towing a sierra behind a motorhome

Another site that should be of great interest to you Hitch'n'Go they make specific mention of the Suzuki Sierra. You should also be aware that towing anythin gover 750 kg requires brakes. This site explains all.

This requirement only applies in NSW. All other states only require the towing vehicle to be 3.5 times the weight of the towed vehicle and no brakes are necessary. From the CMCA website

"TOWING MASS RATIO:

The loaded weight of the towing vehicle compared with the weight of the loaded towed vehicle (including the “A”-frame) is known as the combination’s towing mass ratio.

If the loaded tow vehicle weighs 4 tonnes and the loaded towed vehicle weighs 1 tonne, the tow ratio is 4 to 1.

Towing mass ratio must be at least 3.5 to 1

Tests and computer simulations conducted in 2002 by Road user Systems, consultant engineers, using a Mitsubishi Canter motor home towing an unbraked Suzuki Vitara 4WD with varying loads showed that the towing mass ratio must be at least 3.5 to 1 to provide adequate stability and braking performance.

Ratios greater that this (eg 4 to 1) were shown to have higher dynamic stability and performed better under emergency braking. It is therefore a requirement that the towing mass ratio must be at least 3.5 to 1, and it is highly recommended that the ratio be greater than this, and as high as possible for improved handling, controllability and braking.

Towing mass ratios of less than 3.5 to 1
Combinations with a towing mass ratio of less than 3.5 to 1 require the brakes of the towed vehicle to operate when the brakes of the towing vehicle are applied.

Vehicle Standards Information (VSI 41) : At present ( 14/12/06) only applies to NSW
This states the requirement for brakes on greater than 750kg trailer
Ian

I have towed a 1997 vitara for year's with a hitch and go A frame. I have found it very good with the Coaster on tar,sand,and dirt roads. This Aframe is legal in all states and comes with papers to say same. This saves you mucking around with ratios,mass,computer simulations,and all the other bleep . When it is behind the coaster it is packed with gear, and tows fine at 95,100kph
Ian C

cant be bothered re odoemter,and a trailer adds more {unnecessary weight to be towed, but hey thanx for replying!

It takes 15 min,s to disconect odemter,handy if you are away for 12 months or more.If i travel on main road,s i use rpm meter or gps. Ianc

The trailer will need to have brakes , also reversing the trailer will be 100 times better than reversing the suzi.

The problem with a trailer is that you have three vehicles to park. Can be a problem in a van park. Also have three regos to pay. Reversing a Suzi is easier than reversing a trailer. Just unhitch and away you go. Just make sure you put the transfer case in neutral so it doesn't wear out when towing. Mechanical speedos will continue to accumulate kms but modern electrical ones wont with the ign turned off.

In that case an A-frame is your only option. A trailer will put you over the tow capacity, but your towing mass ratio allows you to use an A-frame (outside NSW) without brakes. If you must go to NSW you will have to have a braking system fitted to your A-frame.
Ian

Hitch-n-go a frame towing
46-50 Jabiru drive Yeppoon
QLD.Australia 4703
PH.0749395944 Fax0749398600
The a frame is about $1100 with rear light and brake kit
Ianc