GWM Tank 300 Diesel hauls a caravan in Tweed Heads

I recently had the pleasure of a caravan weighing session for a proud new owner of a GWM Tank 300 Diesel. It was interesting to learn a little more about this relatively new caravan hauler.

Was it capable of towing a caravan and payload with reasonable safety margins?

My customer was new to caravanning and insisted on just one luxury – air conditioning … and that means being able to take a generator as an essential part of the camping trip. This was a sensible caravan and tow vehicle matchup. The GWM Tank 300 has a maximum braked towing capacity of 3,000kg and the chosen caravan, a single axle Century Caravan, with an ATM of just 2,400kg. That’s a safe and great van to tow vehicle weight ratio of 80%. (The van weighs 80% of the tow vehicle.)

Up on the scales, the rig had accessories, water tanks, extra refrigeration, and the crucial generator for camping trips off-grid, and in-style with air conditioning! Fuel is full with passengers on board, with the exception of the travelling cat.

How did it weigh in?

The final configuration required some balance shifting. The generator was placed in the rear luggage area of the Tank, and the scales recorded the following:

The caravan was almost maxed-out at 2,364kg, giving a fairly heavy, but reasonable, 222kg on the towball of the SUV.

With the 35kg generator sitting over the back axle of the GWM Tank 300 4WD diesel – the 2,880kg GVM of the tow vehicle came in at a comfortable 2,751kg, making a generous 129kg margin for road-snacks and plenty of extra drinking material, and a cat.

The rear axle was also in check with a fairly fine margin of 45kg before it’s overloaded. The overall GCM or gross combined mass, that’s the limit of the entire towing rig together, came in with a whopping 710kg margin.

Congratulations to this proud couple of new travellers for taking the time to configure their caravan and tow vehicle for safe family trips.

These margins might seem close to many of us who do not have the luxury of weighing a caravan before every trip. This is why I recommend the app from LoadMate.

With LoadMate, you measure locations of various items, like tools in the front boot, passengers in the tow car’s rear seats, the dog in the rear compartment, and an extra 20kgs of food in the food storage under the seats of the caravan.

As you load each group of items into those locations, the app automatically presents the ATM, the GVM, and the GCM. There is also load balance calculated for you – so you know if your caravan and towing vehicle’s weight and balance is correct before you go.

I can assist with setting up LoadMate in your caravan. Just request the extra time allowance when you book your mobile caravan weigh station appointment. I can advise on costs. The only requirement is for you to first measure your caravan and car weights before loading.

Call today at 0474 911 123 to discuss setting up the LoadMate app today!