Towing Capacities

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Originally Posted by disco2hse

Craig,

The first point I was making was that in 100km is a long way in which an accident can occur.

The second point I was making, and obviously I didn't make this clear enough, as I understand there are weight and towing restrictions in Aus and that these may vary from state to state (?). If he is involved in an accident in a vehicle that exceeds those restrictions, then in that case it may invalidate any insurances.

Alan

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Alan,
Thanks and that is what we are trying to avoid by making sure he stays legal and making sure nothing conflicts with the LR 40000kg data. NSW may be an issue, but I have also told him to check with the SA RTA to see if there are any state laws that my have an impact.
I deal with accidents all the time and they rarely involve people with heavy loads as most put a bit of thought into their set up. The majority are inexperienced at towing and usually grey nomads with vans or failed towing equipment due to poor maintenance and most heavy haulage involves fatigue or being under the influence of drugs.
I appreciate all the info and it helps a lot, but the 100km reference is totally irrelevant. It could be 2kms or 5000kms, the distance itself is irrelevant, it is a multitude of issues that can cause an accident ranging from fatigue to inappropriate loads.
Cheers
Craig

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Originally Posted by harlie

Craig, I would be using a 70mm ball over a pintle hook, I think you would find it would be smoother and would not 'shunt'. Be my preference...

whooo just had a look at my parts list - 70mm coupling $351 - 70mm ball $110

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Yep, looked up some prices yesterday and by the time he buys a second hand LR tow bar, pintle hook receiver and pintle hook will be about $1000, but hey he bought a big boat. The trailer is already equiped with the pintle hook ring so that is why he will probablly go down this path.
I will let him know both options, but all he is looking for is something basically to take it from his shed down to the river (closest boat ramp 3kms, furtherest in town 10kms). Maybe once a year to the coast some 85kms away. Thi is where the LR is a good option as it is cheap and when wears out cheap to get another compared with having to shell out big dollars for a tow vehicle such as an F250 (which is what a friend did over here).
The car will tow it, no doubt but just trying to stay inside the regulations. Not entering the debate on wether it is safe or appropriate etc at this point.
Frequently down here you see people lob up to the boat ramp in 9 - 11m boats behind Nissan and Toyota wagons and utes and know damn well they are over 3500kg easy, but the dpi dont seem to look at this much.
I agree a small truck would be the best long term answer, but it all comes down to finances.
Now all he needs is some water in the Murray so he can use it.;)

book read.

unbraked 750kg
over run brakes 2000kg
command brakes 3500kg
twin axle command brakes 4000kg.

I am limited by the tow pack which can only legally handle the 3500kg limit on a 90. (ARB limit stamped on the pack)

My recollection is that a D1 has a designed max towball weight of 150kg (or is it 190kg) - so this has got to be the limiting factor - will a 3.9t tow have a tow ball weight of more that 150/190kg - sure will if it is loaded correctly.

So even if the tow bar arrangement can take the 4 tonne, with the correct brakes and all other requirements are met - a D1 is still limited to only 150/190kg of downforce on the ball - the only way would be to modify the tow vehicle and have it engineered - I have no idea what be required.

Garry

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Originally Posted by Blknight.aus

book read.

unbraked 750kg
over run brakes 2000kg
command brakes 3500kg
twin axle command brakes 4000kg.

I am limited by the tow pack which can only legally handle the 3500kg limit on a 90. (ARB limit stamped on the pack)

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Dave, The 90 has exactly the same tow limits as the 110 and 130 so the rating on your tow bar is more the limit that ARB deemed for it that anything stated by LR.

In my UK supplied handbook, the max load stated for Defenders with Overrun brakes is 3500kgs and the max with coupled brakes is also 3500kg.

They then go on to say that if you are going to tow over 3500kgs you need to have coupled brakes set up, and then get a modified VIN plate from LR

command brakes can be electrical so you dont need an Engineers mod for that bit here in aus but you will to get around the number stamped on the tow pack.


according to ARB, I asked when I noticed my tow pack was for a 90, the only difference between their 90,110 and 130 tow pack is the stamp plate.... IF they'd had a 130 pack on shelf I could have had a 4t limit. (providing the trailer was braked right)