towing capacity

Submitted: Wednesday, Feb 18, 2015 at 18:37
ThreadID: 111157 Views:4161 Replies:11 FollowUps:19
This Thread has been Archived
I have just bought a millard pinnacle caravan..3200 kg empty..expected to go to 3700-4000kg when loaded.. this van is on an a frame...what vehichle can legally tow this van...
taking into consideration ball weights...tow hitches..etc
Back Expand Un-Read 0 Moderator

Reply By: member - mazcan - Wednesday, Feb 18, 2015 at 18:56

Wednesday, Feb 18, 2015 at 18:56
hi
that's awsome heavy you will need a silverado or dodge ram or simular type vehicle to drag it around is it a five wheeler?? your looking at a costly tug
cheers
AnswerID: 546134

Reply By: TomH - Wednesday, Feb 18, 2015 at 18:59

Wednesday, Feb 18, 2015 at 18:59
What is the ATM on the compliance plate because that as much as it can weigh
AnswerID: 546135

Follow Up By: goddosglory - Wednesday, Feb 18, 2015 at 19:04

Wednesday, Feb 18, 2015 at 19:04
atm 3617 on the plate
0
FollowupID: 833862

Follow Up By: TomH - Wednesday, Feb 18, 2015 at 19:06

Wednesday, Feb 18, 2015 at 19:06
Well unless you upgrade it thats the legal limit and you will still need an FFFy or big Chev or similar cos all the rest are limited to 3500kg
0
FollowupID: 833864

Follow Up By: goddosglory - Wednesday, Feb 18, 2015 at 19:17

Wednesday, Feb 18, 2015 at 19:17
I am confused,because I have been told ball weight restricts all those vehichles
0
FollowupID: 833866

Follow Up By: Bobjl - Wednesday, Feb 18, 2015 at 20:19

Wednesday, Feb 18, 2015 at 20:19
I note these specifications for a "Pinnacle" on a "review" which was posted on a sales site some time back. It may not be identical to the model you have?

If it is what you have, then the indicative weights would of course be approximate only and dependant upon exactly what the payload is and where it is placed relative to the axles. It may be that the Tow Ball Mass exceeds 350kg.

When establishing the tow ball mass you must also take into account the coupling [that may weigh 20kg or more].

Assuming the van will fit within the limits mentioned then even a late model Land Cruiser would likely fall short of tow limitations for such a van so as previous respondents have said a big American SUV needed unless say a GVM/GCM upgrade fitted to Cruiser.

Some further and careful research needed to ensure you can stay safe when towing the big 10.1 metre rig.

Bob


MILLARD CARAVANS PINNACLE

Overall length: 10.1m (33ft 1in)
External length: 7.84m (25ft 9in)
External width (incl awn): 2.44m (8ft)
Interior height: 1.98m (6ft 6in)
Tare: 2800kg
ATM: 3600kg
Ball weight (advised): 250kg
Frame: Aluminium
Chassis: Hot dipped galvanised
Suspension: Cruisemaster independent
Cooktop: Swift four-burner/grill/ oven
Fridge: Dometic RM 4605 186 litre
Microwave: LG
Shower: Separate cubicle
Toilet: Dometic cassette
Lighting: 12V, LED
Gas: 2 x 9kg
Fresh water: 2 x 95 litre
Price $110,000 (on road, NSW)
Supplied by: 7th Street Caravans, Boolaroo, NSW
More info: Millard Caravans
0
FollowupID: 833870

Follow Up By: TomH - Wednesday, Feb 18, 2015 at 20:26

Wednesday, Feb 18, 2015 at 20:26
Im sure Motherhen will come on here and tell you the correct info as she has one.
As far as I remember they have a higher limit than 350kg but you could conceivably keep it to that
Whatever you buy its the ATM that governs the weight it can be.
0
FollowupID: 833872

Follow Up By: Geepeem - Wednesday, Feb 18, 2015 at 20:37

Wednesday, Feb 18, 2015 at 20:37
Can someone post a photo of this Millard? What a beast? Is it tri-axle??

0
FollowupID: 833874

Follow Up By: fisho64 - Thursday, Feb 19, 2015 at 01:00

Thursday, Feb 19, 2015 at 01:00
if the ATM is 3600 you can still tow it with the Landcruiser so long as the actual weight doesnt exceed 3500kg
1
FollowupID: 833882

Follow Up By: Bobjl - Thursday, Feb 19, 2015 at 08:14

Thursday, Feb 19, 2015 at 08:14
You can find images by searching Millard Pinnacle, There are some images shown on Caravan Sales site.

http://www.caravancampingsales.com.au/content/Gallery.aspx?R=26291&PhotoID=/general/editorial/ge5275303505167473933.jpg&track=IMAGEVIEWER&h_mid=0&f_mid=0&c_mid=5230213&TabId=2609557
0
FollowupID: 833890

Follow Up By: goddosglory - Thursday, Feb 19, 2015 at 10:04

Thursday, Feb 19, 2015 at 10:04
those pics are the right one.....so for arguments sake if I was to carry the the bulk of the weight..such as water..and gas bottles on the tray of a 79 series landcruiser I woul be ok
0
FollowupID: 833895

Follow Up By: TomH - Thursday, Feb 19, 2015 at 12:38

Thursday, Feb 19, 2015 at 12:38
You would have to take into account the GCVM or the total legal weight of both when towing.

Dont know about a 79 but 100ser when fully loaded cannot tow a full 3500kg as it would exceed it combined mass Remember you have to include towball weight in the payload of the tug I would want at least 300- 325kg on the ball as well.

Weights
Toyota landcruiser 79 RV 4x4 single cab GCM 6,800kg
0
FollowupID: 833906

Follow Up By: Gone Bush (WA) - Monday, Feb 23, 2015 at 08:29

Monday, Feb 23, 2015 at 08:29
TomH, Motherhen has a Bushtracker.

I'm glad I ain't too scared to be lazy
- Augustus McCrae (Lonesome Dove)

Lifetime Member
My Profile  My Blog  Send Message

0
FollowupID: 834139

Follow Up By: TomH - Monday, Feb 23, 2015 at 09:23

Monday, Feb 23, 2015 at 09:23
I know was referring to a EFFY
0
FollowupID: 834142

Follow Up By: Gone Bush (WA) - Monday, Feb 23, 2015 at 10:19

Monday, Feb 23, 2015 at 10:19
OK, my blue, cheers.
I'm glad I ain't too scared to be lazy
- Augustus McCrae (Lonesome Dove)

Lifetime Member
My Profile  My Blog  Send Message

0
FollowupID: 834150

Reply By: Geepeem - Wednesday, Feb 18, 2015 at 20:32

Wednesday, Feb 18, 2015 at 20:32
According to the 2015 Chev Silverado brochure the towing capacity is 13,000 lb for a conventional trailer and 17,300 lb for a gooseneck (5th wheeler). There is no mention of ball weight in the Chev brochure as this depends on the tow bar fitted ( receiver hitch as the yanks call them). There are various classes of receiver hitches. A class V hitch has a maximum tongue weight of 2700lb. A class IV hitch has a maximum tongue weight of 1000lb.
Of the big 3 USA trucks Chev Silverado is head and shoulders above the other two IMHO.
AnswerID: 546142

Reply By: Bobjl - Thursday, Feb 19, 2015 at 08:38

Thursday, Feb 19, 2015 at 08:38
Further to feedback about weight limitations and tow vehicles, you should consider also the effects of wind on the very large surface area of the Caravan and road conditions [down hills and uneven pavement] and the need to prevent the "tail from wagging the dog". A longer wheel based tow vehicle with a weight greater than the Caravan, will assist to create a safer towing potential.

A stronger weight distribution system and a coupling/tow ball with a capacity of more like 5 tonne will be required. Many are available so do your homework and consider the pro's and con's of each.

Safe Towing.

Bob
AnswerID: 546161

Reply By: The Landy - Thursday, Feb 19, 2015 at 10:18

Thursday, Feb 19, 2015 at 10:18
Just for clarity, your post indicates you will be loading between 500 to 800kg in payload to the van?

(3,200kg empty expected to go to 3,700kg to 4,000kg when loaded).

What are you taking, it sounds like a lot of payload weight?

Cheers, Baz – The Landy
AnswerID: 546164

Reply By: Bob Y. - Qld - Thursday, Feb 19, 2015 at 11:27

Thursday, Feb 19, 2015 at 11:27
Goddo,

Years ago, we lived in a big 'van, that was 36' x 9', tri-axle, double chassis and vacuum brakes. We towed it with a Landcruiser HJ45, but couldn't recommend the practice, in hindsight. :-)



A 'van of this size is great to live in, especially with kids, but is a nightmare to tow, with anything, and would be a bugger to park. One time we spent 10 days, virtually confined to the 'van because of heavy rain, and we didn't have a single domestic!!!

Reckon you might need a light truck, like an Isuzu, Hino or UD. Might work out chepaer than an Effy or a Silverado?

Bob

Seen it all, Done it all.
Can't remember most of it.

Lifetime Member
My Profile  My Blog  My Position  Send Message

AnswerID: 546169

Follow Up By: Geepeem - Thursday, Feb 19, 2015 at 12:53

Thursday, Feb 19, 2015 at 12:53
Bob,

In the 1970's I don't think there were any regulations specified by manufacturers what a vehicle could tow. It wasn't until 1998 (I think) that a braked and unbaked tow capacity became compulsory to be specified. Before then anyone could tow 1.5 times their vehicle tare weight legally. I can recall people towing big vans like yours with a ZH Fairlane (V8).
0
FollowupID: 833908

Follow Up By: Bob Y. - Qld - Thursday, Feb 19, 2015 at 13:44

Thursday, Feb 19, 2015 at 13:44
Thanks Geepeem,

Yeah this was back in 1985, and In Mt Isa region, so not as busy as, say Bruce or Hume highways. ;-)

Can remember this 'van, even at sedate speeds on station tracks, pushing the Landcruiser ute pretty much where it wanted too. Glad we only did one short trip on a major highway!

Bob

Seen it all, Done it all.
Can't remember most of it.

Lifetime Member
My Profile  My Blog  My Position  Send Message

0
FollowupID: 833914

Reply By: BunderDog - Thursday, Feb 19, 2015 at 12:10

Thursday, Feb 19, 2015 at 12:10
Would be interesting to put the van over the scales just to see how accurate your "empty weight" actually is. Does it include spare tyre, gas bottles awning etc.?
AnswerID: 546172

Follow Up By: goddosglory - Thursday, Feb 19, 2015 at 15:20

Thursday, Feb 19, 2015 at 15:20
i think thats what i will do..get it weighed with water tanks and gas bottles full and see what happens..i towed it home to dalby behind 6 cyl 2002 f250...towed beautiful..no dramas..but i have since been told that no suspension improvements will increase the tow cap.and ball weights come into play..and insurers could be a problem...does any body have any facts on dual cab iveco
0
FollowupID: 833921

Follow Up By: TomH - Thursday, Feb 19, 2015 at 15:35

Thursday, Feb 19, 2015 at 15:35
Get it weighed Empty to see if the Tare on the plate is correct.

Anything else like water is part of the load.

If you cant get it upgraded the figure on the plate will be its max weight

Is a pretty heavy unit as it is without any more
0
FollowupID: 833923

Follow Up By: Bob Y. - Qld - Thursday, Feb 19, 2015 at 16:38

Thursday, Feb 19, 2015 at 16:38
Do a search on this site, and YouTube as well, and you'll get some hits.

Type in "Iveco Daily 4x4" and you'll get 4 hits on here, and about a dozen on the 'tube.

Bob

Seen it all, Done it all.
Can't remember most of it.

Lifetime Member
My Profile  My Blog  My Position  Send Message

0
FollowupID: 833930

Reply By: Motherhen - Thursday, Feb 19, 2015 at 16:39

Thursday, Feb 19, 2015 at 16:39
Hi Goddosglory

With a heavy van like that, you need not only a tow vehicle that can legally tow that laden weight, but the gross combination mass must also fall with that specified for the tow vehicle i.e. GCM / Gross Combination Mass is the maximum allowable weight of the vehicle and trailer combination, including their loads which includes driver and passengers as well a luggage and laden trailer.

Our Bushtracker is not near that weight, approaching 3 tonne fully laden for a big trip, so you must have a large caravan. We tow with an F250 and before the big lap the whole combination was around 7.5 tonne. We are in the heavy end if something goes wrong, and this has proved its worth.

You are looking at something imported liek ath F250, F350, Silverado or a light truck. Even the Iceco Daily only has a towing capacity of 3.5 tonne.

It is easier to use up a large payload capacity; water at one kilo per litre, extra batteries and solar panels, tools, equipment, clothes for all seasons and food.

Was your Millard purchased second hand?

Motherhen

Red desert dreaming

Lifetime Member
My Profile  My Blog  Send Message

AnswerID: 546185

Reply By: goddosglory - Thursday, Feb 19, 2015 at 17:29

Thursday, Feb 19, 2015 at 17:29
hi motherhen..yes it is a 2010..sat at brisbane rv for a very long time...obviously because of its size..but when they said yes to what i thought was a ridiculous offer..i now own it.the plan is to spend more time in one place...but i still like the idea of moving when i want to
AnswerID: 546189

Reply By: mountainman - Friday, Feb 20, 2015 at 18:37

Friday, Feb 20, 2015 at 18:37
Landrover discovery are rated at 4tonne towing
thats the old 3.9 v8.
Youd thing the disco3 would share the same load rating as in the recent Tdv6 and current range of said brand name.
AnswerID: 546274

Reply By: duck - Monday, Feb 23, 2015 at 08:18

Monday, Feb 23, 2015 at 08:18
if your over 3500kg you will also have to have a 75mm Ball or ring feeder etc as 50mm ball rating stops at 3500kg, There will not be many vehicle that can legally tow it, I had a patrol 6wheeler that had a tow rating of 4500kg but my new Isuzu nps 300 4x4 is only 3500kg tow rated
AnswerID: 546427

Follow Up By: BunderDog - Monday, Feb 23, 2015 at 12:48

Monday, Feb 23, 2015 at 12:48
You can get them............just not in this country.

4500kg towball

A McHitch would be another alternative.

McHitch Coupler
1
FollowupID: 834159

Sponsored Links