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General => General Discussion => Topic started by: Chrisfatboysydney on September 20, 2015, 01:16:55 PM

Title: Max towing weight
Post by: Chrisfatboysydney on September 20, 2015, 01:16:55 PM

Hi guys,

Wanted to get some opinions..

I can on only tow 2000kg with a 200kg ball weight.

I am looking nice at getting a jayco swan or expanda pop top.

I know the swan won't be a problem but I'm trying to choose between the single axel 16ft or the dual 17ft. Problem is that it jumps from 1560kg to around 1800kg.

Do you guys think the 1800 is getting too close to being overweight by the time you stick a few things in it?

Thanks

Title: Re: Max towing weight
Post by: Snake on September 20, 2015, 01:21:01 PM

Considering your name is fat boy I would say you would be over the limit

Title: Re: Max towing weight
Post by: jw2170 on September 20, 2015, 03:07:59 PM

I would look at a lee-way allowance of 20-25%.

Also keep in mind that the 2000kg also affects the GVM of the tow vehicle, so you have to watch you pack in the tow vehicle....

Title: Re: Max towing weight
Post by: Redcherokee on September 20, 2015, 04:12:19 PM

First thing you will do is fill up the water tanks - 82 kgs if I read the brochure right.    Then the gas bottles - 2x 9kg I am guessing.  So your 1800 is already up to 1900 before you add any food, clothing or bedding.   You will find it a challenge to stay under your limit.

Title: Re: Max towing weight
Post by: Paulyg on September 20, 2015, 07:45:46 PM

When working out what you can tow, you need to work of the vans ATM, or fully loaded weight,
I think by the time you load that 1800kg van you will be well over weight.

Title: Re: Max towing weight
Post by: Metters on September 20, 2015, 08:56:07 PM

These couple of articles are always worth reading when you are towing something that is getting up near the car's maximum towing limit.

http://caravanandmotorhomebooks.com/caravan-dynamics/ (http://caravanandmotorhomebooks.com/caravan-dynamics/)
http://caravanbuyersguide.com.au/tow-vehicle-caravan-weight/ (http://caravanbuyersguide.com.au/tow-vehicle-caravan-weight/)

Don't forget the advertised maximum towing and carrying weights are for good sealed roads only.  They should be reduced accordingly as road conditions deteriorate. 
The following is an email from Mitsubishi.  If you contact other manufacturers they will most likely tell you the same thing.

oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

We acknowledge receipt and thank you for your recent enquiry regarding the Mitsubishi Triton.

Please be advised that Mitsubishi Motors Australia Ltd (MMAL) only release towing
specifications for vehicles being used under normal conditions such as highway driving. We would not recommend towing this amount while driving on 4WD tracks or surfaces of this nature. The 3 Tonne towing capacity is a statement of the maximum permissible towing weight possible for this vehicle.

Thank you again for your enquiry.
oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

Another issue is your car manufacturer's towing instructions in the owner's handbook.  They might say a weight distribution hitch must be used for ball weights over a certain limit.  Unfortunately a WDH is not suitable in many off road conditions.  Do not ignore this if it is in your book.  To do so could easily lead to broken wheel studs, a cracked or bent chassis or a broken rear axle housing.

A WDH levers the rear end of the car up and takes weight off the rear axle.  That removed weight is then distributed between the front wheels of the car and the wheels of your trailer.  Heavier springs or air bags lift the chassis but they don't take any weight off the axle or redistribute it anywhere

Another point is rear axle load.  All tow balls are well back behind the rear axle.  The distance from the ball to the axle is a lever.  The weight a trailer puts onto the rear axle will be a lot higher than what is on the ball because of that leverage effect.  When you put the car into motion, the axle load will increase considerably as the car bounces up and down and can easily exceed the axle's maximum load limit when combined with the weight that is in the back of the car.

That is one of the reasons why towing and carrying weights must be reduced in rough conditions. 

Title: Re: Max towing weight
Post by: Goose on September 21, 2015, 10:05:41 AM

Have a read of this: https://practicalmotoring.com.au/car-advice/everything-you-need-to-know-about-towing-heavy-trailers/

One of the many good points it makes is that with some cars, when you tow at or near the max weight, the car itself has to be nearly empty of passengers.... which means you are takig 2 cars on holiday or leaving the family at home.

One of the best lines in this article:

HOW CAN I TELL IF MY TRAILER IS SAFE, LEGAL AND WITHIN LIMITS?

First be clear – safe, legal and within limits are three different concepts.

Title: Re: Max towing weight
Post by: mjharps on September 21, 2015, 06:02:36 PM

Great article Goose. Thanks for posting.

Title: Re: Max towing weight
Post by: BTMNDR on September 21, 2015, 10:52:02 PM

200 kg is an incredibly small amount to load into an 1800 kg van/camper.

Title: Re: Max towing weight
Post by: fishfinder on September 22, 2015, 06:12:14 AM

5 cartons of beer is way under 200kg you will be fine for a weekender

Title: Re: Max towing weight
Post by: Chrisfatboysydney on September 22, 2015, 07:09:05 AM

Thanks everyone..

I'll stick to the 1500kg..

Appreciate it..