|
|
|
TOWING REGULATIONSTowing regulations in the ACT require that the laden trailer must not exceed the kerb weight of the tow vehicle for passenger vehicles and must not exceed 1.5 times the kerb weight for goods vehicles. (Kerb weight is the tare or unloaded weight of a vehicle). The speed limit for towing in the ACT is as indicated by speed limit signs. For the purposes of towing, all sedans and station wagons are classified as passenger cars, and all four-wheel-drives, panelvans, utes and F100s are classified as goods vehicles. In NSW, for passenger vehicles, the weight being towed must not exceed the kerb weight of the tow vehicle. For goods vehicles, the laden trailer must weigh less than two thirds of the gross vehicle mass of the tow vehicle (its kerb weight plus its maximum permissible load). Maximum permissible load is calculated as 10% of GVM for new vehicles registered after 1 January 1995 and 5% for vehicles registered before this date and which have a GVM of 2500 kg or less. Speed limits in NSW are as posted on signs for trailers laden under 750kg, and 80kph for trailers over 750kg laden. To tow a single horse float, one horse in a double float or two small ponies, you will need at least the equivalent of a Ford 4.1 litre, 6-cylinder engine. A light float weighs around 800kg and a 15hh horse weighs about 500kg, a total of 1300kg. A VR Commodore Executive V6 wagon, for example, has a kerb weight of 1398 kg and therefore could just pull this weight. A vehicle with a capacity of 2.0 litres or less should not tow more than 500kg. Engine capacities of between 2.0 and 3.0 litres are suitable for towing 500-1000kg, while engines greater than 3.0 litres can tow more than 1000kg. A heavier float and two large Thoroughbreds could weigh as much as 2000kg. Thus for two horses or more, you will need a V8 engine, a F100 or F350, or a strong 4WD. Vehicle manufactures quote loads that a vehicle is 'capable' of towing, on the condition that recommended tow packs and equipment are fitted. However, according to the NRMA, towing these loads in the ACT or NSW could be illegal and affect you insurance cover. NRMA mass recommendations take into account both state regulations and manufacturers mass recommendations. The following are some examples of the maximum towing capacities of some of the larger passenger cars and 4WDs, as advised by the NRMA:
If you are in doubt, contact either the NRMA or your insurance company. Most insurers would make void a claim following an accident if the car involved was towing more than its recommended towing weight. The NRMA has available road reports for every model car which lists towing capacity. If you are in doubt about your own vehicle, call in to the NRMA for a road report. In addition to considering the legalities of pulling a horse float, heavy weight towing puts considerable stress on the engine of an ordinary passenger vehicle. While 4WDs and F100s are designed for pulling, you may find that the alternator and gear box in your passenger vehicle don't fare too well and that you need to add a transmission cooler to an automatic. For older model Fords, a heavy duty radiator may need to be fitted as well. All towing vehicles should be fitted with a heavy duty towbar, specifically designed, supplied and fitted by an authorised dealer for your particular model. The NRMA publishes a very useful guide to towing in Australia which can be obtained from any NRMA office: Towing in Australia. |
|
This site is provided by PottsNet I.T.
Solutions
|
