Tow Capacity Isn’t a Target

What You Need to Know about Tow Capacity Before You Tow

Towing safely starts with knowing your limits – literally. Your vehicle’s tow capacity isn’t a target to aim for; it’s the maximum it can handle safely. 

Many people assume that if their vehicle is rated to tow 3,500kg, they’re good to load it right up to that number. But real-world towing is more complex, and it’s easy to exceed limits once you factor in passengers, gear, fuel, and accessories. 

In this article, we’ll explain what towing capacity really means, why leaving a safety margin matters, and walk you through a couple of real-world examples – one for a small SUV and one for a 4WD towing a caravan. 

Example 1: Small SUV with a Hire Trailer

Let’s take a 2023 Hyundai Kona fitted with a Towrite Towbar rated to 1,300kg towing capacity and a 130kg tow ball weight limit.

Vehicle specs:

• Towing Capacity: 1,300kg
• GVM: 1,910kg
• GCM: 3,210kg
• Vehicle Weight: 1,335kg

Trailer: U-Haul Medium Cage Heavy Duty

• ATM: 2,000kg
• Tare: 600kg
• Max Load: 1,400kg

Setup: Kona + Hire Trailer (lightly loaded)

Trailer weight: 600kg (empty)

Well within the Kona’s 1,300kg towing limit and 130kg tow ball limit.

Setup: Kona + Hire Trailer (partially loaded, 400kg cargo)

Trailer weight: 1,000kg (600kg tare + 400kg load)

Still under the limit, but close to 80% of capacity. Add two adults (150kg), luggage (50kg), and a full tank of fuel, and you’re edging much closer to your GVM and GCM limits. This is where the margin can quickly disappear. Remember for your GVM include the Ballweight of the trailer for the vehicle. And for the GCM include everything including car and trailer + ballweight if not already calculated in the GVM.

Example 2: Ford Ranger Towing a Caravan 

Now let’s look at a common setup we see: a 2024 Ford Ranger (tub body) fitted with a Towrite Class 4 towbar, towing a full-size caravan. 

Vehicle: 

• Tow Capacity: 3,500kg 
• GVM: 3,350kg
• GCM: 6,350kg
• Vehicle weight: 2,388kg
• Fitted with Redarc TowPro Elite V3 brake controller 

Caravan: 

• Snowy River SRT-19 
• Tare: 2,605kg 
• ATM: 3,500kg 

Realistic Loaded Weight Estimate: 

• 2,605kg (tare)
• 290kg (water: 2x 95L fresh + 100L grey)
• 18kg (gas: 2x 9kg bottles)
• 60kg (batteries)
• 100 – 200kg (personal gear & accessories)
  = Approx. 3,073–3,173kg 

Well under the 3,500kg ATM limit, but already 90% or more of the maximum tow rating. Once you add two adults (150 – 180kg), luggage in the ute (100 – 200kg), camping gear, and once again the Ballweight of the Van calculated into either the GVM or GCM, you’re pushing up against the GCM. This leaves very little room for error.

Why Leaving a Safety Margin Matters 

Towing right up to the limit may be legal, but it’s not always safe. Here’s why keeping a margin below the max rating is smart: 

• Reduces strain on brakes, suspension, and tyres  
• Improves stability and control, especially in crosswinds or on uneven roads 
• Lowers the risk of exceeding limits with unexpected loads 
• Helps avoid insurance issues in the event of an accident 

Here in Australia, potholes, gravel roads, corrugation and long hauls are part of the experience, your towing setup needs to cope with real-world conditions, not just smooth highways. 

How Speedy Towbars Can Help 

At Speedy Towbars, we do more than supply and fit towbars. We help you tow safely. 

We only recommend and install towbar brands we trust, ones that are tested and proven in tough Australian conditions. Our team will help you understand exactly what your vehicle can handle, so whether you’re towing a caravan, boat, or bike rack, you can tow with confidence and peace of mind. 

Need Help Working Out Your Towing Limits? 

If you’re unsure how your vehicle’s tow rating applies to your setup, our team can help. We’ll work with you to understand your needs and ensure your gear is safe, legal, and ready for the road. 

📍 Visit us in Everton Hills or Slacks Creek
📞 Or call today for expert advice 1300 773 339 

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