Road closure query

Hypothetically what if you were towing with a F250 with a kerb weight of just over 3 tonnes……would that be allowed??

NO...We have a Silverado 2500HD and I have asked the various Roads Authorities (WA & SA) this very question and their answer was "yes, only if you have a lot of money to fix the roads". Apparently if you damage it against the signs, you wear it.

Cheers

Geepeem - There's nothing really hypothetical about the weights. If either towing vehicle or 'van is grossing (all-up weight) over 3 tonnes, then you're not allowed on a closed road where the restriction is "over 3 tonnes".

This is for towbar hitch couplings only, of course. If you are utilising a 5th wheel setup, that would change the gross weight scenario.

As regards registration, a 5th wheeler van and its tow vehicle are classed as two separate vehicles, but the combination would likely be classed for gross weight measurement purposes, the same as a semitrailer.

Even though a prime mover and semi-trailer are classed as two separate vehicles when registered - when hitched together, for gross weight purposes, they are treated as one unit.

Geepeem
Doesn't need to be an Effie or Silverado to go over the 3T limit.
For example, the GVM of a LC 100 or 200 are both over 3T, the latter being 3350kg.
Secondly, while the GCM is not mentioned, take into account that damage to the road under poor conditions would be significantly greater when towing.
The advantage of a van is that you can just camp where you are and wait the extra day or so for things to dry out.
Cheers

With you Neil and others,

If the caravan can be disconnected from the Prado and driven over the road by its self, then its an vehicle, but as it can only move when attached to a vehicle, its a trailer, then the Gross weight is the GCM of car and trailer.

Queensland "Gross load limit signs

You must not drive past these signs if your vehicle weighs more or is longer than what is shown on the sign.
A detour sign will show a different route for vehicles that are too long or heavy."

If every trailer/caravan was a vehicle then a Road Train is just 12/18 tonnes, plus a 60 tonne trailer, plus another 60 tonne trailer, plus another 60 tonne trailer, not 200 tonnes.

That's a bloody heavy road train example you gave, Bludge. :-)

I doubt if it would be allowed on any highway, closed or otherwise. GCM of 120 tonne might be closer to the mark,

Bob

Thanks Bob,

You are correct most 3 trailer rigs would be 116 tonnes (maxing at 125 in certain conditions) in most southern and eastern states

I took the 200 tonne from that refers to West, Northern Australia and parts of Northern Queensland.(click here)

"A roadtrain may be over 50 metres long and can weigh up to nearly 200 tonnes!"