4by on an a frame
Submitted: Monday, Dec 31, 2007 at 18:08
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pop2jocem
To all you knowlagable ladies and gentleman of the
forum.
As a relative newby to this site may I wish all seasons greetings.
Now for my question. Does anyone know what regulations cover towing a 4WD or for that matter any vehicle behind a motor home? I would rather use an "A" frame than tow a trailer. I am in WA but will be looking to do around the block so will need to be legal in other states if this is possible
Thanks in advance
Pop2jocem
Reply By: Member - John (Vic) - Monday, Dec 31, 2007 at 18:16
Monday, Dec 31, 2007 at 18:16
Lots of people do it so I guess it would no different to towing any other trailer allowing for the techniques involved with tow bar attachment and controlling the cars steering whilst under tow.
So long as you also meet the requirements of tow weight, registration and brake systems etc you should be fine.
AnswerID:
279090
Reply By: Member - BIGDOG G (WA) - Monday, Dec 31, 2007 at 18:26
Monday, Dec 31, 2007 at 18:26
Yeah, look I dont know what the rules are but I towed a 4wd thru every state and never once had any trouble.
Funny thing was the "tower" (40ft coach) was not even registered.
About 18 years ago.
Cheers................BIGDOG
AnswerID:
279094
Reply By: jomah - Monday, Dec 31, 2007 at 19:49
Monday, Dec 31, 2007 at 19:49
Regulations vary from state to state. There was an article on the subject a few months back in Motorhomes Aus magazine. Sorry I cant be more specific on the issue but Im sure if you can dredge up their website you can track it down. It was very informative and as I recall more expensive than expected to do it legally.
AnswerID:
279113
Follow Up By: Member - Roachie (SA) - Monday, Dec 31, 2007 at 20:33
Monday, Dec 31, 2007 at 20:33
I think you're right. I recall reading somewhere that, to do it legally, you have to set it up so that the "trailer's" brakes come on when you brake the tow vehicle. This can be achieved by some arrangement involving an over-ride set-up on the "A" frame, which then connects to the 4x4's own brakes via linkages etc.
Google is your friend.
Happy New Year
Roachie
FollowupID:
543298
Follow Up By: pop2jocem - Monday, Dec 31, 2007 at 21:20
Monday, Dec 31, 2007 at 21:20
To everyone who helped with your input thanks guys. Roachie, an interesting thought on the braking. I will have to delve deeper
Happy new year to all
Pop2jocem
FollowupID:
543303
Reply By: Ianw - Monday, Dec 31, 2007 at 22:25
Monday, Dec 31, 2007 at 22:25
Pop2
This was covered in thread 42624 earlier in the year.
Basically if your motorhome is more than 3.5 times the weight of the towed vehicle no brakes are needed in most of Aus. NSW is the exception. If the weight is not right then brakes are required everywhere. CMCA (Campervan and motorhome Club) have over 50000 members so you will find a lot of info on there website.
Check out the earlier thread.
Ian
AnswerID:
279129
Follow Up By: pop2jocem - Tuesday, Jan 01, 2008 at 11:47
Tuesday, Jan 01, 2008 at 11:47
Checked out that thread, some very good info
Thanks heaps IanW
Cheers
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543343
Reply By: blown4by - Tuesday, Jan 01, 2008 at 01:42
Tuesday, Jan 01, 2008 at 01:42
If you pop in to a DPI Vehicle Examination Centre they have a free handout specifically covering the subject of 'A' frames and all you need to know re braking, lighting, etc
AnswerID:
279139
Reply By: aka_db - Tuesday, Jan 01, 2008 at 09:30
Tuesday, Jan 01, 2008 at 09:30
Hi Pop2jocem,
This is a link to the Qld Transport's doument on Safe Towing, it details requirements for Qld, I would expect that all other states would have something similar...
Qld Tpt Safe Towing Guidelines (pdf)
happy travlling...db.
AnswerID:
279156
Follow Up By: pop2jocem - Tuesday, Jan 01, 2008 at 12:11
Tuesday, Jan 01, 2008 at 12:11
Hi aka_db
Thanks for that link, I had a read of the relevant section. I hope our local revenue raisers have as logical and easy to read a site.
Thanks and Cheers
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