Towing a vx ss

[VX-SS-383]

Need some advice as im looking at buying a car trailer and atm I have a ve sv6.
Can I tow legally with it or will I need a 4wd?

[Smashfist]

Lolno. At best a VE can tow 2100kg with the right setup, but I REALLY wouldn't try it.

[duke5700]

2.5T is pushing it, Cross 8/Adventura etc. Ive done probably about 5,000kms with a Dmax at 3.5T capacity and it does it easy.

A big part is getting the vehicle on the trailer at the right spot withtbe correct downwsrd pressure on the tow ball.

If it is a short trip, the VE would get you out of trouble but anything longer than 15mins I would be looking for something a little more dedicated.

[VX-SS-383]

Ok the vx weighs 1620 and will depend on trailer weight I guess too. Its going to wsid about 20 min drive. If its not legal then I wont do it id prefer a 4wd but it means losing money to get one.

[feistl]

If its only a short trip and you drive accordingly, it should be ok. Ive towed a couple of FJ40s recently with a VE Calais sportwagon, and the car seemed to easily handle the load. That said it was only short trips (~10km) and i took it nice and easy (Very cautious). I guess the question is how often are you doing it, what sort of roads are you driving and how far is the distance. Of course your probably not covered under insurance so it may not be worth the risk

[redvxr8clubby]

Ok the vx weighs 1620 and will depend on trailer weight I guess too. Its going to wsid about 20 min drive. If its not legal then I wont do it id prefer a 4wd but it means losing money to get one.

If the VE SV6 is an auto it is rated to 2100 Kg, but that 2100Kg is only if using towing aids like weight distribution hitch and/or lift shocks. I would say with your trailer weight you'll be very close to the 2100Kg limit. If you don't have towing aids the VE is only rated to 1600kg even with the 2100kg rated towbar. Duke 5700 already mentioned the ball weight, which typically is 10% of the total weight, so you would need to be careful not to have the VX too far forward on the trailer (or maybe even reverse it on to the trailer). Checking the ball weight I would suggest could be very important. I've done a few trips towing a double axle 6 Metre caravan with my MY10 VE SV6 auto, the van weighs 1530 Kg, it tows OK (it's no ball of fire with the van hooked up). Caravans have electric brakes, I guess a car trailer would have override brakes on the trailer and you don't need an electric brake controller fitted to the car?

[Smashfist]

You need to be really careful if you insist on doing it. I have seen the arse end pulled out of a VE because old mate didn't do it right. No load distribution hitch, too much ball weight and it was right on 2100kg. Ripped the towbar mounting points out of the chassis.

[whitels1ss]

Anyone know roughly what a car trailer would weigh?

[C4B]

Kennards hire car trailers rated to a 1200kg load and they weigh 800kg's

[redvxr8clubby]

Kennards hire car trailers rated to a 1200kg load and they weigh 800kg's

I thought the 1200 kg load for a car trailer sounded a bit low, I have a Fiesta that weighs about 1100Kg, even something like a Focus or a Mazda 3 or a Lancer weighs nearer to 1300 Kg. I had to look on Kenards website myself and sure enough what you say is what their website shows. The pic they show of the car trailer shows a little Lancer CE coupe on it. If that trailer weighs 800 Kg and it doesn't even look like it could take a VX, then I would have to say towing a VX on a suitable car trailer with a VE is no go.

[whitels1ss]

Kennards hire car trailers rated to a 1200kg load and they weigh 800kg's

No chance of legally towing a VX on one of them with a VE then.

[VX-SS-383]

What if I buy a leight weight trailer like this ? http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/BRAND-NEW-15FT-CAR-TRAILER-BOX-TANDEM-2OOOKG-1YEAR-REGO-/161459837424?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_15&hash=item2597c199f0
Id never hire a trailer again its ridiculous money and their trailers are crap.
I want my own as im running nitrous now and hate driving and changing front runners.
Seen a ve ute sat big trailer towing a vs seemed ok but not sure if it was legal.
The thing im not sure on is does it go on actual weight or Tare weight?
My papers say 1480 I think from memory.

[duke5700]

I think you are pushing shit up hill unless you fork out for a ally trailer etc. Even then..

No idea what mine weighs now but I have a vague recolection on 1640 with 1/4 tank, spare tyre etc weighed at a weighbridge when it was stockish. You would need a trailer of around 500kgs... maybe you could go close.

[andrewslr]

Used to tow an LH Torana race car around VIC with my VX Berlina at the time, using hire trailers. Yes the car will do it, but unless it is a quality lightweight trailer, the tranny suitably cooled, the rear suspension beefed up to tow and the brakes upgraded, my advice is don't bother. Buy a suitable tow vehicle like a 4WD. Seems an expensive solution if you don't like changing tyres at the other end. Loading and unloading is a PITA

[redvxr8clubby]

I think if your VX is 1620 Kg and the trailer is 450 kg You are practically bang on the max of 2100, if it's short trips you might get by, but really the best advice is this isn't a good combination. Even the weight of the car at 1620 plus the trailer at 450 is 70kg over the trailers own GVM of 2000Kg, so there is still a problem there. I'm not sure are you saying the VX is actually 1480? if so you would be under, but not by much especially if you carry anything extra in the VX. Considering all the expense with the trailer and not to mention towing aids etc and also can you keep the ball weight down to 210Kg. If your main dislike is changing tyres, can you set yourself up with trailer with compressor, air gun etc to make changing the tyres as easy as you can. At least you shouldn't have any problem with the weight that way and you don't have to change your VE.

[whitels1ss]

What if I buy a leight weight trailer like this ? http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/BRAND-NEW-15FT-CAR-TRAILER-BOX-TANDEM-2OOOKG-1YEAR-REGO-/161459837424?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_15&hash=item2597c199f0


I was looking at buying a trailer that looked pretty much the same but a mate of mine talked me out of it

because he had a proper look over it & said it was flimsy & very poor build quality.

Make sure you really check out what you are buying.

[redss]

that trailer in the ad you posted should be fine just take it easy when loaded.

[VX-SS-383]

I think if your VX is 1620 Kg and the trailer is 450 kg You are practically bang on the max of 2100, if it's short trips you might get by, but really the best advice is this isn't a good combination. Even the weight of the car at 1620 plus the trailer at 450 is 70kg over the trailers own GVM of 2000Kg, so there is still a problem there. I'm not sure are you saying the VX is actually 1480? if so you would be under, but not by much especially if you carry anything extra in the VX. Considering all the expense with the trailer and not to mention towing aids etc and also can you keep the ball weight down to 210Kg. If your main dislike is changing tyres, can you set yourself up with trailer with compressor, air gun etc to make changing the tyres as easy as you can. At least you shouldn't have any problem with the weight that way and you don't have to change your VE.

Main issue is just driving the car there its not very legal anymore.
I bought an electric Makita gun so its cut down wheel changing times a lot.
Appreciate all the feedback everyone.