The 3500kg tow rating guide
Very few vehicles can tow their maximum rated tow weight when at their GVM , or even sometimes are quite a way off it . The headline tow figure may not be usable in real life .
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If the sum of the GVM and max tow rating is greater than the GCM , then you have to choose between a fully-loaded vehicle or the heaviest trailer it ’ ll tow . You have to take a close look at exactly what the manufacturer is saying about maximum towing capacities . This is unlikely to be a simple answer – hence this long and jargon-laden article – so you need to ensure that anyone you take advice from actually has a clue about your specific vehicle and trailer . A further tip – salespeople looking to close a deal are not known to be the most reliable source of technical advice on complex matters . Don ’ t assume a weight-distribution hitch ( WDH ) is the solution . Some manufacturers mandate a WDH , some recommend , and some say definitely do not use it . If a vehicle is set up for off-roading with the usual accessories it will weigh 200-400kg over tare . This may reduce its towing ability as it may exceed its GCM once a heavy trailer is connected , or the driver gets in . In fact , some vehicles are so heavily loaded and modified they ’ re at GVM before anyone gets in . It doesn ’ t matter what sort of suspension or brakes you fit because if the compliance plate isn ’ t changed your GVM is what it is . Be aware of your weights as there are legal , insurance , and warranty implications if they are exceeded . There are enough utes with broken chassis in the world already . Either take less load or get a bigger ute like an F-Truck or a small truck like an Iveco Daily or a Mitsubishi Canter . Or if you really want a giant trailer , try a 5th-wheeler . Some vehicles are speed-limited when they tow . Holden recommends that Commodores be limited to 80km / h once the load is over 1600kg , or has less than 1500km on the clock . In general , 2WD roadcars are not as good at towing as 4WDs .
Nope . The distance between the rear axle and towball is crazy long , so any small movement on the trailer translates to a big movement on the rear axle . Whatever this ute is nominally rated to tow cannot be safely achieved with this setup . Also , it ’ s either overloaded or needs stiffer suspension . There ’ s only so much weight you can put behind the rear axle