Legal Towing Vehicle

Submitted: Monday, Oct 29, 2007 at 00:49

ThreadID: 51026 Views:3059 Replies:7 FollowUps:3

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dbh

We have a 20' caravan and would like to know can if it be legally towed with a Falcoln Fairmont. We are considering a Toyota Prado, if that is big enough or do we need to go for the Landcruiser. Appreciate any help.
Cheers

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Reply By: disco driver - Monday, Oct 29, 2007 at 01:24

Monday, Oct 29, 2007 at 01:24

Hi dbh,

Before anyone here can offer adequate advice there are a few things we need to know.
1. Weight of caravan.
2. Weight on drawbar (should be around 10% of van weight).
3. What sort of Towbar is fitted to the car (Ordinary trailer
towbar or weight distribution hitch, ie Reese hitch or similar.
4. Max towing capacity of the Falcon.
5. What type of brake system on van (electric or over ride).

Once these figures are available, people on this forum will have something to work with in offering suitable advice.

Cheers

Disco

AnswerID: 268866

Follow Up By: 96 GXL 80 series - Monday, Oct 29, 2007 at 01:29

Monday, Oct 29, 2007 at 01:29

Disco, also is it tandem axles ? I gather it would be at that length, but you don't know.

FollowupID: 531643

Reply By: mylestom - Monday, Oct 29, 2007 at 08:18

Monday, Oct 29, 2007 at 08:18

Depends on the model of Ford Fairmont, if set up correctly they can tow up to max 2.3 tonne.
But depends on the towbar setup and model ford, also configuration of the van.

If new van then the manufacturers should be able to advise.
If second hand then caravan yard or original manufacturer should be able to advise.

If you don't need a 4wd and your car is legally able to tow the van, then why add to the expense of the van with another vehicle.

AnswerID: 268885

Reply By: Shaker - Monday, Oct 29, 2007 at 09:41

Monday, Oct 29, 2007 at 09:41

Read your vehicle owner's manual, look at the compliance plate on the caravan for the tare weight, then put 2 & 2 together!

AnswerID: 268899

Follow Up By: Member - Graham H (QLD) - Monday, Oct 29, 2007 at 20:59

Monday, Oct 29, 2007 at 20:59

Tare weight is irrelevant

Its the GVM or all up weight that matters.

Thats what you will be towing unless you dont take any gear at all with you.

What basically is the rule is that you may not tow a van with a GVM heavier than what your tow vehicle is plated to tow. Even if you dont fill it up to that weight. Like leaving the water tanks empty. If the caravans GVM plate weight is more than the cars limit its illegal to tow it at any weight.
I found out the expensive way as I bought an Auto Patrol then bought a van that was 2584 GVM. Thought it was OK with no water. WRONG
Cost me $23000 to upgrade to a Croozer to legally tow it.
Would have been cheaper to trade the van but we like it more than the Patrol

EG a 3.0 litre Patrol Auto = 2.5 tonne
3.0 litre Patrol man = 3 tonne or maybe 3.2 tonne
Toyota 100 series = 3.5 tonne
Prados and Pajeros I think are limited to 2 tonne
(waits for flames)

FollowupID: 531821

Reply By: gjcumming - Monday, Oct 29, 2007 at 10:10

Monday, Oct 29, 2007 at 10:10

Hello dbh.

Disco's comments are spot on.

Go see australia web site has a program to calculate compatability. You will nee to know some of the details Disco mentioned.

http://www.goseeaustralia.com.au/comtest.asp

Regards: Grant

AnswerID: 268903

Reply By: PeterInSA - Monday, Oct 29, 2007 at 10:24

Monday, Oct 29, 2007 at 10:24

Also agree with Disco's comments,
in addition it depends on the amount of gear you are going to take, probably the longer you are away from home the more gear. A good friend of mine with a Falcon that can tow 2.3tonne with a new 19ft van away for 3 months is borderline on the weight. His rig has the correct towing aids etc. so I would suggest that with all the correct gear etc, you would be border line to.

For safety I would look at the Prado or Landcruiser.

Peter

AnswerID: 268904

Follow Up By: dbh - Tuesday, Oct 30, 2007 at 09:18

Tuesday, Oct 30, 2007 at 09:18

Thank you all for your comments.
I will give more detail: The car is 2004 Ford Fairmont BA 11 fitted with heavy duty towbar and electric brakes. Rating towing capacity 1600. Caravan is 2001 Spaceline tandem axle with electric brakes. GVM on caravan is 1840 and is fitted with sway bars
Cheers dbh

FollowupID: 531895

Reply By: gottabjoaken - Tuesday, Oct 30, 2007 at 13:31

Tuesday, Oct 30, 2007 at 13:31

dbh

sorry to point out, but you said it yourself
"Rating towing capacity 1600. ... GVM on caravan is 1840 "

Your answer is N O, not a hope... (of doing it legally).
and please don't.

Ken

AnswerID: 269111

Reply By: gottabjoaken - Tuesday, Oct 30, 2007 at 13:31

Tuesday, Oct 30, 2007 at 13:31

dbh

sorry to point out, but you said it yourself
"Rating towing capacity 1600. ... GVM on caravan is 1840 "

Your answer is N O, not a hope... (of doing it legally or safely).
and please don't.

Ken

AnswerID: 269112