Ratings: Check that your calculated weight is under the trailer’s GVWR, your truck’s max towing, and your GCWR.
- Measure Tongue Weight: Load the trailer and measure the tongue weight. Adjust cargo placement to achieve 10-15%.
- Perform a Final Check: If possible, visit a CAT scale with your fully loaded rig (truck and trailer) to get the real-world combined weight and confirm you’re within limits.
Common Mistakes And How To Avoid Them
Many towing errors stem from incorrect weight assumptions. Here’s what to watch out for.
- Guessing Car Weight: Don’t use the factory curb weight. A full tank of gas, modifications, and personal items add up. Weigh your car if you can.
- Forgetting Cargo Weight: Toolboxes, spare tires, and equipment in the trailer or truck bed all count. They can easily add hundreds of pounds.
- Ignoring Payload: Your truck’s payload capacity is a hard ceiling. Five passengers and a weekend of gear can use most of it before you even consider tongue weight.
- Using The Wrong Hitch: A weight-distribution hitch is often necessary for heavier loads to properly balance weight across axles and improve stability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average weight of a two-car trailer?
A steel two-car trailer can weigh between 5,000 and 7,000 pounds empty. Aluminum models are lighter but still substantial. Always check the specific GVWR, as the total loaded weight will be very high, requiring a heavy-duty truck.
How much does a 16-foot car trailer weigh?
A 16-foot open steel trailer typically weighs about 1,700 to 2,200 pounds. An enclosed 16-foot trailer will be heavier, usually ranging from 2,800 to 3,500 pounds depending on construction.
Does trailer weight include the weight of the car?
No. When we talk about a trailer’s weight, we usually mean its “tare” or empty weight. The weight of the car is added to that to get the total loaded weight. The trailer’s GVWR is the maximum it can hold, including the car.
How do I weigh my truck and trailer together?
You can use a public weigh station or a scale at many truck stops and recycling centers. Drive the entire rig onto the scale for a total weight. For individual axle weights, you may need to weigh the truck alone first, then the full combination.
What happens if my trailer is too heavy for my truck?
Towing an overloaded trailer strains your engine, overheats transmission, reduces braking ability, and causes dangerous handling issues like sway. It also voids warranties, leads to fines, and makes you liable in an accident. It’s never worth the risk.
Understanding trailer weight isn’t just about numbers on a page; it’s the foundation of safe towing. By taking the time to find your trailer’s true weight, calculate your total load, and respect all vehicle ratings, you ensure your journey is secure. Always err on the side of caution, and when in doubt, consult a professional or use a certified scale to get the facts. Your safety, and the safety of others on the road, depends on it.