WHY A 3500KG TOW RATING MAY NOT REALLY BE A 3500KG TOW RATING
Author - Robert Pepper
Practical Motoring - 04 / 12 / 2019
Can tow 3500kg ! The claim is there in big bold letters in the brochure , but here ’ s why your 3500kg tow rating may not really be a 3500kg tow rating .
IN SHORT , MOST vehicles , particularly utes , can only tow their maximum braked trailer weight with a light load otherwise they exceed their design limits for weight .
And that is the asterisk which usually sits behind those bold 3500kg tow rating claims .
Our comprehensive explanation follows , and it starts with some definitions you need to understand :
Tare ( or kerb ) weight
Tare weight is how much the vehicle weighs , stock standard . There is no exact definition of ‘ stock ’, as sometimes it means full of fuel , sometimes partially full , sometimes there ’ s an allowance for the driver , but it ’ s basically empty although ready to drive .