Thread: Towing and ball weight

Guessing is not the best approach for this issue.
For the Queensland members I suggest downloading the proper documentation on Safe towing
The important point to taken into consideration is that both specifications have to be observed, the manufacturer and the local laws. The local laws overrule the manufacturer but they can not allow a towing capacity larger than the limits stated by the manufacturer.
Cheers

10% is an american and aussie rule of thumb. It is not uncommon for english vans of the same weight to have half the ball weight of the same weight aussie designed van. After talking to my dad who has been in the transport industry for over 40 years he reckons the heavier ball is safer as it is less likely to get trailer sway and start bossing the tow vehicle around. Twin axles are the best option if you want start towing something with a bit of weight as has been said b4 it makes the van more stable. Also any weight you add in the rear of your vehicle will drop your ball weight too. So if you have 150kg of stuff in your boot you can not legally tow anything. Rear seat passengers would effect this too as their load is on the rear axle so you would have to have a lower ball weight to allow for this if you wanted to it all by the book.

Originally Posted by JDNSW

Not quite sure what the question is. Do you mean "does NSW has a set of rules for trailers with both overrun and electric brakes?"

If this is the case I don't believe there is a specific mention. For trailers under 2000kg, the type of brake allowed is pretty open, and the specific type of brake is not mentioned.

Note that the figure in my previous posts should be corrected - it is 2000kg not 2500. (my faulty memory)

For more detail see Technical Requirements

John

I did mean a rule for both braking types, over ride and electric. We do not have that in QLD.

In QLD, Trailers/Caravans over 2,000kg must have an efficient braking system on the wheels of at least one axle.

Trailer over 2,000 must have a breakaway sytem fitted where the trailer breaks if it becomes unhooked. They must also have brakes on all wheels.

Other than that, there are restrictions on the safety chains for weights 2,500 to 3,500 and again from 3,500 to 4,500kg,

Max weight to be towed is 4,500kg, and that includes vehicles towed by an A Frame.

Cheers

Originally Posted by RonMcGr

In QLD, Trailers/Caravans over 2,000kg must have an efficient braking system on the wheels of at least one axle.

Trailer over 2,000 must have a breakaway sytem fitted where the trailer breaks if it becomes unhooked. They must also have brakes on all wheels.

Ron do you mean Trailers/Caravans under 2,000kg must have an efficient braking system on the wheels of at least one axle?

Or is it just anything over 2,000kg must meet both the requirements you mention?

Not trying to be pedantic, just making sure I understand what you're saying...

Nevermind, following the link sent by Chucaro it says in one section:

Braking systems
Trailers up to and including 750 kg GTM do not require brakes. Minimum trailer brake requirements are as follows:

• trailers not over 2000 kg GTM must have an efficient braking system operating on the wheels on at least one axle;
• trailers up to and including 2000 kg GTM are permitted to have over-ride brakes;
• brakes (other than over-ride) must be able to be operated from the driver’s seated position;
• trailers over 2000 kg GTM require a brake system (breakaway brakes) that automatically applies if the trailer becomes detached from the towing vehicle; and
• trailers over 2000 kg GTM must have brakes operating on all wheels.