Rules about what you can tow

Passenger vehicles and their derivatives, light commercial vehicles and 4WDs with a Gross Vehicle Mass of less than 4.5 tonnes can tow a trailer with an Aggregate Trailer Mass up to:
 
The lesser of:

• The tow vehicle manufacturer’s recommended maximum trailer towing mass
  or 
• The tow vehicle’s towbar rating

Towing specifications are contained in the vehicle’s owner’s handbook, which will also specify any additional equipment that must be fitted, and any requirements that must be met. This could include transmission and power steering coolers, revised suspension and load distribution hitches.  Some vehicles also have speed restrictions when towing certain weights.

You also have a responsibility to ensure that the Ball Load specification and the Gross Combination Vehicle Mass, where given, are not exceeded and that any trailer is safely controllable by the towing vehicle.

When the towing capacity is not specified

In the rare event a vehicle manufacturer has not specified the towing capacity, or it genuinely cannot be identified, Queensland Transport allows the towing of a trailer:

• One and a half times the unladen mass of the towing vehicle, if the trailer is fitted with brakes, or,
• If the trailer is not fitted with brakes, 750kg GTM or the unladen mass of the towing vehicle, whichever is the lesser. 

Note that the masses given above only represent the maximum legally allowable towing mass and do not take into account a range of other important factors that affect the vehicle’s safe maximum towing capacity.  These include the:

• design and construction of the vehicle, and
• capacity of the towbar. 

These factors may decrease a vehicle’s towing capacity to below that given above.

No information is provided about acceptable tow ball loads when towing specifications are not available. However the above factors, along with the vehicle’s rear axle load rating and tyre load rating will need to be considered in determining an acceptable ball load.

If there is any doubt about a vehicle’s towing capacity we recommend you seek advice from a reputable tow bar manufacturer who may be able to provide professional advice about its suitability for the application. 

Failure to follow the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations may adversely affect the vehicle’s safety, durability, warranty and insurance cover.

The information provided in this fact sheet is intended as a general guide only. You should carry out further research and investigations into the topics outlined above prior to implementing any actions or recommendations.