The minimum braking system of a trailer depends on the type of trailer, its weight and the weight of the vehicle: all vehicles must meet all relevant registration standards and be roadworthy at all times Rear registration plates and lights shall not be obscured by the coupling hook when no trailer is connected. Tractors must be properly equipped: Must be strong enough to support the weight of a fully loaded trailer. Must bear the manufacturer`s name or trademark and rated capacity. Must be equipped with a positive locking mechanism. It shall be possible to release the locking mechanism at any angle of the trailer to the towing vehicle. At its unladen weight of 2500 kg, the manufacturer claims that it can legally pull 2500 kg more, but the towing weight decreases directly in proportion to the increase in the weight of the towing vehicle (tools, spare parts, etc.). So, if you load the towing vehicle to its total weight of 3500 kg (or a payload of 1000 kg), there would only be a towing capacity (trailer and contents) of 1500 kg left to meet the GCM of 5000 kg. If the total weight area of the towing vehicle drops to 3000 kg (or a payload of 500 kg), the towing load (trailer and contents) increases to 2000 kg and so on. Be careful when towing a trailer or caravan. They require more knowledge and skill than for normal driving. You can get a fine and demerit points for illegal towing. They affect fuel consumption, acceleration, braking, overall control and handling.
These effects are magnified as the size and weight of the trailer increases relative to those of the towing vehicle. The extra length and width can be difficult to manage, the wind, roughness of the road and passing vehicles have a greater impact than on the vehicle alone. This gives the driver additional responsibility. Vehicles with a manufacturer`s GCM greater than 4.5 tonnes may be towed in accordance with the above requirements. The GCM is the combined gross mass of a car and a laden trailer. There are many vehicle displays that contain information on a towing capacity of 3,500 kg (3.5 tons) for new vehicles. However, the number that drivers should really focus on is gross combined mass (GCM). The GCM determines the actual legal maximum weight. Your vehicle and trailer together. Some drivers are surprised not to be able to pull a load of 3,500 kg as advertised. They would actually have to reduce this amount of towing from the weight of their own vehicle to stay within GCM`s legal limit. If you are unsure about your vehicle`s actual towing capacity, consult your owner`s manual for more detailed information.
For example, the GCM on a hyundai Iload flags is required for any discreet cargo or if the order book exceeds 1.2 meters from the rear of the trailer. The permitted rear overhang of a trailer depends on the total length of the trailer used. There is no electronic trailer control that corrects the sway of the trailer by acceleration. The faster you travel, the more unstable everything becomes. When a towed load starts swinging, you need to remove the accelerator pedal to reduce your speed and avoid a sudden change in weight. Then you can gently apply some pressure to the brakes to keep your trailer under control. This procedure can be very stressful and you may need some time to calm down afterwards. Once the situation returns to normal, try to understand what caused the trailer to sway and resolve the problem. For example, to move a length of 4 m of steel, you must have at least 2 m in the front half of the trailer.
(measured on the trailer axle) Coupling hooks and couplings of the appropriate type and capacity Lighting sockets Brake connections if the trailer is equipped with electric or electric brakes. Additional: Additional mirrors may be required for the towing vehicle when towing a large trailer For automatic transmission vehicles, an additional transmission oil cooler may be required Some vehicles require structural reinforcement and/or special suspension and transmission options, as well as load balancing devices to tow heavier trailers. – It is not allowed to tow more than one trailer at a time – No one may ride in trailers or caravans – When towing and driving on a road without street lights, drive at least 60 meters behind heavy vehicles or other vehicles towing trailers, unless you are overtaking – Motorcyclists and makeshift motorcyclists must not tow – P1 licence holders may tow small trailers of a Maximum curb weight of 250 kg. Rated capacity of the towbar and towbar. Maximum towing capacity of the vehicle. Maximum load capacity of the trailer. Maximum rated load capacity of the tyres. If the vehicle manufacturer has not specified the maximum towing capacity, the maximum towing load is as follows: Towing a trailer requires additional knowledge and skills.
All trailers, including caravans, affect the performance of the towing vehicle and its driver. Total legal width: No more than 150 mm overhang on each side and never more than 2.5 m total width (8`2“) Rules and tips for towing a caravan or trailer on NSW roads. Secure your cargo, check license restrictions and meet safety standards. When loading in front of the tray, it is important to keep the entire load in the area of drawbar A. This ensures that the load does not collide with the towing vehicle when turning. Failure to do so may result in damage to the towing vehicle or trailer and load. Frontal projection is very useful for countering longer loads protruding from the rear of the trailer. Trailers must be of a size and type appropriate to the tasks intended. They must be constructed in such a way as to meet registration standards. If a trailer is to be registered, it must have a rear registration plate.
As we have shown above, a towing vehicle and a trailer are inherently unstable when driving at high speeds. This is because there is a lot of inertia involved and the follower always wants to take the path of least resistance by driving straight. If you have to turn or swerve, the trailer will not want to follow your vehicle and you may lose control. Many inexperienced train drivers believe that the specified speed limit also applies to towing vehicles. This is a dangerous misconception and you should look in your owner`s manual for the manufacturer`s recommended towing speed limits. If you have any doubts, drive below the specified speed limit, if the speed is lower, you will have more time to react and an accident will be less serious. There are limits to the distance at which loads can protrude from the rear and sides of a trailer and the height at which they can be loaded. Below is a list of guidelines you need to follow to make sure you load a trailer in accordance with traffic rules. This page is provided for informational purposes only. For full rules and regulations on loading restrictions, see www.rms.nsw.gov.au/roads/safety-rules/road-rules/towing.html One and a half times the unladen mass of the towing vehicle if the trailer is equipped with interconnected and functional brakes, or The unladen mass of the towing vehicle if the trailer does not require brakes. Vehicles with a maximum manufacturer`s weight exceeding 4.5 tonnes may be towed in accordance with the above requirements. The GCM is the combined gross mass of a car and a laden trailer.
Single axle trailer: measured from the centre of the axle to the front of the useful surface of the trailer. 0 – 750 kg payload – no brakes required. 751 – 2000 kg payload – brakes on both wheels on at least one axle. 2001 – 4500 kg payload – brakes on all wheels and automatic stall system if the trailer detaches from the vehicle. The longer the trailer, the longer the authorized load, but there are other rules that must be followed. – Take into account the tendency of the trailer to “cut” in curves and curves – Allow longer distances to brake, overtake and align in a flow of traffic – In reverse, it is advisable that someone outside the vehicle gives instructions – Avoid sudden changes in lane and direction – Look beyond normal to be able to react to changes in traffic or road conditions – Accelerate the accelerator, Brake and steer gently and gently at all times – Use a lower gear when driving downhill to increase vehicle control and release the brakes – Slow down well before entering corners and turns – Trailers tend to shake the rear of the vehicle and can cause a swaying (rocking). If a trailer begins to sway, the vehicle`s brakes shall not be applied except as a last resort. If the trailer brakes can be applied themselves, they should be applied gently, otherwise a constant speed or slight acceleration should be maintained until the journey if possible – Be careful not to obstruct traffic unnecessarily – Plan more breaks and shorter travel days, as towing is more stressful and tiring than normal driving – There is no specific speed limit when towing a trailer. However, the reported speed limits must not be exceeded.
Always drive on the road, traffic and weather conditions. NSW Towing Trailer Regulations. Please check if this differs from your state`s traffic rules. Not all towed trailers like speed, here at Variant we do not recommend traveling more than 100 km with a trailer. Towing at speeds greater than 100 km significantly increases the risk of accidents.