TOW RATING UPDATE IN QUEENSLAND: WHAT DRIVERS NEED TO KNOW

The great outdoors always beckons, whether it’s the roar of the surf, the lure of sleepy rainforests, or the red claret of the Australian desert.

If you’re one of the many Aussies keen on exploring this beautiful country, you may have also noticed some recent changes to the towing modification laws in Queensland.

These changes might seem like a boon for drivers using vehicles such as 4WDs and dual cab utes to tow boats and caravans.

But as with all things, it’s more complex under the surface. In this blog we look at the new laws and some of the potential limitations they present.

TOWING THE LINE

There is nothing worse than misunderstanding a road rule and receiving a fine during your much anticipated holiday.

In March 2023, the Queensland Government introduced changes to Gross Combination Mass (GCM) ratings—an important figure which needs to be considered when towing. This applies to some light vehicles with a GVM of up to 4,500 kg that tow caravans and trailers for recreational purposes, but importantly to note, these changes are not country wide.

For a full understanding of whether your light vehicle can have these modifications made, visit the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads.

THE MAIN FACTS

• The rating change is applicable to some light vehicles up to and including GVM of 4,500 kg
• The re-rating of the GCM and the Braked Towing Capacity (BTC) is permitted only on light vehicles with a ladder type chassis frame with a cabin and/or body mounted on it
• The Original Equipment Manufacturer GCM for the vehicle must be used as the baseline to undertake this modification
• Without the OEM’s GCM, the modification cannot be legally made
• The modifications can only be made through approved persons
• Even when the modifications are made by an approved person, there is a possibility that the vehicle will not be approved as roadworthy

FAIR GO

Dual cab utes and 4WDs which were once a work transport staple for jobs from park rangers through to construction workers now dominate the recreational and family vehicle market.

This shift in application (and newfound freedoms on the weekend) has also come with new risks… namely, towing over the legal limit.

This has become a recognised issue, and the goal of law changes such as this Queensland rating change is to give owners the opportunity to modify their light vehicles to tow the campervan or boat legally.

While this is a worthy goal to aim for, there are some potential downsides: the work and effort required to make these modifications is time consuming; there are limited approved persons who are able to make these modifications legally; and there is a significant financial cost involved.

At all stages of the modification process, the approved person undertaking the work is legally required to rigorously test each safety component of the light vehicle, putting a huge onus on them to complete the work to the required standard.

The other big potential drawback is that the light vehicle will not be able to legally tow the campervan or motorhome anywhere other than Queensland. While there is talk of introducing the modification regulations across the country, there is no change on the horizon just yet.

PLAY SMARTER

With these points in mind and the risk of towing over the limit always present, plus the age-old issue of not having enough payload for all the extras, upgrading to a light-duty truck for work and leisure may seem a more attractive option than ever before.

Light-duty trucks with a GVM of up to 4,500 kg can be driven on a standard car license and their GCM will often exceed that of a typical ute or light duty 4WD, usually weighing in at between 8,000 to 9,000 kg. This provides plenty of scope for recreational drivers with little risk of being overloaded or towing over the limit.

OEMs for light-duty trucks are also very clear on the allowable towing capacity and specifications such as height and length dimensions, which are important to account for when travelling with caravans or motorhomes. 

In terms of the number of modifications required for a truck towing with a motor home or campervan, these will typically be far lower or perhaps even non-existent compared with the requirements of the new regulations in Queensland for light vehicles.

Whether you are a grey nomad plotting your first adventure after retirement or a family setting off for the school holidays on a camping adventure, staying safe and towing safely on the road will be one of your top priorities. If you’re in Queensland or planning on travelling through to one of the state’s many fantastic places to visit, a light-duty truck might just offer some extra peace of mind in this regard.

Excited to explore how a light-duty truck could tow your camper? Check out how Helen and Greg Gault upgraded to a truck to tow their deluxe caravan after retirement.