Your limits and measured weights
Use figures for the exact vehicle, modification approval and trailer.
1Vehicle limits
Start from your vehicleFills GVM, GCM, both axle limits, braked tow and ball limit
If your vehicle has a certified modification, use the approved limits that apply after modification—not a marketing headline.
2Vehicle on the scales, trailer attached
These two readings include passengers, fuel, cargo and the trailer’s load on the tow ball.
Without measured axle loads this check is incomplete. To explore changes from a measured baseline and actual load positions, use the load distribution planner.
3Trailer
Vehicle massFront axle + rear axle.
Trailer ATMTrailer axle mass + tow-ball mass.
Combination massVehicle axle mass + trailer axle mass. Tow-ball mass is already carried by the vehicle.
Before relying on this: confirm ratings from the compliance plate, Register of Approved Vehicles, registration record, modification plate and trailer plate as applicable. The lowest relevant vehicle, axle, tyre, wheel, coupling, towbar or trailer rating still governs.
Formula for the nerds
vehicle mass = front axle + rear axle
estimated ATM = trailer axle mass + tow-ball mass
combination mass = front axle + rear axle + trailer axle mass
remaining capacity = entered limit − measured mass
estimated ATM = trailer axle mass + tow-ball mass
combination mass = front axle + rear axle + trailer axle mass
remaining capacity = entered limit − measured mass
The tow-ball load is already carried on the vehicle axles when weighed hitched, so it is not added again to combination mass. Compare every relevant limit—passing GCM does not cancel an axle, GVM or trailer breach.