Adding Loads to Your Setup
Now that your vehicle and caravan specifications are entered, it's time to start adding the loads that make your setup unique — from passengers and gear to accessories, tools, and supplies. This step gives you a clear picture of how your setup changes from trip to trip, and how every item affects your weights and balance.
Getting Started
To begin, tap the ‘Add Loads’ button at the bottom right of any Load View screen. You’ll be able to:
- Add passengers, pets, and regular occupants
- Add vehicle accessories and upgrades not included in your tare weight
- Add caravan loads, luggage, fixtures, and gear added after tare
- Choose items from an extensive pre-loaded list with average weights
- Or create your own custom load from scratch
Using the Load List & Search Tool
When adding a load, tap ‘Add from List’ to access LoadMate’s library of common accessories and fixtures. Use the search bar to quickly find items, or scroll to browse categories.
Each item includes an estimated average weight. If you’re not sure of the exact number, you can adjust it or use LoadMate’s built-in OpenAI-powered assistant to provide a typical weight for most common items.
⚖️ Tip: An approximate weight is better than no weight at all. You can always update it later.
Load Details & Location
Once you’ve selected an item:
- You can update the description, add notes, or adjust the weight
- Assign a location in your vehicle or caravan to help LoadMate track weight distribution
- Add a photo for quick visual reference (tap the circle at the top of the load card)
- Attach receipts or documentation to keep everything in one place
🧭 For roof rack loads or other shared locations, pick the closest storage point or midpoint between the axles if evenly distributed.
Excluding Loads
Use the ‘Exclude from Calculations’ toggle to quickly switch loads on or off without deleting them. This is ideal for:
- Occasional passengers
- Gear you only bring on certain trips
- Planning weight redistribution without removing loads
One tap, and LoadMate updates all your weights and limits.
Vehicle-Specific Notes
For vehicles like utes, it's especially important to add loads such as:
- Trays or canopies not included in the tare weight
- LT tyres
- Tow hitches
- Roof rack systems
If your actual tare weight (from a weigh-in) already includes these, no need to re-enter them. LoadMate will handle this for you automatically.
Caravan-Specific Notes
For caravans, start by adding anything that wasn’t part of the original tare weight — unless you’ve uploaded a professional weigh-in that already includes those items.
Once a weight report is linked, LoadMate uses it as a baseline and tracks net movements from that point forward. This allows you to accurately account for additions, removals, or even relocations of loads over time.
Load Distribution Categories (Caravan Only)
When entering caravan loads, you’ll be able to assign them to up to three dimensions:
- Longitudinal (front to rear) – mandatory
- Latitudinal (left to right) – recommended
- Vertical (top to bottom) – recommended
Taking the time to add all three gives you the clearest picture of how balanced — or top-heavy — your caravan may be.
Smart Load Distribution Tools
When you click into any load you’ve entered, LoadMate offers real-time load distribution suggestions. If you’re over your tow ball mass, for example, you can instantly see the effect of relocating a load elsewhere in your caravan or vehicle.
No more guesswork or complex maths — just smart, live feedback to help you stay compliant and balanced.
Final Tips
- Repeat the process for all major loads and accessories
- For best results, focus on heavier or frequently moved items
- Lighter loads matter too — just be practical about how precise you need to be
Note, you can always come back later to add, remove, or modify any load from the Loads icon.