Axle load capacities are often overlooked are often ignored

Axle load capacities are often forgotten when persons are looking at their weights or are available in the market for a model new tow car.

People quite often take into consideration GVM, TBM, ATM & GCM but overlook to look at axle load rankings. I actually have weighed 4×4’s even with GVM upgrades that have failed axle weight rankings. Vehicle manufactures have most ratings for both entrance and rear axles on their automobiles.

We occasionally see front axle weights overloaded however much more frequent with the rear axle weights. When we consider that weight utilized to the tow ball (TBM) is multiplied by 140% – 150% to the rear axle we can see why. Also, passengers, luggage, fuel etc. all contribute to axle weights.

When purchasing a new or used vehicle to tow a caravan or massive trailer, axle weights ought to all the time be a serious consideration. If you are getting a GVM improve make certain that axle capacities are being increased as part of that upgrade… not all are.

A lot of people say to me… I must get a RAM. Something to suppose about with the RAM is axle load ratings…the earlier 1500 RAMs had a maximum axle load of 1770kg that has now been elevated with the newer fashions to 1860kg, nonetheless not great for a automobile that has a braked towing capability of 4500kg.

They nonetheless get into hassle with rear axle weights when hitching a van and putting a few things within the ute tub. But its not simply the RAM, the Chev Silverado 1500 LTZ has a most load rating on the rear axle of 1724kg (even lower than the RAM).

Previous era Ford Ranger Wildtrack is 1850kg rear axle capability, same era Ford Raptor is 1580kg rear axle capacity but also a decreased towing capacity. Isuzu Dmax and its twin the Mazda BT50 (2023) rear axle capability is 1910kg. Toyota LC200 series Landcruiser has a rear axle capability of 1950kg.

I even have weighed several LC200 series Landcruisers with a GVM improve which have nonetheless failed their rear axle rankings as their axle load rating had not been increased as part of the GVM upgrade. Draws, fridges, tow ball mass (TBM), gasoline, people all contribute to the load on the rear axle.

Finding these axle capacities may be very tough with some manufactures and, in some cases, virtually impossible. So do your homework before that costly buy.

This weblog is not designed to give you all the data regarding all completely different automobiles however rather to make you consider rear axle capacities. Something that I hope you will give severe consideration.

Safe Travels

Craig