./ 2 WAGON OR UTE - Continued
OK , back to the objective of this article . Either wagon or ute may be the ideal vehicle for your needs . My objective is to highlight the various attributes of each vehicle type ' Wagon & Ute ' without bias providing an overall summary . Before we get into the nitty gritty , let me go over on the subject of towing compliance which is well documented throughout the internet and other Caravanning publications .
Towing requirements -
For your safety and safety of all other road users , maintain the legal requirements for both vehicle and trailer . Road authorities in most states are becoming more vigilant towards caravanners . If your vehicle or trailer is over weight you could cop a hefty fine or , if involved in an accident , may void any vehicle / caravan warranty or insurance claim .
What you should take into account when selecting a Wagon or Ute for towing - Weights & Measures -
Know and stay within the Gross Vehicle Mass ( GVM ) of your preferred tow vehicle , this also includes the passengers , payload and ball weight of the item being towed .
Additionally , don ' t forget to take into consideration items on the roof rack including the weight of the roof rack . Most manufacturers have a roof load limit which also includes the roof rack . Identify your Tow ball Mass ( TBM ) - Definitely check the compliance plate or manufactures manual as some vehicles ’ such as the Pajero have different ball weights specified based on the mass weight being towed . Use a tow ball weight scale available from most caravanning and outdoor outlets .
Check compliance plates prior to towing
Ball weight measure
Know your trailer ' s ' Gross Trailer Mass ' ( GTM ) - The total weight transmitted through the axle ( s ) to the ground when the fully laden trailer is attached to the tow vehicle . Most importantly always adhere to the Gross Combination Mass ( GCM ) - this being the total allowable weight of the tow vehicle and trailer combined . GVM + GTM = GCM
Pro ' s and Con ' s - Wagon V Ute . Security
One big advantage that a wagon has over the ute is security , this being the ability to store your precious items behind locked doors from the word go . There is no need for aftermarket locking hood or canopy . On testing , we had to relocate many item into the caravan and back seats of the Triton for security reasons . Solution for the ute - A locking hood or canopy has to be added on top of your initial vehicle purchase . Add a minimum of $ 2,900 for a new locking ' Hard Cover ' or a minimum of $ 3,900.00 for a new Canopy with basic slide side windows . If security is not an issue , a real plus for the ute is the open cargo space which is ideal for the outdoor adventurers to load their sporting and camping gear .
Secure load in a wagon , A canopy required for a utility
Ride / Comfort
You must take into consideration that utes in general are utility vehicle designed primarily for commercial applications . The suspension is therefore designed to cope with additional weight over the back axle above that of a 4WD wagon . The ride is harder especially with little or no weight in the cargo area . Uneven roads , corrugations and ruts are emphasised . More weight in the cargo area will dampen the harshness of the ride , but logically will add to the GVM and reduce the overall GCM when towing . 4WD wagons in most situations have independent suspension with rear coil springs providing a much more comfortable ride reducing the effects of most harsh surfaces . The downfall could be a reduction in towing capacity thus , heavier duty coils , shockers and possibly airbags may be required depending on your towing needs . Again = ‘ Additional cost ’.