Accelerating Can Correct a Swaying Trailer #BEYOND THE TRAILER MANUAL#If you’re in any doubt about the real towing capacity of your vehicle consult your owners manual for more detailed information. They would actually have to reduce that towing amount by the weight of their own vehicle to stay within the legal GCM limit. #BEYOND THE TRAILER DRIVERS#Some drivers are astonished that they cannot tow a 3,500kg load as advertised. The GCM determines the actual legal weight maximum or your vehicle and your trailer together. However, the number that drivers should really be focused on is the Gross Combined Mass (GCM). There are a lot of vehicle advertisements that include information on a 3,500kg (3.5 tonne) towing capacity for new vehicles. Some vehicles need structural reinforcement and/or special suspension and transmission options and load-distributing devices to be able to tow heavier trailers. Towbars and couplings of a suitable type and capacityīrake connections if the trailer is fitted with power or electric brakes.Įxtra mirrors may be needed for the towing vehicle if towing a large trailerįor vehicles with automatic transmission, an extra transmission oil cooler may be needed Towing vehicles must be properly equipped with: Rear number plates and lights must not be obscured by the towbar when there is no trailer connected. #BEYOND THE TRAILER MANUALS#Vehicle manufacturers usually indicate in the owner’s manuals the maximum weight and other features of trailers appropriate for the vehicle.These limits should not be exceeded.Īll vehicles must comply with all relevant standards for registration and be roadworthy at all times Trailer Regulations in NSW The Towing Vehicle – If travelling to another State, check with the relevant roads authority whether there are different rules. – Tyres are still properly inflated and not rubbing on suspension or body work. – Couplings, all doors, hatches, covers and any load or equipment are still properly secured. – At regular intervals during the trip, check: – Oil, water, brake fluid, battery and other service checks on the vehicle. – All lights work and safety chains are properly connected. – Trailer’s wheel-bearings, suspension and brakes work properly. However, the posted speed limits must not be exceeded.Always drive to the road,traffic and weather conditions. – There is no specific speed restriction while towing a trailer. – Plan more rest stops and shorter traveling days as towing is more stressful and tiring than normal driving – Take care not to hold up traffic unnecessarily If the trailer’s brakes can be operated by themselves they should be applied gently, otherwise a steady speed or slight acceleration should be held if possible until the sway stops If a trailer starts to sway, the vehicle’s brakes should not be applied, except as an absolute last resort. – Trailers tend to jerk the back of the vehicle around and can cause sway (snaking). – Slow down well before entering corners and curves – Use a lower gear when traveling downhill to increase vehicle control and reduce strain on brakes – Use the accelerator, brakes and steering smoothly and gently at all times – Look further ahead than normal so you can react to changes in traffic or road conditions – Avoid sudden lane changes and changes of direction – When reversing, it is advisable to have someone outside the vehicle giving directions – Allow longer distances for braking,overtaking and joining a traffic stream – Allow for the trailer’s tendency to ‘cut-in’ on corners and curves
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