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Click here for the Grey Nomads website -> The Grey Nomads Forum -> Techies' Corner -> 5th Wheel Tug - GVM - clarification.
Post Info TOPIC: 5th Wheel Tug - GVM - clarification.
Captain Ron


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5th Wheel Tug - GVM - clarification.
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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?



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Captain Ron
Peter_n_Margaret


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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

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OKA196, 4x4 'C' Class, DIY, self contained motorhome. 960W of solar, 400Ah of AGMs, 310L water, 280L fuel. https://www.oka4wd.com/forum/members-vehicles-public/569-oka196-xt-motorhome
 

 
Woody n Sue


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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

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 When the power of Love becomes greater than the love of power the World will see peace !  24ft Trailblazer 5th wheeler n 05 Patrol ute and Black Series Dominator camper trailer ( for the rough stuff) 
Captain Ron


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Thanks Peter and Woody, for you confirmation.vehicleweightphoto.jpg 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/

 



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