GORV - Digital Magazine Issue #42 | Page 48

KEEPING CHECK COMPARING ONE POTENTIAL NEW TOW VEHICLE TO ANOTHER IS BOUND TO BECOME CONFUSING. THIS CHECKLIST SHOULD MAKE IT EASIER. WORDS: CARAVAN COUNCIL OF AUSTRALIA It is suggested that you use a separate checklist for each vehicle that you are considering, listing your “score” for each item, so that you can then compare all final “total scores”. � DOWNLOAD IMPORTANT RATINGS AND MASSES OF EACH VEHICLE: Tare Mass & Empty Ball-Loading must be measured by certified weighing devices. YOUR CARAVAN’S RATINGS AND MASSES (KG): 1: Caravan ATM rating: ........................................... 2: Caravan GTM rating: ........................................... 3: Caravan Tare mass: ............................................ 4: Caravan (empty) ball loading: ......................... 5: Caravan maximum permitted ball-loading: ....................................... 6: Maximum legal payload (1 minus 3): ..................................... THE TOW VEHICLE’S RATINGS AND MASSES (KG): a: GVM rating: ............................................................ b: GCM rating: ............................................................ c: Tare mass (kerb weight): ................................... d: Maximum towing capacity rating: .................................................. e: Maximum towbar download rating: ................................................. f: Maximum legal payload (a minus c): ..................................... g: Rear axle rating: ................................................... Note: Sometimes the GCM rating may be less than ‘GVM Rating + ATM Rating’, in which case the GCM rating must be used. The rear-axle rating must also be considered to ensure that it is not exceeded. Due to the hitch overhang, the ball-loading applies a leverage ‘moment’ (force X distance). ASSESSMENT CHECKLIST FOR EACH POTENTIAL MAKE AND MODEL OF TOW VEHICLE: Item Criteria Standard - Legal Yes / No Ratings and masses Towing capacity Legal - ‘d’ must exceed ‘1’ □ Ratings and masses Towball download Legal - ‘e’ must exceed ‘5’ □ If either answer to the above two items is ‘no’, stop – the vehicle would not be suitable. 48 \