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What Is Vehicle Kerb Weight? Towing Limits Explained Simply

When it comes to towing, most folks obsess over what the trailer weighs. Fair enough — but what about your car? More specifically, its kerb weight. It’s a figure that’s often overlooked, but it plays a big role in how much you can legally and safely tow.


So, what is kerb weight? And why should you be checking it before hitching anything up? Let’s break it down.


So, What’s Kerb Weight?

Kerb weight (sometimes spelled curb weight) is the weight of your vehicle in road-ready condition. That means:

  • All standard equipment fitted

  • Fluids topped up (oil, coolant, brake fluid)

  • A full tank of fuel

  • But no passengers or luggage

Basically, it’s how much your car weighs sitting at the kerb, ready to drive off, minus any added load from you, your gear, or your passengers.



Why Kerb Weight Matters for Towing

You’ll often see kerb weight mentioned when talking about unbraked trailers — and for good reason. In the UK, if you’re towing an unbraked trailer, you must not exceed 50% of your vehicle’s kerb weight.


So if your car has a kerb weight of 1,600 kg, the maximum legal unbraked trailer load is 750 kg — even if the trailer itself can handle more.


It also plays a part in overall towing stability. The heavier your vehicle is in relation to the trailer, the more control you’ll have. That’s especially important when towing in bad weather or at higher speeds.


Where Do I Find My Vehicle’s Kerb Weight?

Good question. You’ve got a few options:

  • Owner’s Manual – usually listed under technical specs

  • Manufacturer’s Website – search by make and model

  • VIN Plate – some vehicles list kerb weight here (though not always)

  • Online Databases – check trailer and towing forums or official resources like the National Trailer & Towing Association (NTTA)

If you’re ever in doubt, give your dealer a ring — or weigh your vehicle at a local weighbridge.



Kerb Weight vs. Other Weights – Don’t Get ‘Em Mixed Up

It’s easy to confuse kerb weight with other terms. Here’s a quick breakdown:

  • Kerb Weight – car ready to drive, full fluids, no people or cargo

  • Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) – the maximum weight your vehicle can safely carry, including passengers, gear, and fuel

  • Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) – the combined weight of your vehicle and any trailer it’s towing

  • Payload – how much you can carry inside the vehicle (GVW minus kerb weight)

Understanding the difference helps you avoid overloading and a roadside headache.


Bottom Line: Kerb Weight = Safe Towing

Kerb weight isn’t just a number in your manual — it’s the baseline for everything else when towing. If you ignore it, you risk overloading your vehicle, stressing your brakes and suspension, or getting pulled over for being unsafe.


So before you load up that trailer, take a quick peek at your kerb weight. It’s a small check that can save you big drama.


Need a trailer that suits your car’s kerb weight? Brent’s got you sorted. Whether you’re towing light or loading heavy, we’ll match you with the right trailer for your setup.


-Brent


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