How Much Does A 30 Foot Camper Weigh? - Vehicle Freak

• Brian Onyango

Updated on April 8, 2024

The weight of a travel trailer is usually one of the factors you consider while purchasing one. It’s all too easy to get overwhelmed by the many different travel trailers on the market, each with its own set of features and weights, and wonder how much you can safely carry in your trailer.

A 30-foot Camper averagely weighs between 5260 and 5840 pounds in dry weight which refers to the weight of the camper without any liquids or stuff stored inside it. Most of the 30-foot campers will weigh about 6700 to 7340 pounds with all the gears in them.

The cargo weight may vary depending on the types of campers you are using and what type of equipment you are carrying with you.

You will have to consider these weights while loading your RV so that you do not overload it. You also don’t want to underload it as this can result in problems with stability while driving.

Understanding the Camper Weight Categories

Determining the weight of your Camper can be a confusing process, mostly because of all the different vocabulary that is used to describe weights. Here are some of the key terms you need to know:

1. Curb Weight

Curb weight is the weight of the camper when it’s empty and ready to drive. This weight includes all the standard equipment that comes with the Camper, such as the engine, fluids, and factory-installed options.

It is also known as the dry weight or unloaded weight.

2. Cargo Weight

The cargo weight is the weight of everything you put in the Camper, including yourself, your family, your gear, and your food. This is also known as the wet weight.

You’ll want to pay attention to this weight, as it’s easy to overload your Camper and exceed the recommended weight limit.

Cargo weights will vary depending on the type of equipment you’re carrying. For example, if you’re carrying a lot of heavy gear, such as camping or fishing gear, your cargo weight will be higher than if you’re just carrying clothes and food.

3. Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR)

The GCWR is the total weight of your Camper and everything in it, plus the weight of your tow vehicle. This is the maximum weight that your Camper and tow vehicle can be while still being safe to drive.

Keep in mind that the GCWR includes the weight of your vehicle, not just the Camper. So if you’re towing a Camper that weighs 5000 pounds, and your vehicle weighs 2000 pounds, your GCWR would be 7000 pounds.

You can usually find the GCWR in the owner’s manual for your tow vehicle. If you can’t find it there, you can usually find it on the manufacturer’s website.

4. Hitch Weight

The hitch weight is the weight of your Camper that is supported by the hitch on your tow vehicle. This weight is also known as tongue weight.

Hitch weights will vary depending on the type of Camper you have. For example, a fifth-wheel Camper will have a higher hitch weight than a travel trailer.

Usually, the number you want to pay attention to is the percentage of the Camper’s total weight that is supported by the hitch. This is known as the tongue weight percentage, and you’ll want this number to be between 15 and 20 percent.

How to Determine the Practical Weight of Your 30 Foot Camper

Once you’ve got your camper’s curb weight, you’ll need to figure out how much equipment and goods you’ll put in it. While weighing each object separately might provide you with an exact number, no one has the time for that!

So, if you want to calculate the genuine weight of your camper, we propose two methods.

1. Add 1500 Pounds to the Dry Weight

This is one of the simplest ways to calculate the weight of your camper. All you need to do is take the dry weight and add 1500 pounds. This will give you a rough estimate of the fully-loaded weight of your camper.

Keep in mind that this method doesn’t account for different types of equipment or gear, so it’s not completely accurate. But it’s a good place to start if you’re not sure where else to begin.

2. Use the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating

In case you want to be more precise, you can use the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). The GVWR is the maximum amount of weight that your camper can safely hold.

To calculate the GVWR, start by adding together the dry weight and the cargo capacity. The cargo capacity is usually listed in the owner’s manual or on the manufacturer’s website.

Once you have those two numbers, add 500 pounds to account for any fluids or additional gear that you’ll be carrying. This will give you the GVWR for your camper.

You can then use this number to calculate the tongue weight percentage. To do this, divide the GVWR by the tongue weight and multiply by 100. This will give you the tongue weight percentage. And if the tongue weight percentage is between 15 and 20, then you’re good to go.

FAQs

Can You Tow a 30-Foot Camper With a Half-ton Truck?

The answer to this question depends on a few factors, such as the type of truck you have and the weight of your Camper.

When you have a half-ton truck, such as a Ford F-150 or Chevy Silverado 1500, you can tow a Camper that weighs up to 6000 pounds. This is because most half-ton trucks have a towing capacity of between 6000 and 7000 pounds.

What Are the Weight Categories for RVs?

There are a few different weight categories that RVs can fall into. These categories are:

• Class A: Heaviest RV type, usually between 16,000 and 25,000 pounds
• Class B: Mid-weight RV type, usually between 11,000 and 15,000 pounds
• Class C: Lightest RV type, usually between 9000 and 11,000 pounds

How Much Does a Class an RV Cost?

Class A RVs can cost anywhere from $100,000 to $500,000. The price of a Class A RV depends on the size, amenities, and brand of the RV. Some popular brands of Class A RVs are Tiffin, Newmar, Winnebago, and Thor.

Which Size of Campers Is the Largest?

The largest campers can measure up to 45 feet in length. These types of campers are usually used for full-time living or long-term travel. These can weigh up to 25,000 pounds when they are fully loaded.

What’s the Heaviest Thing in a Camper?

The heaviest thing in a camper is usually the fresh water tank. This is because it is filled with water, which is heavy. The freshwater tank can weigh up to 1500 pounds when it is full.

How Much Does a 30-foot Camper Cost?

A 30-foot camper can cost anywhere from $15,000 to $60,000. The price of the camper depends on the size, amenities, and brand of the RV. Some popular brands of 30-foot campers are Coachmen, Forest River, and Keystone.

What Is the Difference Between a Fifth Wheel and a Travel Trailer?

The main difference between a fifth wheel and a travel trailer is that a fifth wheel is towed by a truck with a special hitch in the bed of the truck, while a travel trailer is towed by a regular hitch attached to the back of an SUV or truck.

Fifth wheels are usually larger and heavier than travel trailers, and they can cost more.

Conclusion

The average weight of a 30-foot camper is between 52600 and 58400 pounds in dry weight, which is the weight of the camper without any equipment.

The majority of 30-foot campers will weigh around 6700 to 7340 pounds with everything inside. However, several factors may lead to variation in these weights.

When you are not sure of the weights your camper can hold, we recommend you to use the GVWR to calculate it.

The GVWR is the maximum amount of weight that your camper can safely hold and is calculated by adding together the dry weight and the cargo capacity. To get a more accurate number, add 500 pounds to account for any fluids or additional gear that you’ll be carrying with you.

Here are some other related topics for you to check out:

Why Is My Camper Leaking Water Underneath?

Lost Camper Keys? Where To Get Replacement Keys Made

What Is a Class C Motorhome’s Towing Capacity?