Explain towing capacity to a numpty

[Terror]

Hi guys I've got a 2012 SR5 dual cab with a tow capacity of 2500kg and we have been considering buying a cheap caravan to do some longer term travel in and I would like to keep the weight safe and legal.

There is so much conflicting information on the internet about this topic and even articles stating that the newer utes with 3500kg towing cant realistically tow that much without being over weight and then you have old mate grey nomad who reckons he towed his 30 foot tri-axle monstrosity through the canning stock route with his hilux or triton or whatever loaded to the hilt too and never had a problem!!

So basically I want to know if I look at caravans with a max ATM of 2500kg then I should be right to load the ute up to its max payload of 960kg, minus weight Ive added like bullbar etc?

Do I have to minus the ball weight from that payload too?

Thanks

[Andyfive]

https://www.racq.com.au/cars-and-drivin ... ifications

[HK1837]

In 2012 Toyota told the truth, GCM = GVW (car) + ATM (trailer). Many other manufacturers tell BS including Toyota with 2016 on Hilux.

So yes you can legally tow up to 2500kg trailer ATM.

Your payload is the difference between the current kerb weight (vehicle including full tank(s) of fuel) and the GVW. The Kerb weight is what the car weighs which includes towbar, bullbar, canopy etc. What is left of the payload includes the trailer’s weight on the towball, all passengers and whatever else you put into the car.

[banksy]

Watch this

https://autoexpert.com.au/posts/towing- ... -australia

[hylux]

I tow a van loaded around 1800kg. With the van i dont i need to put much in the tub. From my experiance i wouldn't tow much more if doing long trips

[HK1837]

Also forgot, if it’s an auto get an aux. transmission cooler. The 4spd auto won’t last long towing without it.

[Terror]

Also forgot, if it’s an auto get an aux. transmission cooler. The 4spd auto won’t last long towing without it.

Yep already got one for beach driving and flushed the trans oil when I put it on too.

[Terror]

I tow a van loaded around 1800kg. With the van i dont i need to put much in the tub. From my experiance i wouldn't tow much more if doing long trips

Thats what I was aiming for, the lighter the better is ideal, also looking at pop-tops coz apparently they have less drag.

[Terror]

In 2012 Toyota told the truth, GCM = GVW (car) + ATM (trailer). Many other manufacturers tell BS including Toyota with 2016 on Hilux.

So yes you can legally tow up to 2500kg trailer ATM.

Your payload is the difference between the current kerb weight (vehicle including full tank(s) of fuel) and the GVW. The Kerb weight is what the car weighs which includes towbar, bullbar, canopy etc. What is left of the payload includes the trailer’s weight on the towball, all passengers and whatever else you put into the car.

Thanks for the breakdown. This is what I suspected but the amount of crap I had to wade through to get there made me second guess myself lol.

[hylux]

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