Tow vehicle calculator for 5th wheel

Submitted: Friday, Oct 23, 2009 at 14:15

ThreadID: 73245 Views:10276 Replies:3 FollowUps:5

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DuxLux

Does anyone know where I can obtain an accurate tow vehicle calculator to determine what size fifth wheel (and load) I can legally tow with a given vehicle in Australia?

I have used some of the forms on importers websites but they do not agree with each other, so I don't know who to trust - if any. I have tried the QLD DoT and they have no idea. Their "engineers" know that stuff but it's not something they give out...???? I have tried the fed govt authorities and they have nothing. Surely there must be some forumla / calculation/ spreadsheet somewhere that will let me decide which van / vehicle combination I can purchase without fear of being pulled over by DoT for overloading every time I go out on the road.

Would really appreciate your help if anyone knows.

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Reply By: DIO - Friday, Oct 23, 2009 at 15:03

Friday, Oct 23, 2009 at 15:03

I would start by contacting several local manufacturers and ask them the question after all they are in the best position to provide you with (hopefully) realistic and appropriate information. As for the capacity of the tow vehicle, it really all depends on the GCW as stated by the manufacturers.

AnswerID: 388381

Follow Up By: DuxLux - Saturday, Oct 24, 2009 at 13:45

Saturday, Oct 24, 2009 at 13:45

I would like to stick to a Isuzu D-Max dual cab if possible. Some manufacturers claime that you can tow small 5th wheelers with Navara, Ranger, Hilux etc but the Isuzu beats them all in terms of economy and tow weight. If I have to I could upgrade to a Landcruiser but would rather not. So using the D-max as a starting point, I am looking at what imported fifth wheelers I can legally tow. By my calculations there are only about 4 or so but when I go to the importers websites, they show dozens of options (and they all vary) which, by my calculations, are way above the towing capacity and the legal GCW for the respective vehicles. I wonder whether I am missing something, hence the request for an accurate tow weight calculator.

FollowupID: 656135

Reply By: Gramps - Friday, Oct 23, 2009 at 15:14

Friday, Oct 23, 2009 at 15:14

Make a decision on either the tow vehicle or the fifth wheeler and then choose the other to suit. Is it really that easy or am I missing something here ?????????

AnswerID: 388383

Follow Up By: RobertHL (SEQ) - Friday, Oct 23, 2009 at 17:36

Friday, Oct 23, 2009 at 17:36

G'day Gramps,

Your on fire..........................

still. :))

Cheers,

Bob.

FollowupID: 656042

Follow Up By: DuxLux - Saturday, Oct 24, 2009 at 13:49

Saturday, Oct 24, 2009 at 13:49

I've made a decision as described in the reply above. The trouble with fifth wheelers is that part of the weight is distributed into the tray of the vehicle so you don't use normal trailer/caravan calculations. As described above, many importers seem to either ignore the legal requirements or know a lot more than I do about it.

FollowupID: 656136