ABOUT TOWING
Towing Fifth Wheelers in Australia is a relatively new concept. The question we get asked frequently is how heavy a Fifth Wheeler can I tow with my vehicle? The crucial weight to take note of is the tow vehicles Gross Combination Mass (GCM).
If this is not specified then add the Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) to the Maximum Towing Capacity. This will give you the GCM, the total weight allowed in a tow vehicle Fifth Wheeler combination. If you subtract the Tare Weight (Kerb Weight) of the tow vehicle from the GCM you will be left with an overall load weight. Now subtract the person and personal effect weight in the tow vehicle and you will have some idea as to the Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) of the Fifth Wheeler you can pull.
Example 1:
A new F-250 4x4 Super Cab XLT 7.3L Turbo Diesel 4 Speed Auto has been assigned by Ford Australia a Fifth Wheeler towing capacity of 5443kg.
Example 2:
The new Toyota Landcruiser GXL V8 Cab Chassis Turbo Diesel has a GCM of 6800 kg. The Kerb Weight is 2020 kg. Allow 450 kg for tray, people and personals.
6800 – 2020 = 4780 – 450 = 4330 kg Fifth Wheeler.
Example 3:
The new Nissan Patrol Cab Chassis Turbo Diesel has a GCM of 6200 kg. The Kerb Weight is 2123 kg. Allow 450 kg for tray, people and personals.
Example 4:
The new Holden Rodeo 4x4 Space Cab Chassis Turbo Diesel has a GCM of 5900 kg. The Kerb Weight is 1687 kg. Allow 400 kg for people and personals.
5900 – 1687 = 4213 – 400 = 3813 kg Fifth Wheeler.
Example 5:
The Iveco 50C18 Dual Cab Turbo Diesel has a GCM of 7995 kg. The Kerb Weight is 2265 kg. Allow 550 kg for tray, two people and personals.
7995 – 2265 = 5730 – 550 = 5180 kg Fifth Wheeler.
When selecting a vehicle or Fifth Wheeler it is appropriate to allow between 600 to 1000 kg for loading personal effects into your Fifth Wheeler. Add the personal effects weight to the Tare Weight (unloaded) of the Fifth Wheeler to discover the vehicle needed to legally pull your Fifth Wheeler.
For Example:
- 2008 26 foot Rockwood 8244S has a tare of 2664 kg. If you add 600 kg for loading you will have 3264 kg and need at least a Nissan Patrol to legally pull it.
- 2008 29 foot Sprinter 252 FWRLS has a tare of 3287 kg. If you add 1000 kg for loading you will have 4278 kg and need at least a Toyota Landcruiser to legally pull it.