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Towing with a VZ Ute

Submitted: Sunday, Mar 02, 2008 at 11:13

Bretterson

Gday all,
I have a VZ Holden ute ..i was wondering if anyone would know of any modifications i can have fitted to be able to tow a medium size poptop van around Oz.. planning to basically stick to the bitumen and gravel only. Any advice would be greatly appreciated

cheers
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AnswerID: 290370   Submitted: Sunday, Mar 02, 2008 at 11:25

Member - barry F (NSW) replied:

Hello there, Just make sure your ute has the legal capacity to tow the weight of your van & that the ball weight is also within the required specs.
I would recommend that you purchase quality weight distribution equipment in order to improve the safety of your whole rig. We use a Hayman Reese unit.
Good mirrors are essential & the most popular are Aussie Truck mirrors @ about $100 each but well worth the money in my opinion. You can get them at most automotive outlets.
The list is endless, but if you just want to stick to basics you won't need lots of bells & whistles. Cheers.
Reply 1 of 5
AnswerID: 290375   Submitted: Sunday, Mar 02, 2008 at 12:35

Notso replied:

It has a 1600 kilo towing capacity. Some of the earlier holdens had to have mods done to the Chassis etc to tow the maximum too so check that out at your holden dealer.

Reply 2 of 5
AnswerID: 290383   Submitted: Sunday, Mar 02, 2008 at 12:56

DIO replied:

Check your Owners Handbook, Section 9.

You need to understand the maximum carrying capacity of your vehicle (depaends on model) add front and rear axle capacity minues tare weight of vehicle, result is carrying capacity. From this you will need to deduct tow ball weight, luggage, passengers and anything else carried in the rear of the vehicle. It's all in Section 9.
Section 9 will also show that you can tow up to a mximum of 2100 kg with suitable eqipment fitted to your vehicle. This means a Heavy Duty Towbar rated to 2100 kg, electric or hydraulic brakes on trailer/van, automatic transmission, heat shield for the centre drive shaft bearing and WDH (Load Distribution Hitch). No maximum speed is recommended. If you have a manual transmission apparently you can only tow a maximum of 1600 kg regardless of other equipment installed. There are no chassis modification suggested, recomended or available from Holden to increase towing capacity. It all depends on your towing equipment (tow bar etc)
Reply 3 of 5
AnswerID: 290385   Submitted: Sunday, Mar 02, 2008 at 13:10

Bretterson replied:

thanks very much guys.. I'll give Holden a call during the week and get it rolling :-)

cheers
Reply 4 of 5
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AnswerID: 290678   Submitted: Monday, Mar 03, 2008 at 20:52

mechpete replied:

make ya check on the load range of ya tyres ,the low profile 17s an18 etc reduce the carrying capacity aslo ,
mechpete
Reply 5 of 5

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