RV MAIL
LETTERS FROM THE ROAD
SECRET FORMULA?
Is there a practical method or formula that can
be used to work out how much a 4WD wagon or
SUV can tow? It can't be rocket science, surely?
Kev Rogerson
Via email
Thanks for your email, Kev. I’m not sure what you
mean by a ‘formula’ when it comes to working out
a vehicle’s towing capacity. Ultimately, towing
capacity is set by the vehicle’s manufacturer.
This can usually be found in the owner’s handbook,
along with other crucial information related to
towing, such as maximum towball mass.
Refer to what the vehicle manufacturer stipulates,
and nothing else. – Ed
A LOAD OF CLAPTRAP
Surely this article (‘Let There Be Light’, GoRV
#27) is a wind up! What a load of claptrap and
garbage!
If you are serious about safety when reversing a
caravan or similar, then the only safe way to do
so is by having a person at the rear of the rig to
guide you back and to ensure there are no issues.
Additionally, if you want to warn others of your
intentions, activate your hazard lights – they
attract attention far better than reversing lights.
The number of caravans that travel at night and
need such lights is minimal and if they wish to
install lights, then good on them.
There are far more important issues surrounding
caravans, etc., than this. A compulsory trailer
licence is one and a no-brainer!
Ron W. Western Australia
MISSING THE POINT
I read your rant about caravans not being required
to have reversing lights but I think you may be
missing the point.
Reversing lights are there to provide illumination
to allow you to see when reversing. With a trailer/
caravan, you generally can't see behind them
anyway, so there is no point in forcing vehicles to
have them. If you want to see behind, you need
some alternative mechanism.
You might also want to look at the tow vehicle plug
wiring requirements. Many do not wire reversing
lights into the plug – some lights on the trailer
would be pointless. Look at the factory Mitsubishi
wiring loom (on the Pajero, at least) – it does not
include reversing lights.
Food for thought. I do enjoy reading your
magazine though.
Owen
Via email
CARAVAN REVERSING LIGHTS
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