The National Caravan and Recreational Vehicle Towing Guide
All vehicles on Australian roads are subject to rules and regulations designed to promote safe road use. However, regulations applying to vehicles towing trailers have sometimes varied between the States and Territories, making life for interstate travellers somewhat confusing.
In an attempt to remedy this situation, new regulations were introduced in December 1998 that nationalised the speed limits applicable to vehicles towing trailers and to the maximum ATM.
Speed Limits
For a motor vehicle and trailer combination that has a GCM of less than 4.5 tonnes, the posted speed limits apply - unless the manufacturer of the towing vehicle has stipulated a lower towing speed limit.
When the motor vehicle and trailer combination (GCM) exceeds 4.5 tonnes, vehicle users should consult with the appropriate state or territory transport authority regarding speed limits. A safe speed, satisfactory stopping distance and any other requirement imposed by the manufacturer of the towing vehicle also apply.
For certain road conditions (e.g. sharp bends, steep descent, winding roads), special speed limit signs may be posted for trucks, roadtrains and buses. You must not drive at a speed greater than the speed shown on the sign.
If the posted speed-limit is over 100km/h and the RV or vehicle and trailer have a GCM over 5 tonnes, or any other vehicle with a GVM over 12 tonnes, the speed-limit applying to the driver for the length of road is 100 kilometres per hour. (Australian Road Rules – February 2009 version)
Maximum Trailer Mass
Throughout Australia, the allowable maximum mass for the trailer is either the capacity of the tow vehicle’s towing attachment or the towing limit specified by the vehicle manufacturer for the towing vehicle, whichever is the least.
OR
If the vehicle’s manufacturer has not made a recommendation as to the towing mass, then the following rules apply:
A vehicle may tow a laden trailer of up to one and a half times the unladen mass of the tow vehicle, provided that the towbar is rated accordingly and the trailer is fitted with brakes that comply with the requirements stipulated in the Australian Design Rule ADR38.
If the trailer is not fitted with brakes, then the maximum mass must not exceed the unladen mass of the motor vehicle. The unladen mass of the vehicle can be found in the vehicle’s handbook, or check with your dealer.
All trailers with a GTM exceeding 750kgs must have brakes.