From gooseneck trailers to equipment trailers to ATV trailers, you can purchase many types of trailers to transport cargo and materials. Each one has a different average trailer weight — it’s important to know and understand this weight before purchasing and using a trailer.
Each trailer has a different Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR), and Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR). These terms (which we’ll cover in more detail in a minute) help you know how much weight you can safely haul in a certain trailer so you don’t get a ticket or injure yourself, your cargo, or your vehicle.
Ready to learn more about the average trailer weight? Here’s our guide to walk you through popular trailer types and how much each weighs.
Why is finding a trailer’s weight important?
Loading and using a trailer without knowing its weight is not a smart idea. You need to know how much your trailer weighs so you can estimate how much weight it can safely hold. Otherwise, you leave yourself open to getting a ticket and are more likely to injure or damage your vehicle, cargo, or even yourself. Finding trailer weight is an important safety step for anyone who uses a trailer.
Your trailer weight glossary
You can consider a trailer’s weight in multiple ways, like how much it weighs when empty or loaded. Here are a few key trailer weights to know:
- Tongue weight: Your trailer’s tongue weight is the force the trailer tongue puts on the hitch. This weight is transferred to your tow vehicle. For safety, you want your tongue weight to be around 15%-20% of the gross trailer weight.
- Dry weight: A vehicle’s dry weight is the amount it weighs without passengers, cargo, or fluids (such as gasoline or oil).
- Curb weight: Curb weight is how much your trailer or other vehicle weighs once fluids, like gasoline or oil, have been added but while the trailer is still empty of cargo.
- Payload capacity: The payload capacity of a trailer is the maximum amount of weight it can hold.
It’s also helpful to understand the factors that influence how much a trailer weighs. These include:
- Material: The material a trailer is made of will affect its weight. Steel weighs more than other materials because it’s high-density, while aluminum is more lightweight. Learn more about aluminum vs. steel trailers.
- Axles: Double-axle trailers weigh more than single-axle trailers.
- Size and shape: Within each category of trailer types (like dump trailers or gooseneck trailers), you’ll find a range of trailer sizes. The size of a certain trailer (small, medium, or large) will affect its weight. An enclosed trailer will also weigh more than an open trailer simply because it has more material, which adds additional weight.
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How much does a trailer weigh?
You can find a trailer’s weight using a vehicle scale or on the VIN label. Once you’ve determined how much your trailer weighs, the next step is figuring out how much weight it can safely carry.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
A trailer’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) refers to the weight the trailer can safely carry. You might get tickets or fines if your vehicle is over its GVWR. You can typically find the GVWR listed on a vehicle — look for the VIN label stamped into the trailer.
If you’re having trouble locating this number, you can also find a trailer’s GVWR by running this equation:
Payload capacity + tare weight (trailer weight when empty) = GVWR
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
The next helpful term to know is the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR). This is the most distributed weight that a vehicle’s axle can support. The larger the diameter of the axle, the more weight the trailer can hold. For example, a 4-inch diameter axle can carry around 9,000 pounds.
Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR)
Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) is the maximum weight of your trailer and your tow vehicle (including passengers and cargo). You can find this number by adding your tow vehicle's Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and gross trailer weight. This number is important to know to keep everyone safe while using your trailer.
Trailer weight chart
Trailer Type | Empty Weight | Load Capacity |
ATV trailer | 600-1,500 lbs | 2,000-3,000 lbs |
Equipment trailer | 2,000-3,000 lbs | 15,000 lbs |
Gooseneck trailer | 3,000-10,000 lbs | 16,000 lbs |
Enclosed car trailer | 2,500-3,000 lbs | 4,500-7,000 lbs |
5x8 aluminum trailer | 200-500 lbs | 1,000-1,500 lbs |
Utility trailer | 300-10,000 lbs | 1,000-2,000 lbs |
Horse trailer | 3,000 lbs | 4,000-4,500 lbs |
Dump trailer | 1,000-10,000 lbs | 8,000 lbs |
Trailer weights by trailer types
Lightweight trailers are more affordable and can carry smaller loads of material or cargo. Heavy-duty trailers cost more upfront but are a durable, long-term investment. Take a look at the average trailer weight based on different trailer types.
ATV trailer weight
An ATV or motorcycle trailer typically weighs between 600–1,500 pounds. You can expect to tow between 2,000-3,000 pounds with this type of trailer.
Equipment trailer weight
Generally bigger than other trailers, the average equipment trailer weighs around 2,000–3,000 pounds and can hold up to 15,000 pounds. Equipment trailers can carry and transport heavy equipment like bulldozers or other machinery.
Learn how to safely load and strap your motorcycle to a trailer.
Gooseneck trailer weight
Depending on the trailer’s specific build, a gooseneck trailer might weigh anywhere from 3,000–10,000 pounds. An enclosed gooseneck trailer may be able to carry more weight than an open gooseneck trailer.
Learn more: How to Choose the Best Car Hauler
Enclosed car trailer weight
Similarly, an enclosed trailer will be heavier than an open trailer. An enclosed car trailer will likely weigh between 2,500–3,000 pounds and be able to carry approximately 4,500–7,000 pounds.
5x8 aluminum trailer weight
A 5x8 aluminum cargo trailer is a compact, lightweight choice, weighing in at an average trailer weight of 200–500 pounds.
Utility trailer weight
Utility trailers vary widely in size, weighing anywhere from 300–10,000 pounds. For a smaller open utility trailer, you can expect it to weigh around 700 pounds and haul about 1,000. An enclosed utility trailer of the same size will likely weigh around 1,000 pounds and haul 2,000.
Horse trailer
A horse trailer weighs around 3,000 pounds on its own and can typically hold 4,000–4,500 pounds of cargo. A larger livestock trailer might weigh 7,000–10,000.
Dump trailer
Dump trailers are often sturdier and heavier than other trailer types. Expect a dump trailer to weigh anywhere between 1,000–10,000 pounds, depending on its size. Most dump trailers can carry around 8,000 pounds on average.
Distributing weight in your trailer
As you load your trailer with the cargo or materials you’re transporting (making sure the total amount of cargo doesn’t exceed the GVWR), think about how you’re distributing the weight. A good rule of thumb is to use a 60/40 weight distribution — put 60% of the weight in the front end of the trailer and 40% in the back. This works for enclosed and open trailers, preventing shifting or swaying as you drive. The more balanced your trailer and its cargo are, the safer you will be.
Choosing the right trailer weight for you
A general rule of thumb is the larger and heavier the trailer, the more weight it can carry. You can choose the best trailer weight for your needs by considering how much weight you’re looking to hold, whether you want an open or enclosed trailer (enclosed trailers weigh more), and what material you’d like the trailer to be made of (steel is heavier and more durable than aluminum).
In the market for a new trailer? We’re here for you. Contact us here at Ken Feagin Truck & Trailer by phone, email, or text so we can help discuss your options and find the best trailer for you.
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