Tow rating ?

In some instances it is because we are considered a high heat area and they limit it to allow for harsh conditions.

Local insurance implications maybe?
Probably find the Oz rating is the same as the USA rating. Both increasingly run by lawyers and other parasites.

Probably because some of us out here use em the way they are meant to be used instead of driving down 6 lane highways and Autobahns!

Could another factor be the fact that Australian Prados have 2 big fuel tanks, European ones don't seem to have this. Not sure about NZ and US does anyone know if Prados there have 2 tanks? The thing that surprises me with Prados is that the 2 door one has a higher tow rating than the 4 door ones.

Same with Pajero. In NZ rated at 3 tonne regardless...here in Australia rated 2.5 tonne when Towball weight exceeds 180kg. Apparently to protect Aisin automatic in hot conditions.

I'm guessing it's our country's over-zealous law makers.

Have a look at a product called Air Safe Hitch. These are made in the USA and come from that country with a sticker stating what they are rated to tow and the down weight. Once they get here to Australia the local agent, BTA Towing Equipment, whack another sticker on the damned thing that has a substantially lower rating than what the yanks have stipulated.

From discussions I've had with another Silverado owner who owns a 5th wheeler, the same thing applies to the apparatus these vans require that gets bolted into the bed of the truck. He thought he'd be smart and bought one direct from the states that met his van's requirements. However, when he went to have the whole rig checked over by the authorities, he was told that he needed a heavier duty 5th wheel in the bed of his truck.

Go figure!!!