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Trailer Weight Guide: Boat, Camper, & More

Andrew Cilio
By: 

Andrew Cilio

 / May 23 2023
Trailer Weight Guide: Boat, Camper, & More

Whether you're hauling your boat down to the lake on a summer day or towing a camper for a cross-country road trip, a trailer can be used to transport vehicles or other equipment. There are many different types of trailers that can each haul a certain amount of weight. As a truck owner, it's important to understand trailer weight for maximum safety when towing. 

Read on to learn approximately how much different types of trailers weigh. 

Key Takeaways:

  • The weight of trailers can range from 150 pounds to 15,000 pounds depending on the specific type.
  • Safety tips for towing trailers include finding the proper hitch, staying within weight limits, and securing your cargo.
Table of Contents
  1. How Much Does a Trailer Weigh?
  2. Trailer Weight Chart for the Avid Hauler
  3. Trailer Weights Explained
  4. Camper Weight Chart
  5. Types of Weight
  6. How To Weigh Your Trailer
  7. Safety Tips for Towing
  8. FAQs

How Much Does a Trailer Weigh? 

Trailers can weigh as little as 150 pounds or as much as 15,000 pounds depending on the type of trailer. The dimensions and material of the trailer also play a role in how much it weighs. 

Continue reading to take a deeper look into the weights of different types of trailers. Keep in mind that the weight ranges listed in this article are estimates and should only be used as a guideline. Always check your specific trailer's weight for the most accurate specifications. 

Trailer Weight Chart for the Avid Hauler

In the chart below, we've listed estimated ranges for the empty weight, gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), and payload capacity of different types of trailers. 

Type of Trailer

Empty Weight

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating 

Payload Capacity 

Kayak trailer

150-300 lbs. 

400-800 lbs. 

300-800 lbs.

Jet ski trailer

150-500 lbs. 

1,400-2,000 lbs. 

1,200-1,400 lbs. 

Jon boat trailer

200-500 lbs. 

1,000-7,000 lbs.

800-6,000 lbs. 

Medium or large boat trailer

300-2,000 lbs. 

4,000-15,000 lbs.

3,000-13,000 lbs. 

Small open trailer

200-800 lbs. 

2,000-3,000 lbs. 

1,700-2,500 lbs. 

Small enclosed trailer

800-2,000 lbs. 

2,500-5,000 lbs. 

1,000-4,000 lbs. 

Large open trailer

2,000-4,000 lbs. 

6,000-10,000 lbs. 

5,000-7,000 lbs. 

Large enclosed trailer

3,000-5,000 lbs. 

7,000-10,000 lbs. 

2,000-5,000 lbs. 

Fifth wheel trailer

5,000-15,000 lbs. 

15,000-20,000 lbs. 

3,000-7,000 lbs.

Trailer weight chart

Trailer Weights Explained

As seen in the chart above, trailer weights can range vastly depending on the type you're referring to. Below, we'll take a deeper look into the different types of trailers and their weights. 

How Much Does a Utility Trailer Weigh?

A utility trailer is used to transport cargo, and can be open or closed. A small open utility trailer typically weighs between 200 and 800 pounds and has a GVWR between 2,000 and 3,000 pounds. Meanwhile, a large open trailer weighs between 2,000 and 4,000 pounds and has a GVWR between 6,000 and 10,000 pounds.

A small enclosed utility trailer can range in weight from 800 to 2,000 pounds with a GVWR of 2,500 to 5,000 pounds. A large enclosed trailer will typically weigh in at about 3,000 to 5,000 pounds with a GVWR of 7,000 to 10,000 pounds.  

How Much Does a Boat Trailer Weigh? 

Boats vary in size and require different sized trailers to carry them. A small jon boat trailer weighs roughly 200 to 500 pounds and has a GVWR of 1,000 to 7,000 pounds. A medium or large boat trailer weighs about 300 to 2,000 pounds and has a GVWR of 4,000 to 15,000 pounds. 

How Much Does a Boat and Trailer Weigh? 

A trailer with a boat can weigh anywhere from 700 to 30,000 pounds. The average jon boat weighs around 500 pounds, while the average large fishing boat weighs around 4,000 pounds. 

Camper Weight Chart

Below, we've provided ranges for the empty weight, GVWR, and payload capacity of different types of campers. 

Type of Camper

Empty Weight

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating 

Payload Capacity 

Teardrop camper

1,500-3,000 lbs.

3,000-4,000 lbs. 

500-1,000 lbs. 

Small travel camper

2,500-5,000 lbs. 

3,500-5,500 lbs. 

700-1,000 lbs. 

Large travel camper

5,000-8,000 lbs. 

7,500-9,000 lbs. 

1,500-2,500 lbs. 

Toy hauler

7,000-10,000 lbs. 

15,000-17,000 lbs. 

2,000-3,000 lbs. 

Fifth wheel camper

12,000-15,000 lbs. 

16,000-20,000 lbs. 

3,000-5,000 lbs. 

Camper weight chart

How Much Does a Camper Trailer Weigh? 

Campers can range in weight depending on the type of trailer. For example, a teardrop camper typically weighs 1,500 to 3,000 pounds, while a fifth wheel camper weighs 12,000-15,000 pounds. 

Types of Weight

To safely load and tow your trailer, you need to understand the following metrics: 

  • Empty weight: the weight of the trailer as built by the manufacturer without the addition of passengers or extra equipment 
  • Gross vehicle weight rating: the maximum weight of the vehicle or trailer including cargo and passengers 
  • Towing capacity: the maximum weight your truck can safely tow or pull

The above weights can typically be found in the owner's manual of your vehicle or on the Safety Compliance Certification Label. 

How To Weigh Your Trailer

While you'll likely know your trailer's empty weight from the manufacturer, you may be curious to see how much your trailer weighs after loading in cargo, supplies, or equipment. 

It's important to weigh your trailer before towing since going over capacity can cause significant damage to your truck. Engine strain, tire wear and tear, and brake damage are just a few examples of what can happen when exceeding towing capacity. 

The easiest way to weigh your trailer is to take it to a location with a truck scale, such as a truck stop or a weigh station. 

If you don't have a truck scale nearby, you can also weigh your trailer at home using your bathroom scale using the following steps: 

  • Step 1: Make sure the trailer is level to get an accurate weight. 
  • Step 2: Position a 2x4 board below the trailer tongue. 
  • Step 3: Position the scale a couple feet from the trailer tongue and place a brick a foot from the trailer tongue in the other direction. 
  • Step 4: Place two horizontal pipes on the scale and on the brick. 
  • Step 5: Place the trailer tongue on a different vertical pipe. 
  • Step 6: Read the weight and multiply the number by three. 

Diagram showing how to measure a trailer using a bathroom scale

Safety Tips for Towing

Before you hit the road with your truck and trailer, check out these safety tips to implement when towing. 

  • Find the proper hitch: Make sure you have the right type of hitch for your vehicle and the trailer you'll be towing. 
  • Stay within weight limits: Check the towing capacity of your truck and make sure you don't exceed it. 
  • Evenly position and secure your cargo: Take into account weight distribution when loading your cargo and secure it properly. Check out your trailer's owner’s manual for more information about loading cargo. 
  • Verify your tires are in good condition: To ensure a smooth ride, make sure to check both your truck and trailer's tires. Also, make sure you have a spare tire on hand for both vehicles. 
  • Double-check your tail lights: Have a partner or friend stand behind your trailer to ensure the tail lights, turn signals, and brake lights are working properly. This is especially important when driving at night. 

FAQs

How Heavy Is a 20-Foot Trailer?

A 20-foot trailer typically weighs between 2,500 and 4,000 pounds. 

How Much Does a 20-Foot Boat and Trailer Weigh?

A 20-foot trailer with a boat will weigh around 7,000 to 15,000 pounds, depending on the size of the boat. 

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