Towing Weights

[bobt]

Gidday all

Stumbled upon this article. I think its a good one. Go check it out

practicalmotoring.com.au/car-advice/why-a-3500kg-tow-rating-may-not-really-be-a-3500kg-tow-rating

bobt

[bobandjacqui]

Thanks for providing the link Bob. Very interesting read. We have just upgraded to a Isuzu d-Max (great car) but our van only weighs in at 1200 kgs loaded ,so no problem for us but we have friends that have the same vehicle but tow a fifth wheeler. I'll print of the info for him as I'm sure his total gross weight will be way over.

Cheers Bob and Jacqui.

[doublechevron]

Though the Land Rover looks great there..... There's a reason they don't suffer the "broken chassis" syndrome of the overloaded twin cab ute ...

www.google.com.au/search?q=twin+cab+ute+broken+chassis&espv=2&biw=1331&bih=869&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=MvBwVeGIK4mG8QXjuIH4AQ&ved=0CCgQsAQ



The reason isn't the massively strong land rover chassis, land rover also massively derate the tow capacity for offroad use.... back to 1000kg from memory... ie: there military spec ratings.

[Mustang]

Insurance has been looking at these situations closely.

At Goondiwindi last week it was reported a massive pullover by traffic branch had 1 in 5 caravans booked for overloading, the reporter said there were 4 vans parked on the side of the road as they were  overloaded. I guess the owners were transfering goods to the nearest park.

Then the cops moved to Milmerrin & got another lot of nomads with every possession they owned on board.

Apparently if you have a mishap & insurance move in for a weigh in, its like drink driving....we are tearing up the policy!

PS:
Our Prado is rated at 2.5 ton towing, I'm sure its as strong as a Colorado thats rated at 3.5 ton.?
I,ve never heard of a Prado with a broken chassis....food for thought.