This site best viewed in 1024 x 768 screen resolution

TOWING SAFETY

               In December, 1998, agreement was reached by all State’s Ministers of Transport to implement national towing regulations. In essence, the national rules state that “A motor vehicle with a Gross Vehicle Mass (G.M.V.) not exceeding    4.5 tonnes must not, without the approval of an authority, tow a trailer with a mass (including any load) exceeding;

     “The capacity of the towing apparatus fitted to the vehicle,

 OR

  “The relevant maximum trailer mass specified by the manufacturer of the vehicle

 Which means the most you can tow is the amount specified by the vehicle manufacturer or the capacity of the towbar - WHICH EVER IS the LESSER.

To determine how much your vehicle can tow, firstly check the owners manual for the manufacturer’s towing recommendations. Secondly make sure that the towing capacity is as least as much, if not more, than the mass of the trailer, including its load. If you are unsure of  the towbar rating, call “Miami Towbars” or a reputable towing systems specialist.

In the case where a motor vehicle manufacturer has not specified a maximum towing mass, the limit is stated to be:

•          1.5 times the unladen or kerb mass of the motor vehicle if the trailer is fitted with brakes;  
•          The unloaded mass of the motor vehicle if the trailer is not fitted with brakes.

             It should be noted, however, that the above will rarely apply as apart from using a truck, just about every vehicle that is likely to be used for towing a caravan, boat trailer, horsefloat or similar has a manufacturer’s towing recommendation.

         Owners of  4WDs and light commercial vehicles should also be careful that they do not exceed the Gross Combined Mass (G.C.M.) of the vehicle. The GCM refers to the maximum vehicle plus its load, including a trailer, is permitted to weigh. It is possible that when a motor vehicle is loaded with, for example, five adults, their luggage and camping gear that the maximum allowable trailer mass has to be reduced so as to not exceed the GCM.

Exceeding the maximum towing load as recommended by the towing vehicle manufacturer can:

                              * Invalidate warranty

                              * Nullify insurance, and

                              * Effect long term vehicle safety and reliability.

Weight Distribution System

Weight distribution Systems are used to return the towing vehicle’s drive position to as near level as possible once the trailer has been connected. They do this by transferring some of the weight imposed on the rear axle to the front axle, which benefits steering control and braking. They are available in a range of sizes and styles to suit the particular application. However the vehicle and towbar must be rated  to withstand the increased loads imposed by such systems.
Some vehicle manufacturers specify weight distribution / load-levelling devices as a mandatory part of their towing package.

Weight / Load distribution systems are not intended to compensate for excessive ball or rear axle loads or to correct poor trailer loading. Hayman Reese Weight Distribution Systems will distribute the  ball weight of your caravan/ trailer evenly to all four wheels of the towing vehicle, which will restore STEERING GEOMETRY, as well as reducing tyre wear, ensure correct braking with your load, and ensures positive towing control.

Before attempting to tow heavy loads with self-levelling suspension systems, or using weight distribution devices with them, the advice of the vehicle’s manufacturer should be sought.

The Hayman Reese weight distribution hitch transfers the way the tow vehicle manages the weight.The ball weight remains the same, however the load is transferred through the vehicle’s chassis to all wheels. By doing this the Hayman Reese weight distribution hitch restores the natural balance of the tow vehicle. This ensures that braking suspension and headlamps are all as they should be. Hayman Reese makes a number of different weight distribution systems to suit different ball weight capacities.To determine which system suits your vehicle and caravan you will need to determine the ball weight on the caravan fully laiden. If you don’t have ball weight scales then 10% of the caravan’s aggregate trailer mass , ATM (i.e.total weight of van plus contents) is a good rule of thumb.

Some 4 x 4 Vehicles will require a lower shank to enable the correct towing height to be achieved. The standard kit comes with the 50020 Shank, but kits may also be purchased less the shanks. Check the shanks by dowloading the file below.

Hayman Reese have a choice of Trailer Ball Mounts  (T.B.M.) for your Heavy Duty Towbar. If you have a requirement for a new T.B.M. call us at Miami Towbars for advice on your requirement.

Recommended measuring points for setting up Weight Distribution

Brake Controllers and Trailer Brakes

The cost and requirement of a trailer brake system will vary depending on the application, however where required, most caravans or trailers will have either override or electric brakes. Electric brakes require the installation of a Brake control unit in the tow vehicle. Miami Towbars can advise you on the correct Hayman Reese Brake Controller for your application.

Trailer brakes

· Caravans & Trailers up to and including 750kg GTM do not require brakes.*

· Caravans & Trailers not over 2,000kg ATM must have brakes that operate on at least one axle.

· Override brakes are acceptable on trailers up to and including 2,000kg GTM.

· Caravans & Trailers over 2,000kg GTM are required to have brakes that apply if the trailer becomes detached from the towing vehicle.

· Caravans & Trailers over 2,000kg ATM must have brakes on all wheels.

· Brakes other than override systems must be able to be operated from the driver’s seat.

SWAY CONTROL