Towing capacities are calculated by a number of maximum weight limits. The three most important numbers for you are Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM), Gross Trailer Mass (GTM), and Gross Combined Mass (GCM).
Explantion: The maximum weight that your vehicle can safely tow is specified by the manufacturer, and is usually set out in the drivers handbook for the vehicle, and in some cases on a plate attached to the vehicle. This is the safe towing limit for the vehicle and you should not exceed it.
The amount of weight a vehicle can pull can be affected by its engine, transmission, and suspension. Most vehicles powerful enough to be used for towing heavy loads are offered a selection of each of those components.
To determine the maximum weight, you can tow, subtract the GVM from the GCM. It will give you the total weight you're allowed to tow. For instance, if you have a 2022 Mitsubishi Triton with a GVM of 2,900kg and a GCM of 5,885kg, you can tow up to 2,985kg (5,885kg - 2,900kg) safely.
You can add weight to your vehicle by installing heavier parts, such as a stronger exhaust system or a heavier battery. Consider a GVM Upgrade: A GVM (Gross Vehicle Mass) upgrade involves upgrading your vehicle's maximum weight capacity. This upgrade will allow you to carry and tow heavier loads safely.
In Australia, 750kg is the maximum unbraked towing capacity for all passenger and light commercial vehicles.
In order to increase your towing capacity, you'll need to upgrade your vehicle's performance. One way to accomplish this is to install a better exhaust system. An upgraded exhaust, along with new air filters, will increase your truck's towing ability.
Exceeding what your vehicle is designed to tow can strain your engine and transmission, accelerate brake wear, damage your tires and even warp your chassis.
You can tow a trailer that weighs up to 3,500kg MAM .
Auto manufacturers assign a single number, not simply the trailer's weight you can pull behind your truck or SUV. Consequently, published towing capacities assume the vehicle is carrying a 150-pound driver and absolutely nothing else. For instance, if you add a second person to the cabin, the towing capacity goes down.
To determine towing capacity, follow the steps below: Find the listed towing capacity of your vehicle as stated in your owner's manual. Subtract 10% as a safety margin. Most vehicle tow ratings were calculated without passengers, fuel and cargo, so Edmunds.com recommends subtracting 10% from the maximum tow rating.
Some RVers have also suggested to never exceed 80% of the tow vehicle's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). The testing standard imposed by NHTSA for brakes already includes the capacity to stop at the GVWR and considers emergency stopping conditions. Occasionally, a 70% rule is used.
A vehicle's payload capacity is the amount of weight it can carry, whereas the towing capacity is the amount of weight it can pull.
Custom Car & Plant Trailers
From the standard 2000kg ATMm you can upgrade to 2500kg, 2, 800kg, 3,200kg, 3,500kg up to a maximum mass of 4,500 kilograms.
4WD, SUV, 2WD, and limits. In theory, you don't need a 4WD or SUV to tow, but realistically for any recreational trailer like a caravan it'll be hard to find a 2WD that will do the job, particularly if you look at factors like towball mass, whether a special tow kit is required, and maximum speed when towing.
Gross combined weight or GCWR is the total weight that the vehicle can handle safely, including the weight of the vehicle, the passengers, the cargo, and any attached trailer. This weight will be determined by the manufacturer.
A tow package offers an array of potential benefits, including: Higher towing capacity. Better handling. Improved safety while towing.
The total weight of your trailer must not weigh more than the car's maximum towing capacity (MTC).
Again, a GVM won't legally increase your towing capacity, but it can make a vehicle much better and safer at towing that same loads as an unmodified one.
No. A GVM upgrade does not change how much weight your vehicle is legally allowed to tow, as it does not increase the Gross Combined Mass (GCM). However, owners do need to understand that any weight added to your vehicle, whether you have a GVM upgrade or not, can have an effect on how much you can tow.
Currently there is no Australian Federal Government-approved engineering test to legally increase the towing capacity of a vehicle. As such we cannot increase the official towing capacity rating of a vehicle, we can only offer products that allow the vehicle to tow this weight more safely and effectively.
RAM 1500 – $92,000 drive away
Given this huge US-built ute has an extra tonne of towing capacity (4.5 tonnes) compared to a Toyota Landcruiser 300 Series (3.5 tonnes) which is similarly priced, it'd be more within its limits towing large caravans.
The caravan's 'maximum mass'
This figure can be found on a plate near the caravan's door frame; however, this figure should also be easily accessible from the manufacturer's website or helpline. If the maximum mass of the caravan is 85% or less than the total kerb weight of the car, the car will tow the caravan easily.