What Does GTW Mean for Trailers? | Gross Trailer Weight
- Brent
- Apr 20
- 2 min read
Updated: May 14
Righto, let's chat about one of those towing terms that pops up on spec sheets and makes people squint—GTW, or Gross Trailer Weight. Whether you’re hauling plant gear, a car, or a load of building materials, knowing your GTW isn’t just smart—it’s the law.
So, What Is GTW?
GTW stands for Gross Trailer Weight, which is the total weight of your loaded trailer. That includes the trailer itself plus everything in it—whether that’s a digger, a motorbike, or your mate’s old sofa.
It’s the number you’ll find stamped on the trailer’s ID plate or owner’s manual, and it’s the maximum that the trailer should ever weigh while being towed. Go over that, and you're putting yourself, your vehicle, and everyone else on the road at risk.
GTW vs GVWR: What's the Difference?
You might’ve also seen GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) thrown around. The key difference is:
GTW is about your trailer and everything on it.
GVWR is about the towing vehicle and what it can safely carry including passengers, fuel, cargo, and the trailer’s nose weight.
Put simply, GTW is about what you're pulling. GVWR is about what you're driving.
Why GTW Matters When You’re Towing
Ignoring GTW is like ignoring your bank balance at the pub—it only ends in tears. Towing over the rated limit makes handling harder, increases stopping distance, and can cause real damage to your trailer or towing vehicle.
Not to mention: If you’re pulled over and your GTW is too high, you could face fines, points on your licence, or worse—invalid insurance. And trust us, VOSA doesn’t mess about.
How Do I Find My Trailer’s GTW?
Easy. Check the VIN plate or data plate on the trailer chassis—usually near the drawbar. You’ll see a figure marked “Gross Trailer Weight” or similar. If it’s not there, give the manufacturer a shout or check your Brent listing (we’ve got all that info front and centre).
Tips for Staying Within GTW
Weigh your gear before loading up, especially plant or cars.
Don’t guess—know your trailer's unladen weight and subtract from GTW to work out your payload.
Secure your load evenly and safely so you don’t shift too much weight to the front (affecting nose weight and braking).
If you're close to the limit, double-check your towing vehicle’s max towing capacity too.
The Brent Bonus
All trailers on Brent come with clear specs so you’ll know the GTW before you tow. Whether you're booking a plant trailer or buying a new flatbed, you’ll see everything you need to stay safe and legal.
-Your favourite Aussie
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