Why You Should Weigh Your Caravan Wheels Before Every Trip

NexWeigh portable wheel scale with caravan in background

This is what we use before every caravan trip — a portable wheel scale that fits in the boot.

Drive onto the pad, read the LCD, done. It takes under 10 minutes to check all four wheels on a full-size caravan setup.

The Problem Most Caravan Owners Don't Know About

Most caravan owners load up their van with water, food, gear, and clothes — and hit the road without ever checking their axle weights. The result? Overloaded tyres, stressed suspension, and in many countries, a legal liability if you're involved in an accident while overweight.

We've seen setups that were 140kg over on the rear axle — and the owners had no idea until they weighed it.

How Wheel Weighing Works

A portable wheel scale is a flat pad that sits on the ground. You simply drive each wheel onto the pad, and the LCD display gives you an instant reading in kilograms. No jacking, no special tools, no expertise required.

With a set of four scales, you can check every wheel simultaneously and get a complete picture of your load distribution in minutes.

What to Look For in a Wheel Scale

  • Capacity: For caravans and motorhomes, you need at least 1500kg per wheel
  • Accuracy: 1kg accuracy is the standard for reliable readings
  • Portability: It should be light enough to carry and store in your van
  • Power: USB-C rechargeable models mean no battery hassles on the road
  • Ramp set: Makes it easy to drive onto the pad without scraping

Our Recommendation

The NexWeigh portable wheel scale is built specifically for caravans, motorhomes, and 4WD setups. With a 1500kg capacity, 1kg accuracy, and a lightweight design that fits in any storage compartment, it's become an essential part of our pre-trip checklist.

Whether you're a weekend caravanner or a full-time traveller, knowing your wheel weights before you leave is one of the simplest ways to protect your rig — and everyone on the road with you.

Browse NexWeigh wheel scales →