Choosing the right tow vehicle depends a lot on where you want to tow and what you want to tow. While having electric brakes on the trailer and an electric brake controller to give you control from inside the vehicle is a legal requirement for towing most caravans, you also want to ensure that your vehicle is up to the task. Let’s take a look at the considerations that are essential when selecting a tow vehicle to pull a caravan or camper trailer on or off the road.
From the legal requirements to accessories and vehicle specifications, this guide will help you make an informed decision about the best towing vehicle for caravans and camper trailers, ahead of your next adventure.
HOW TO CHOOSE A TOW VEHICLE
Let’s get started by working out the different numbers you will need to know when selecting a towing vehicle to make sure your car and trailer are capable, legal, and safe.
You will need to know the GVM, ATM, GCM, and TBM. Once you have done the calculations to ensure the tow vehicle meets legal requirements and manufacturer recommendations, you can consider durability and towing comfort.
KNOW YOUR NUMBERS FOR LEGAL TOWING
Aggregate Trailer Mass (ATM)
Aggregate Trailer Mass (ATM) is the maximum the trailer can legally weigh, once fully loaded. When the trailer is loaded, it must not exceed the ATM rating.
How to calculate Aggregate Trailer Mass:
ATM = tare mass (weight of the trailer) + maximum loads (luggage, passengers, water, fuel and accessories) + Tow Ball Mass
Gross Trailer Mass (GTM)
Gross Trailer Mass (GTM) is the weight when the fully loaded trailer is hitched to the vehicle. Maximum GTM must not be exceeded.
Your Gross Trailer Mass is calculated by the ATM (see above) minus the Tow Ball Mass (see below).
The ATM and GTM maximum weights are determined by the manufacturer and are found in the vehicle's manual and the trailer placard.
Gross Combination Mass (GCM)
The Gross Combination Mass (GCM) is the total weight of the car and trailer combination, plus the vehicle and trailer contents and passengers.
GCM = GTM + GVM (Gross Vehicle Mass)
Tow Ball Mass (TBM) is the amount of weight a trailer applies to the tow ball of the tow vehicle. This is essentially knowing about the tow bar capacity of your vehicle. This is one to look out for because a manufacturer may state that a vehicle can legally tow, say up to 2,500kg, but it may only have a 1,500kg towbar fitted, which limits the size of the trailer you can tow.
Example: If your vehicle’s GCM is 5700 and its GVM is 2950, you can only tow a trailer up to 2,750 kg to stay within the legal limit.
Always speak to the manufacturer to get the right info and refer to the sticker or plate on the tow bar.
CHOOSING A POWERFUL, COMFORTABLE TOW VEHICLE
Manual vs automatic
There is no hard or fast rule on whether you choose an automatic or manual tow vehicle. To help you decide, here are some things you may consider:
Generally speaking, vehicles that are fitted with an automatic transmission have a much higher towing capacity than those with a manual transmission.
In a situation where there is uneven ground (like sand) or when going uphill, automatic vehicles do a better job as there is no messing around with gear changes, stalling or rolling backwards. This is true in turbulent weather conditions as well.
Automatic tow vehicles may also require a transmission cooler to prevent overheating.
Manual vehicles tend to have a lower towing capacity, due to the fact that when shifting gears, damage can occur to the clutch when towing large loads.
Manual tow vehicles may be considered better in off-road situations, as they allow the driver to have absolute control. Many manual drivers will also swear that driving a manual car keeps you alert from the constant shifting of gears. That can also be true when going downhill.
Whatever you choose will ultimately come down to personal preference and what you feel more comfortable with.
RWD VS AWD VS 4WD
Your normal run-around car is typically a two-wheel drive, which is suitable for paved roads.
However, for off-road, all-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive vehicles provide major benefits in traction and safety, especially if you are towing. Be it sandy, muddy, icy, or hilly, an AWD or 4WD will handle better than the 2WD or rear-wheel drive (RWD).
TYRES FOR TOWING
Travelling on muddy, sandy or snow-covered terrain? Knowing ahead of time will help determine the type of tyre you will need. Most people opt for light truck tyres for any off-road travel but be warned that they will wear down on bitumen. All terrain tyres in this case may be a good compromise, especially if you plan to use your tow vehicle for regular daily driving as well.
Be prepared: Top tips for safe towing
THINK AHEAD TO MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR COSTS
Weigh up the required and expected servicing costs for each vehicle you consider buying. You can expect to be replacing parts and servicing your new vehicle fairly regularly if you will be towing often.
Towing is hard on your vehicle and parts are going to wear out more quickly than normal. Consider the labour charges, cost of replacement parts, and if buying brand new from a dealer will be more beneficial when you consider their warranties and servicing terms and conditions.
TOWING AIDS AND DEVICES
Your tow vehicle or caravan manufacturer may require you to install towing aids such as mechanical and electronic anti-sway systems.
In Australia, trailers with a GTM of 750–2000kg must be fitted with brakes on at least one axle, while those exceeding 2000kg are legally required to have a braking system controllable by the driver. For other regions, we recommend checking your local regulations. The easiest and most cost-effective way to comply is to install electric or electric over-hydraulic trailer brakes. The brakes for trailers over 4,500kg require different technology and reserve energy.
Both electric and electric over hydraulic trailer brake systems require the fitment of an electric trailer brake controller. Dashboard space in a lot of modern vehicles these days is extremely limited real estate, so you should consider an electric brake controller that can be discreetly tucked away out of sight but also adequately distanced from airbags for safety and comfort.
Budget, ongoing costs, and tow capacity all play into choosing a tow vehicle.
It’s pretty clear that the most important aspect when looking for the best Australian towing vehicles is selecting the right car that perfectly matches the towing capacity of your caravan or camper trailer. And whilst some other factors are important, such as opting for a 4WD over 2WD, once you meet the legal requirements, the rest is up to personal preference, your budget, and how you intend to use the vehicle.
Before making a decision, test drive each vehicle and if possible, do so whilst towing to see how easy and comfortable it is for you. It can also help to speak to others who have towing experience, who can guide you in making the right investment.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUETIONS
What makes a good tow vehicle?
A great tow vehicle can haul its own weight, the weight of passengers and luggage, the weight of the trailer it is pulling and everything in the trailer. When choosing a tow vehicle, think ahead to what you might want to tow and work back, adding a little extra capacity just in case.
What size car do I need to pull a caravan?
A tow vehicle for a caravan should be heavier (ideally double) than the caravan’s weight, with enough power to tow. A diesel engine may offer better power, and all-wheel-drive or 4WD tends to be heavier and handle towing better than a two-wheel-drive.
What is the best torque for towing a caravan?
A vehicle that has about 109 Nm torque for every tonne of combined car and caravan weight should tow well. When towing using a vehicle with lower torque you will notice reduced performance, it may be harder to accelerate and handle the caravan. Generally, this will mean a 1.8L vehicle engine, but a 1.6L engine should manage loads up to 1500kg.
