Australian Towing Capacity Calculator
How to Use the Australian Towing Capacity Calculator: A Practical Guide
Whether you're hauling a caravan through the Outback or towing a boat to the coast, knowing your vehicle's towing capacity is crucial for safe Australian travel. Our calculator simplifies complex regulations into three easy steps:
Step 1: Find Your Vehicle's Numbers
Locate these in your owner's manual or on the compliance plate:
- Kerb Weight: Empty vehicle weight with full fluids
- GVM (Gross Vehicle Mass): Maximum loaded weight
- Payload: Combined weight of passengers, gear, and fuel
Step 2: Know Your Trailer
For caravans, boats, or work trailers:
- Aggregate Trailer Mass: Fully loaded trailer weight
- Include water tanks, gas bottles, and gear
Step 3: Calculate & Check Compliance
The calculator checks against:
- Vehicle manufacturer limits
- State-specific towing laws
- National heavy vehicle regulations
Why This Matters
Proper calculations prevent:
- Dangerous swaying at highway speeds
- Premature brake wear
- Voided insurance claims
- Fines up to $2,500 for overloaded vehicles
Pro Tip: Always leave 10% safety margin below maximum capacity for unexpected loads or terrain challenges.
When to Recalculate
- Adding permanent accessories (bull bars, roof racks)
- Changing trailer types
- Long trips with full water tanks
Bookmark this calculator for your next trip planning session. Safe towing starts with knowing your numbers!