The tug is an imported F Truck which had an original GVM of 5171 Kg. The owner had this downgraded to 4450 Kg, presumably to allow the rig to be driven on a car license. The vehicle is a 5 seat dual cab and has a 230 lt fuel tank.
Registered GVM of tug4450 Kg
ATM of trailer6500 Kg
Kerb weight of tug3880 Kg
Pin weight of trailer1240 Kg (empty)
Axle loading capacity of tug5925 Kg
My understanding is that the GVM is the maximum weight this vehicle is allowed to weigh. The payload includes fuel, passenger, cargo AND the pin weight of the trailer.
Based on this understanding..3880 + 1240 gives a GVM of 5120. before the addition of fuel and passengers. With the trailer loaded and the addition of passengers, fuel and cargo the GVM is around 5700 Kg. The rig has been on the road with this configuration for 8 years.
I have had a vehicle compliance engineer look at all the paperwork and he concurs with these calculations.
My dilemma is that a couple of the larger 5th Wheel dealers/manufacturers/importers have advised the owner that as the listed GCVM 10,659 Kg has not been exceeded (actual 9,580 Kg) that this tug can legally tow the trailer despite the down-weight over the axles in the tug exceeding the GVM.
Apart from some USA based articles on towing I can find nothing that supports the claim of these dealers. In all Australian referenced material it clearly states that pin weight is regarded as payload for the calculation of GVM.
Can anyone point me to any reference or regulation that supports/confirms the advice of the dealers?
Peter_n_Margaret said
10:27 PM Apr 26, 2018
No, because the dealers are wrong.
You can not exceed the registered GVM, no matter what....... and even the original will be exceeded so that vehicle can not legally tow that trailer unless the original GVM is increased and it is registered with it. That may or may not be possible. You need to consult a qualified and approved engineer and be prepared to spend some money.
Cheers,
Peter
Woody n Sue said
10:56 PM Apr 26, 2018
That dealer is a nitwit so please get what he said in writing and take it to Vicroads or your sate equivlint
Im with Peter theres no way that is legal the GVM can not be exceeded , no matter about being under the GCM
An individual axel weight simply can not be exceeded anywhere in the combination
Thats a pretty heavy pin weight
some of these American Utes have a higher towing rating for 5th wheelers than a normal rear tow bar , but regardless of this the GVM can not be exceeded
Woody
Captain Ron said
11:33 PM Apr 28, 2018
Thanks Peter and Woody, for you confirmation. I think it is pretty clear.
I received this in a reply to the same post on another Forum - it is perhaps the clearest explanation I have yet come across.
Scenario:-
5th Wheel trailer and tug.
The tug is an imported F Truck which had an original GVM of 5171 Kg. The owner had this downgraded to 4450 Kg, presumably to allow the rig to be driven on a car license. The vehicle is a 5 seat dual cab and has a 230 lt fuel tank.
Registered GVM of tug 4450 Kg
ATM of trailer 6500 Kg
Kerb weight of tug 3880 Kg
Pin weight of trailer 1240 Kg (empty)
Axle loading capacity of tug 5925 Kg
My understanding is that the GVM is the maximum weight this vehicle is allowed to weigh. The payload includes fuel, passenger, cargo AND the pin weight of the trailer.
Based on this understanding..3880 + 1240 gives a GVM of 5120. before the addition of fuel and passengers. With the trailer loaded and the addition of passengers, fuel and cargo the GVM is around 5700 Kg. The rig has been on the road with this configuration for 8 years.
I have had a vehicle compliance engineer look at all the paperwork and he concurs with these calculations.
My dilemma is that a couple of the larger 5th Wheel dealers/manufacturers/importers have advised the owner that as the listed GCVM 10,659 Kg has not been exceeded (actual 9,580 Kg) that this tug can legally tow the trailer despite the down-weight over the axles in the tug exceeding the GVM.
Apart from some USA based articles on towing I can find nothing that supports the claim of these dealers. In all Australian referenced material it clearly states that pin weight is regarded as payload for the calculation of GVM.
http://www.mitsubishi4wd.org.au/members/GVM_Presentation.pdf
Can anyone point me to any reference or regulation that supports/confirms the advice of the dealers?
You can not exceed the registered GVM, no matter what....... and even the original will be exceeded so that vehicle can not legally tow that trailer unless the original GVM is increased and it is registered with it. That may or may not be possible. You need to consult a qualified and approved engineer and be prepared to spend some money.
Cheers,
Peter
Im with Peter theres no way that is legal the GVM can not be exceeded , no matter about being under the GCM
An individual axel weight simply can not be exceeded anywhere in the combination
Thats a pretty heavy pin weight
some of these American Utes have a higher towing rating for 5th wheelers than a normal rear tow bar , but regardless of this the GVM can not be exceeded
Woody
Thanks Peter and Woody, for you confirmation.
I think it is pretty clear.
I received this in a reply to the same post on another Forum - it is perhaps the clearest explanation I have yet come across.
https://chrisanddiannesultimaadventure.wordpress.com/educational-links/weights-explained/