hustler57 Posted October 5, 2006 Share Posted October 5, 2006 hey fellow ive got a cruise craft hustler 570, its 5.7 metres long and is about 1.5 Tonne or so i think and i tow it with a get ready and dont laught i use a 1992 suzuki vitara short wheel base 1.6 litre 4WD, i have a breaked trailer whcih is good down hills but i wouldnt win any races with it as i am pretty slow when towing but the 4Wd always comes in handy at the ramp. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grantm Posted October 5, 2006 Share Posted October 5, 2006 If its blowing a gale there is no way that you would wanna be towing a largish boat on the freeway with a sedan...and if you think you can pull a 6.0M boat out of the water with a rear wheel drive then you kidding yourself. Sure you will pull it out sometimes, maybe most of the time, but you wont pull it out all of the time. Well, I dont think im kidding myself considering i used a Commodore for 7 years as a marine mechanic and pulled 6 meter boats out all the time. 1300kg aint that heavy if that weight is correct. It may not be ideal but you can do it and not everyone can afford to buy large 4x4s. Sometimes you got to do the best with what youve got. 4x4 are far better of course but you cant right off the falcon and cdores as no good at all. You also dont have to travell at 110kmh on the freeway either. Ive towed big boats on the freeways and highways and just take it easy. I still get their. Hey Netic dont feel too bad about the diff. Every second VY needs a new diff even if they dont tow. Cheers Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hustler57 Posted October 5, 2006 Share Posted October 5, 2006 i agree lizard, i cant afford a large 4WD so i just use my vitara 1.6 litre to tow my cruise craft which is 5.7 metres long and ive towed it up to the entrance. but mind you i was on 80 kays all the way and went through 2 tanks of fuel to get there but i got there, sometimes you just have to use what you have got ,(like me) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tiger_shark Posted October 5, 2006 Share Posted October 5, 2006 If you cant afford a 4wd then dont buy a big boat...if you cant afford leathers and a helmet, then dont buy a bike.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grantm Posted October 5, 2006 Share Posted October 5, 2006 If you cant afford a 4wd then dont buy a big boat...if you cant afford leathers and a helmet, then dont buy a bike.... Obviously your a 4x4 fan 4X4 are without doubt the ultimate towing option for overall performance but I still maintain they are not the be all and end all for towing. There are countless thousands of people who tow big vans around the country with non 4x4 vehicles. Sure they are not pulling them up a boat ramp but hey they still travell on freeways etc. Actually the heavier the boat the easier it is on a boat ramp. V6 Commodores and 6cyl Falcons have ample pulling power and the extra weight on a big boat gives better rear wheel traction. Once again not the ultimate but still does the job and people need to use what they can. 5 to 6 meters isnt that big for a large sedan. Over 6 meters is another story though. cheers Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Big-Banana Posted October 5, 2006 Share Posted October 5, 2006 If I was prepared to spend that much on a tow car i would of bought a TD patrol....but each to his own. Im not trying to start an argument of "my car is better tha yours", Im just trying to give some advice of what he should be using to tow his boat...BTW, i know someone who specialises in 4WD's (mechanic), and the only common problem with the 80 series is the front diff...not that expensive to fix anyway... And your comment about saying the explorers are too light is not true, but I wouldnt go near them anyway... Just giving my 2 cents that all, no doubt a Sedan could tow it but our boat is way to heavy to be pulled around by your normal family sedan. When we bought the boat we ensured a car was also purchased to deal with the load. Explorers are too light, Absolutely terrible too tow with as well. Has flat spots in the gearing as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tiger_shark Posted October 5, 2006 Share Posted October 5, 2006 I believe safety comes before anything else...if someone is asking some advice about what he should use to tow a 6 metre boat, i think its best to advise him what he SHOULD have, and not what he might be able to get away with.... Just giving my 2 cents that all, no doubt a Sedan could tow it but our boat is way to heavy to be pulled around by your normal family sedan. When we bought the boat we ensured a car was also purchased to deal with the load. Explorers are too light, Absolutely terrible too tow with as well. Has flat spots in the gearing as well. Explorers weigh over 2 tonne...i have towed a 6.5m boat with one and they are fantastic to tow with...they have ample power..and thats first hand experience. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
domza Posted October 5, 2006 Share Posted October 5, 2006 this could be off-topic, but ive seen a small honda civic pull out a fibreglass half cabin at cooks river. .Im preety sure civics are front wheel drive aswell. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grantm Posted October 5, 2006 Share Posted October 5, 2006 No offence to anyone but its easy to advise on the biggest and the best as the only option, but in real life thats not always possible. People simply have to do what they can. I wouldnt class a cdore an unsafe towing car with a 6 mtr boat if you drive the car within its limits. The only possible problem i just thought of is if the weight of the boat is heavier than the car. Im pretty sure a VP Cdore (92') is around 1350kg. NSW has ( used to have ) legislation which states you cant tow a trailer heavier than the car. By doing so and having an accident would render your insurance useless. You can fit bigger tow bars but that does not overide the law. It could be worth a trip to the weighbridge. Ill check out the legislation and report back. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Martin Posted October 5, 2006 Share Posted October 5, 2006 (edited) Hi Grant, Just following on from your line of thought. Don't all car manufactures also state what is the allowable capacity to be towed by the vehicle for unbraked and braked trailers? I was also of the view that in NSW you could not tow a trailer where the total weight was greater than the vehicle. What I am not sure of is if that only applies to unbraked trailers. As a final thought, if a manufacturer makes a representation re towing capacity, then you can have a reliance on it in terms that the vehicle is fit for purpose. You would assume the manufacturer logically, would have a safety factor built into the figure they state to ensure they protect themselves and that they have a duty of care to have undertaken some testing to prove up the fit for purpose. Cheers Martin Edited October 5, 2006 by Martin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnno Posted October 5, 2006 Share Posted October 5, 2006 (edited) Taken off the RTA nsw website Towing Ratio Requirment The loaded mass of the trailer must not exceed the lesser of-: *Rated Capacity of the Towbar and tow Coupling *Maximum towing capacity of the vehicle *Maximum Carrying capacity of the trailer *Maximum rated carring capacity of the tyres If the vehicle manufacterer has not specified the maximum towing mass, the maximum towing mass is *One and a half times the unladen mass of the towing vehicle, provided that the tralier is fitted with brakes which are connected and in working order OR *The unladen mass of the towing vehicle if the trailer does not require brakes Here is the link to page for the full PDF download if anyone is interested Click here for RTA site Or PDF here Edited October 5, 2006 by johnno Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hustler57 Posted October 5, 2006 Share Posted October 5, 2006 thanks for that info johnno, ive been looking for that info for a while, i think i may my boat may be a few hundred kilos over i think about 200 or so, my suzuki vitara 2 door 1.6 litre comes in at about 1.2 tonne or so and the boat which is on a braked trailer comes in about 1.5 tonne, Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tiger_shark Posted October 5, 2006 Share Posted October 5, 2006 I find it hard to believe that 6m boat can only weigh that much with the engine on it.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coollamon Posted October 5, 2006 Share Posted October 5, 2006 Taken off the RTA nsw website Towing Ratio Requirment The loaded mass of the trailer must not exceed the lesser of-: *Rated Capacity of the Towbar and tow Coupling *Maximum towing capacity of the vehicle *Maximum Carrying capacity of the trailer *Maximum rated carring capacity of the tyres If the vehicle manufacterer has not specified the maximum towing mass, the maximum towing mass is *One and a half times the unladen mass of the towing vehicle, provided that the tralier is fitted with brakes which are connected and in working order OR *The unladen mass of the towing vehicle if the trailer does not require brakes Here is the link to page for the full PDF download if anyone is interested Click here for RTA site Or PDF here Thanks for that johnno I will be investigating as I am in the process of getting a new boat soon John Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hustler57 Posted October 5, 2006 Share Posted October 5, 2006 tiger_shark are you refering to me ??? if so the boat was weighed in when i bought it and the weight was from memory 1.35 tonne. the motor it self is 150 kilos Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tiger_shark Posted October 5, 2006 Share Posted October 5, 2006 tiger_shark are you refering to me ??? if so the boat was weighed in when i bought it and the weight was from memory 1.35 tonne. the motor it self is 150 kilos No no...i was refering to the original poster...my2cents Sorry,.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hustler57 Posted October 5, 2006 Share Posted October 5, 2006 lol thanks ok tiger_shark i just wasnt to sure tats all Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tiger_shark Posted October 5, 2006 Share Posted October 5, 2006 Is the weight including the trailer also??? They arent all that light... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grantm Posted October 5, 2006 Share Posted October 5, 2006 Tiger - good point there mate ! I added the specs up on my boat and they were way off the actual weight by a mile ! Martin, The tow bar specs dont refer to trailer or non trailer. They are just the total towing capacity as the laws change between states. You need brakes over 750kg. Manufacturers guidance is pretty good. If you can get a 2100kg towbar then it will tow up to that safely if towed correctly. Cheers Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Big-Banana Posted October 5, 2006 Share Posted October 5, 2006 I believe safety comes before anything else...if someone is asking some advice about what he should use to tow a 6 metre boat, i think its best to advise him what he SHOULD have, and not what he might be able to get away with.... Explorers weigh over 2 tonne...i have towed a 6.5m boat with one and they are fantastic to tow with...they have ample power..and thats first hand experience. We took the boat and tested drove a whole range of 4wds, the explorer just didnt have the grunt. As I said the flat spots were quite noticeable in gear change. We started towing the boat with an old Jeep Cherokee as there was no other option, it got the job done until we searching for the ideal tow vehicle. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
George Posted October 6, 2006 Author Share Posted October 6, 2006 No no...i was refering to the original poster...my2cents Sorry,.... Sorry guys i didn't take into consideration the trailer and a few other options,i often go nelsons bay so i think i'm better upgrading to 4wd and that way i get to keep the MRS happy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flightmanager Posted October 8, 2006 Share Posted October 8, 2006 Throughout Australia, the allowable ATM is either the tow vehicle’s towbar rating (towing capacity and ball weight) or the tow vehicle manufacturer’s recommended towing capacity and ball weight, whichever is the least. If the vehicle’s manufacturer has not made a recommendation as to the towing mass, then the following rules apply. A vehicle may tow a laden trailer of up to one and a half times the unladen mass of the towing vehicle, provided that the towbar is rated accordingly and that the trailer is fitted with brakes that comply with the requirements stipulated in the Australian Design Rule ADR38. If the trailer is not fitted with brakes, then the maximum towing capacity is equal to the unladen mass of the motor vehicle. This rating can be found in the vehicle’s handbook, or you can check with your dealer. All trailers with an ATM of 750kgs or more must have brakes. Another thing to consider is brakes. A 4x4 typically has more powerful brakes than the average family sedan. 4x4 vehicles are of a more rugged construction ( driveline etc ) than the family sedan , you need to match horses for courses. A Commodore or Falcon may well be able to tow a heavy boat , but it may not be able to do so safely and legally. Every holiday season , the police and RTA have a blitz on box trailers , boat trailers and caravans. Penalties for breaching the rules are pretty steep. It would be worth asking an RTA Inspector whether any given combination of car/ trailer would be suitable / legal. Finally , fuel consumption. A big Cruiser or Explorer will drink a lot more fuel whilst towing , I was talking to an owner today , he has a large boat , 2 engines , and his explorer uses 37 litre per 100 Km when towing it . Thats about $45 per 100 KM. Mulltiply that for a 400 KM trip and you are looking at a fuel bill in the vicinity of $170. Just some food for thought ! Ross Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Big-Banana Posted October 8, 2006 Share Posted October 8, 2006 You get more bang for your buck out of diesel. I remember the old Jeep we had before the Landcruiser cost us $150 in fuel a trip Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
domza Posted October 9, 2006 Share Posted October 9, 2006 Throughout Australia, the allowable ATM is either the tow vehicle’s towbar rating (towing capacity and ball weight) or the tow vehicle manufacturer’s recommended towing capacity and ball weight, whichever is the least. If the vehicle’s manufacturer has not made a recommendation as to the towing mass, then the following rules apply. A vehicle may tow a laden trailer of up to one and a half times the unladen mass of the towing vehicle, provided that the towbar is rated accordingly and that the trailer is fitted with brakes that comply with the requirements stipulated in the Australian Design Rule ADR38. If the trailer is not fitted with brakes, then the maximum towing capacity is equal to the unladen mass of the motor vehicle. This rating can be found in the vehicle’s handbook, or you can check with your dealer. All trailers with an ATM of 750kgs or more must have brakes. Another thing to consider is brakes. A 4x4 typically has more powerful brakes than the average family sedan. 4x4 vehicles are of a more rugged construction ( driveline etc ) than the family sedan , you need to match horses for courses. A Commodore or Falcon may well be able to tow a heavy boat , but it may not be able to do so safely and legally. Every holiday season , the police and RTA have a blitz on box trailers , boat trailers and caravans. Penalties for breaching the rules are pretty steep. It would be worth asking an RTA Inspector whether any given combination of car/ trailer would be suitable / legal. Finally , fuel consumption. A big Cruiser or Explorer will drink a lot more fuel whilst towing , I was talking to an owner today , he has a large boat , 2 engines , and his explorer uses 37 litre per 100 Km when towing it . Thats about $45 per 100 KM. Mulltiply that for a 400 KM trip and you are looking at a fuel bill in the vicinity of $170. Just some food for thought ! Ross are you sure its 37? or 27 per hundred? im guessing its the 4.6 v8 petrol then? but i have never heard of any car eating up that much fuel..i have read about a guy that tows a huge formula around which has big v6 twin motors with a ford 350. Now these fords arnt your average cars, they are monsters! and he said he gets 22p/h on the highway.. I understand it can go up alot in city driving but 37per hundred is crazy if its true! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sammy0884 Posted October 9, 2006 Share Posted October 9, 2006 are you sure its 37? or 27 per hundred? im guessing its the 4.6 v8 petrol then? but i have never heard of any car eating up that much fuel..i have read about a guy that tows a huge formula around which has big v6 twin motors with a ford 350. Now these fords arnt your average cars, they are monsters! and he said he gets 22p/h on the highway.. I understand it can go up alot in city driving but 37per hundred is crazy if its true! 37l/100km is correct domza, i was with Ross... bear in mind that the boat being trailered is a 3,000kg bertram with twin outboards Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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