Towing with a Ford Ranger | Caravan Weights Explained | Simon Says Ep1

Everything you need to know about choosing the right vehicle and trailer combination and staying safe, legal and insured!
In this video, I go through how we travel to Australia legally towing with a Ford Ranger. This video applies to all towing vehicle setups, not just if you're tow vehicle is a Ford Ranger.
The information that I share in this video saved us thousands of $$$. Make sure you watch this before buying a caravan or trailer! Let us know in the comments if you find this video helpful.
Before you watch this video, it's worth familiarising yourself with the terms and acronyms down below.
ATM (Aggregate Trailer Mass) - The total weight of a trailer (or caravan) including payload. This is specified by the trailer manufacturer.
GTM (Gross Trailer Mass) - The weight of a trailer (or caravan), including the payload imposed on its wheels when attached to the tow vehicle (ATM-TBM). This is specified by the trailer manufacturer.
TBM (Tow Ball Mass) - The weight a trailer imposes on the tow ball of the tow vehicle. This is generally specified by the trailer manufacturer. The vehicle or towbar manufacturer may also specify a maximum TBM.
TARE - the weight of a vehicle or trailer when empty.
GVM (Gross Vehicle Mass) - The total weight of a vehicle, including payload (accessories, passengers, fuel, etc.). Also includes TBM when in combination. This is specified by the vehicle manufacturer.
GCM (Gross Combination Mass) - The combined total weight of a vehicle and trailer (or caravan) including payload when connected. This is specified by the vehicle manufacturer.
Towing Capacity - The maximum ATM which can be connected to a vehicle. This is specified by the vehicle manufacturer. The vehicle or towbar manufacturer will generally also specify a maximum TBM.
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‪@fordofaustralia‬

[@debbieharry-clarke2918]

Great information, we totally agree and travel very similar. We did the same sums when we started out. We've towed our 2009 Avan semi off road caravan with maximum payload of 2.45t with a short wheel base Pajero, a Triton and now a Prado...all under weight

[@bazradventures]

Hands down one of the best videos king around regarding towing weights. Always liked the Zone, and now even more given how light they are. Great vid, keep them coming. Safe travels

[@TheLifestylePioneers]

Thanks so much, appreciate that feedback

[@kerrikerry6687]

We love the way you have explained this. Great job guys!👍

[@TheLifestylePioneers]

Awesome! Thank you, Kerri!

[@jenwilko1692]

Fantastic Simon! So well explained too! Looking after your family safety is best practice! Cheers Jen n Co.

[@TheLifestylePioneers]

Always! Thanks, Jen!

[@julie-annesmith6478]

Thank you Simon for tge link. Missed this one and now catch up with others. It's good to see you don't need so many mods and extras to be able to travel full-time. I'll let you know our weights when we get it done. It's an amazing video you have shared with everyone. Thanks mate.

[@TheLifestylePioneers]

Great to hear. Thanks!

[@waynemarion8837]

Great video Simon, thanks for sharing.

[@TheLifestylePioneers]

My pleasure and thanks for the feedback, Wayne.

[@nucopia]

Great explanation Simon very helpful for some one like me who is considering what tow vehicle and van to buy . Much appreciated !

[@TheLifestylePioneers]

Glad it was helpful!

[@leealdous4609]

Thank you. Thank you. This was so informative and now I understand what hubby is trying to tell me. Thank you for this video. So informative 👏

[@TheLifestylePioneers]

Glad it was helpful, Lee! Thanks 👍

[@trrollinson]

Great video working with your setup but making it relatable to a majority of viewers, I am sure many of them have a similar setups or looking at what they can REALLY tow. Safe travels.

[@rodmcisaac3]

You really got me thinking....or shall I say rethinking... Good job.

[@TheLifestylePioneers]

Good to hear. Let me know if you have any questions!

[@Emu-co5qh]

Well done Simon, you explained that well. Many thank Ron

[@TheLifestylePioneers]

Very welcome

[@MPUlberg]

Informative and articulated across pretty well. Top job mate.

[@TheLifestylePioneers]

Much appreciated! Thanks for the sub 🙌

[@denton3385]

Great vid mate well said and easy to follow. Thank you for your time

[@TheLifestylePioneers]

No problem 👍 Thanks for watching and thanks for the sub

[@mics_fishingvic794]

Excellent information thanks 😀

[@scottbailey2710]

Great informative video and well explained. Thank you

[@TheLifestylePioneers]

Very welcome, Scott (my uncles name is Scott Bailey). Thanks for the feedback

[@Antons19891]

Great video Simon, we are only a few months back from a trip though the NT & WA and loved every stage of our trip. We started out with a 2016 Ranger and a 20 footer but when our weight became too high we left Darwin on our way to Lake Argyle in a Landcruiser Troop Carrier after a trade that gained us 800kg and continued our trip of 15months on the road. Enjoy the rest of your trip and sights, it is an amazing world out there.

[@TheLifestylePioneers]

Fantastic! We might change setups one day but this is working for now and we're enjoying travelling light.

[@neilcullen7866]

Great vid, hopefully a lot more people will comply all round! Enjoy your trip!

[@TheLifestylePioneers]

Cheers Neil 👍

[@aussiequest9543]

so glad i finally found someone that is real and has thought of the practical side of touring and not showing of how much money they have. This is the first video of yours (not the last) I watched and very impressed.

[@TheLifestylePioneers]

Thanks for the comment. Glad you like our approach, plenty more to come!

[@sutto70]

Well thought out video. A great explanation of the weight minefield 👍

[@TheLifestylePioneers]

Glad you liked it! Thanks Jeremy

[@ladysusanjane2682]

I’ve watched so many of these types of videos and yours is the best! I understand it really well- you were clear and concise. Thanks 😀👍🏻

[@TheLifestylePioneers]

Thank you so much! I'm glad it helped 👍

[@joshc511]

Love these techy style videos mate keep them coming!

[@TheLifestylePioneers]

Glad you like them! What would you like to see us do a video on next? (We've recently published a video on trip planning as well)

[@gregoireperault2346]

Well done Simon! Great video!

[@TheLifestylePioneers]

Thanks Gregoire!

[@MrPeterDWatson]

SPOT ON!!!!!!! Great information

[@TheLifestylePioneers]

Glad it was helpful!

[@colinoliver4061]

Great video, first time I’ve had this explained that I could follow. Thanks again

[@TheLifestylePioneers]

Great to hear! Thanks for checking it out.

[@wheelieburgo1974]

Yes I agree Colin.

[@Westwayescapes]

Very well explained bud. Great vid 👍👍👍

[@TheLifestylePioneers]

Glad you enjoyed it, cheers

[@jackamoism]

Awesome video legend, thanks for the info!

[@TheLifestylePioneers]

No problem 👍 Happy to help.

[@raymann4027]

Well explained and presented thank you.

[@TheLifestylePioneers]

Cheers, Ray. You are welcome!

[@tonydicicco7684]

Great video Simon. Cheers

[@TheLifestylePioneers]

Cheers Tony 🙌

[@blakebusby3935]

Good info there cobb, I have just purchased a van and looking at upgrading the tow rig. Very helpful.

[@TheLifestylePioneers]

Cheers, glad to hear it!

[@whatthashite]

What a gem of a video with thorough yet easy to understand explanations about vehicle weights. I am sporting a PX3 ranger and am working through the calculations at the minute however, feel very inspired to undertake my travels with this vehicle instead of buying a v8. Huge costs for diesel right now and the price of these vehicles are insane! Happy travels!

[@TheLifestylePioneers]

Glad it was helpful!

[@NotGreyNomads]

Yep it's amazing to see when travelling around and having done the research and knowing the capabilities of vehicles just how many are overweight even with gvm upgrades. Hit the nail on the head there guys. Just because you have a 3.5 tonne rated van doesn't mean you have to stack it up to 3.5 tonne. And much easier and reliable on your gear too!

[@TheLifestylePioneers]

Absolutely! Just doing my bit to shed some light on it all 😉

[@cjd3207]

One of the best presentations I've view and I look forward to seeing your others. Having travelled around a large part of aus we've witnessed set ups the are so badly set up they are dangerous on the road. Well done.

[@TheLifestylePioneers]

Cheers. Hope you enjoy our other vids as well!

[@2aotearoa]

We just brought a new 2021 wild Trak x and scout 15 camper and then learnt about total GCM after purchase .We were worried for a minute until we watched you're video and now we are more confident we can achieve what we need to do. Much appreciated new subscriber to your channel.

[@TheLifestylePioneers]

Great to hear! Glad it was helpful.

[@clu51]

ZN330 - Nice video mate. Good information well presented.

[@TheLifestylePioneers]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@richardrhodes6259]

Couldn’t come at a better time I’m doing this now and it’s a complete nightmare.The wife and I did all these trips with our kids 25yrs ago in tents swags then caravan great memories,now we want to do it on our own.The both of us really enjoying the episodes enjoy and keep safe😎

[@TheLifestylePioneers]

Thanks Richard. So glad to hear you're enjoying the content. 🙌

[@outandaboutinoz]

Love the video, it makes a lot of sense, we have just ordered a 22 Amarok highline 580, and are just weighing the options I will be adding. We are looking at an off road van at 2.5 tonne. CheerGregs

[@TheLifestylePioneers]

Glad you liked it, Greg. Thanks for watching. Enjoy the new setup!

[@andrewfraser8800]

Good video , I think I’ll do what Simon says

[@raymondpaulet1683]

Hi Simon - well done to you in putting something that seems daunting made so simple - people seem to purchase a van then realise weights 😬 to vehicle not great - outside boundaries - but they still hit the road putting everyone at risk - not great Again, well done on your explanation Safe travels on the road with your family

[@TheLifestylePioneers]

Absolutely. It can take some time to get your head around it, but well worth it!

[@philgrizzlyadams]

Subscribed mate. Nice down to earth explanation. And the money you saved on the used Ranger funds the adventure. Makes sense. My old - last of the model - Y61 Patrol is gonna easily tow my (on order) van so I have been doing the numbers too. Its surprising how little payload these big vehicles actually have...Enjoy the trip, Ill keep watching...

[@TheLifestylePioneers]

Cheers Phil, and welcome aboard! 🙌🍺

[@nathankiernan6433]

Very interesting mate, we are doing something similar for now but will definitely have to upgrade as the kids get bigger though as they are running out of room in the back. Just wanted to say, you are a natural behind the camera and you did a cracking job with the video, it should be an instructional video given to anyone who signs a contract on a van. Cheers Nathan

[@TheLifestylePioneers]

Sounds great, Nathan! Thanks for the feedback mate, much appreciated 🙌

[@AbbynDoogs]

Really well explained - thank you, you’ve assisted me greatly. In the research phase of buying a touring combination 👍.

[@SteveBurns80]

Read my comment for a reality check.

[@TheLifestylePioneers]

Glad it was helpful!

[@peterlevy7679]

Well Simon just found you, great video makes setting up a bit easier, will be sure to follow you.

[@TheLifestylePioneers]

Thanks and welcome!

[@murraylouis5956]

Great info mate 👍👍

[@TheLifestylePioneers]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@rogercarter7289]

Very good informative video.👍

[@TheLifestylePioneers]

Glad you liked it

[@sea.nest.]

Brilliant, thank you

[@TheLifestylePioneers]

You're very welcome, Sarah!

[@darzb480]

Great information especially as we are looking at a zone rv and a 2022 v6 Ford amarok or vw ranger 😉. Have had a GQ and currently drive a Prado. All your info is great knowledge and saves me damaging braincells. cheers

[@TheLifestylePioneers]

Glad it was helpful, David! Good luck with it.

[@brucedavidson3835]

Well done we have just bought a Ranger with van weight about the same as yours ! Hope we can travel again soon .

[@TheLifestylePioneers]

Fingers crossed!

[@brucedodds5481]

well explained

[@ianbailey4114]

Very good as a person who will soon own a Zone was great to see some endorsement of my thinking.

[@TheLifestylePioneers]

Glad it was helpful, Ian 👍

[@chrisdietzel6485]

Great vid! Explains a lot that otherwise I found was information overload...

[@TheLifestylePioneers]

Glad it was helpful!

[@corbco2]

Thanks Simon!

[@TheLifestylePioneers]

No problem. Cheers, John

[@chrishastings]

Great Vid mate thanks!!

[@TheLifestylePioneers]

Cheers, hope it helped 👍

[@beverleydryland1146]

Thankyou so much very very appreciated cheers from Bunbury

[@TheLifestylePioneers]

Good to know, thank you.

[@Romeo-lu7wt]

I built my own van so being aware of my Weight was very important, I purchased a weighing Jack and to my surprise it was fairly accurate if used correctly, After over 2 years of building , I towed the van in to town for registration, I went to weighing station ,my weighing Jack come to 2330kg, the weigh bridge said 2360kg , so not bad, I made my ATM 2860kg, I tow with a 100 series ,3500kg, All legal. Most people I meet are not aware of there of weights, or how to work them out , or sadly some don't care. If they ask I will help them, Great vid , straight from horses mouth.

[@TheLifestylePioneers]

Totally agree. Some seem to feel ignorance is bliss. I've got my family on board and care too much about the road users around me to not care.

[@sailingcitrinesunset4065]

Excellent video👍

[@TheLifestylePioneers]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@tonyf7997]

Bloody good vid mate- well explained. I’m building a 200 series long range tourer and after all accessories added front axle is 130kg over and gvm is on 3310 with me and a full tank of diesel, although I fully expected this and actually have built this way to know what gvm+ I need do the van we choose!

[@TheLifestylePioneers]

Cheers, Tony

[@captainbabossa2628]

Great video bud ,just about to hit the road myself with similar van and a Ranger been going threw the same process, weight weight weight , 🤣 it truly amazing what you don’t need, been culling my gear for the past year. We live in our van and if we haven’t used anything in 6 months out the door it goes 🙀🤣👍

[@TheLifestylePioneers]

Right on. Totally agree. Happy travels, might see you out there one day!

[@gregd4756]

Good video. Just had our setup weighed and have weight issues, just carrying the basics. Most vans on the road would be overweight in one regard, and until you get it properly weighed you just don't know. If I upgrade GTM then my car will no longer be suitable, so as like you we have to decide what is necessary and what isn't. Well done.

[@TheLifestylePioneers]

Thanks, Greg. Glad it was helpful.

[@matthewfinnigan3862]

Great video. I’m going to upgrade our Dmax when it comes in. Otherwise it’s pretty much twice the price to get a 2500 to be able to do roughly the same thing.

[@TheLifestylePioneers]

Cheers, Matthew. It's hard to justify the extra cost for sure!

[@johnmathisen1167]

Thank you mate just a little question do you have a transmission cooler as I think that they are an important item when towing. Also the best explanation of the weights on any of the utube channels.

[@TheLifestylePioneers]

Thanks John, that means a lot. We don't have a transmission cooler but it's definitely something I would consider

[@markh6676]

Every vanner should watch this. The amount of clearly overloaded rigs out there is just astounding. Some are oblivious but a lot have their heads buried deep in the sand. The big one is the rear axle weight, often not even considered. Good on you for being thorough not only for your family but the safety of other road users. I'll be linking this video whenever a question of weights comes up on the FARCEbook pages.

[@TheLifestylePioneers]

Love this feedback, thanks Mark. I hope this video will be a resource for many. Spread the word 😉👍

[@SpannerPLG]

Hiya Simon, fab videos, we watch them religiously every week. We too have a Ranger; a 2L Wildtrak. And we have a 17 ft Base which is still frighteningly new. Quick question; did you do any specific mods to the Ranger before you headed off? Oil coolers, beefed up suspension…? Interested in your experience. Thanks a lot, Peter

[@TheLifestylePioneers]

Thanks Peter. I think I answered your question on FB as well but for everyone else's benefit the only mods we've done to the Ranger other than what you can see is a secondary fuel filter and long-range tank. I'm working on doing a video on the Ranger soon! 🍺

[@dominiquerogmans336]

Been following your episodes and the weight explained is a real eye opener! I did notice that you guys have no washing machine so can't help but wonder how do you do it. No washing machine?

[@TheLifestylePioneers]

Thanks for the support Dominique. No washing machine for us. More $$ but inportantly more weight. We spend most of our time off-grid so couldn't afford the water usage anyway. We either use coin-laundries or caravan parks, works well for us.

[@firstlast2194]

Waiting delivery of our Zone and looking to two with a Ranger, so very helpful thank you. Just out of interest where are you recording this river and country in background looks pretty great!

[@TheLifestylePioneers]

Have fun! This was filmed on the Ord river not far from Kununurra WA 👍

[@wheelieburgo1974]

Lucky BUGGER

[@jorjimaco5331]

Just add a transmission cooler. A must. We tow with an RG, same size van with no fruit, just the essentials. A WDH helps us out. 🍻

[@TheLifestylePioneers]

Transmission coolers are a good idea. We don't have a need for a WDH and wouldn't be suitable for off road use but they have their place.

[@davebrierley4]

We’ll done Simon. Still not quite sure where we picked up 200kg in our van weight estimate but I am hopeful our weight ends up closer to yours than what is estimated on ours - we don’t have a lot different from yours but the weight is a bit up - easy to follow video by the way - regards Dave

[@TheLifestylePioneers]

Thanks Dave. We've noticed the vans are getting a little heavier now but still much lighter than many of the alternatives. Good luck!

[@Steven_Rowe]

A really educational video and one which I understood after watching a John Cadogen video on. There seems a psych of there that utes are tough, they can do anything and you can tow 3500kg Sadly get pulled over and weighed or the worst nightmare ever, involved in a serious accident and your in huge trouble and your insurance won't want to know you either. It's interesting that a Cruiser with 3500kg on the back only has around 320 payload left. With budget underpinning the whole exercise I think looking at the van you want and then finding a suitable tow vehicle is the right approach. We have a Triton and a Crusader Porthos. I took it on the weighbridge and everything came in under specs so happy The whole rig came in at 4400 and the GCM permissable is 5875 so a huge margin. I have ordered a fibre glass canopy for it. After considering security issues I thought it was the best option. One last thing, I find it rather immoral what marketing says when selling vehicles. The DMax underpins it's marketing on the 3500kg towing capacity. And all ute like to show you climbing a 30 degree slope or thrashing it on some extremely rough road. PS do you use a weight distribution hitch to ensure your ute rides level?

[@TheLifestylePioneers]

Cheers Steven and thanks for the input. WDH aren't suitable for off-road caravans and aren't necessary for a well balanced combination.

[@Steven_Rowe]

@@TheLifestylePioneers the one point Cadogen make though is when off road that towball mass going go up and cause a ute chassis to hinge or banana where the cab and tub meet. That would be DISASTER. You see blokes wth caravans on steel bull bars plus winch and in sure some would be have maxed out their GCM

[@garyharvey6913]

Hi Simon, enjoy your videos. We have a Zone Base but didn't get the jerry can holders, they look good. Can you tell me the brand Zone use?? Thanks.

[@TheLifestylePioneers]

Hi Gary. I'm not 100% sure mate. Best to check with Zone. Ours are the black ones, I know they do raw aluminium also.

[@iampennochio]

A steel bullbar is 60-80Kg. A winch around 20kg. The plastic smartbar winch compatable is 40kg + your winch so 60kg. So maxed out 80 bar+20 winch+15 battery+ 10kg spotties =125kg.

[@TheLifestylePioneers]

Yep, it's a lot of weight to consider. Thanks for the input

[@neilzantuck197]

Simon, great video very good information, but you forgot my Jeep, it does all this and more.

[@TheLifestylePioneers]

I couldn't list them all 😂

[@juanitaburt5281]

It is a very good video, you explained it very well. A question or 2, I heard about the ranger weakness, the gear is hunting, I’m worried when towing a horse float & the gear doesn’t know which to select & going uphill that it would have a detrimental effect. I read it has an EGR issue after 80k. This makes me worried purchasing a Ranger as my tow vehicle. Should I worry?

[@TheLifestylePioneers]

Thanks Juanita. We've had no issues with EGR and always tow in Sports manual mode to help with any gearbox issues. 👍

[@frankguernier2280]

That was an excellent layout of weights and suitable towing vehicles, so many people mistakenly believe the vehicle salespeople. How often do you see an overloaded set up. I just did an online quote with Zone on their 20ft 6in Summit Sojourne I did opt for quite a few of the extras and with the three water tanks filled but an empty van it weighed in at 3500kg. So to allow for living gear I would have to option for their 4000kg Gvm set up. My vehicle is a 2014 Iveco Daily dual cab. It's plated with two rego options 4495 GVM on car licence or light truck 5500kg GVM with a GCM of 9000kg. But the draw bar is rated at 3500kg towing capacity so that would need upgrading as well as a mild tune upgrade. I currently tow a 16ft single axle Avan which for years has worked well but now I am retired I want to be more full time nomadic and enjoy a few more remote creature comforts. It's a hard decision to make but thanks for no gloss honesty. Cheers from another Leeton boy.

[@TheLifestylePioneers]

Yes, they can get heavy quickly. Make sure you can do the upgrades you'll need before you commit to a caravan.

[@rayhenry3615]

Hi Simon just have strange question I am wondering how you mounted your GME ariel on the back of your ranger tub as it would be good not to be looking at it while driving especially for passenger if you have a pic that would be great thanks in advance Ray

[@rainneygirl]

We drive a 2016 XLT. We're planning on towing a semi-off road van with a 2.9t tare weight. We won't be doing anything long range or remote (at this point) but the van is set up for free camping so we're hoping we won't need any upgrades 🤞 I have this vid saved as a reference should we hit any snags! Thanks heaps!

[@TheLifestylePioneers]

Good luck! 2.9t is a high starting poing, you'll have to be very careful with gear and accessories to stay under your GCM.

[@rainneygirl]

@@TheLifestylePioneers yeah copy that! My wife and I attended the caravan show in Sydney yesterday and we were cheering when we finally found the perfect van until we read the specs! We came straight home to watch your vids! Hopefully we'll be okay.

[@rossi0nsx]

Just started following you guys, and you supply great information, I'm constantly doing weights in my head on what we plan to buy. I'm sorry if I missed it did your current van weight in the video include full tanks of water or empty?

[@TheLifestylePioneers]

Awesome! Thank you! Tare weight of this van is 2520kg not including water.

[@rossi0nsx]

@@TheLifestylePioneers Sorry I was talking about your loaded weight you mentioned in the video, was that with or without water

[@weeds5636]

Good content but resale of the 79 series or 200 are impossible to ignore They also have standard long range tanks If I was to get a Ranger for all of its positives I'd get a BT 50 due to Mazda replacing engines for free. like a lot of small capacity diesel's they have higher than ideal failure rates when operating close to capacity in Australia's heat for extended periods

[@TheLifestylePioneers]

79 and 200 do have good resale, but you're also paying a premium to begin with. Sure they have long range tanks but a 79 is nowhere near as confortable as a Ranger without spending more $$ on upgrades and a 200 doesn't have the payload so you need to compromise there. Everything is a compromise.

[@iandibley8032]

Simon a great vid plenty of thought/logic gone into your decisions ,heaps of people just hook up & hope for the best. Your accessory choices are wise .personally I have a 200 series with 3650kg gvm upgrade & a van with 250 atm 260 kg TBW well under but close to the real axle max 50 kg under multiply TBW x 1.5 gives an approx load on the rear axle. With Weber if it is mounted on a slide using a bayonet I believe it doesn't meet the gas regs because of no flame failure fitted ..but off a gas bottle hook up it's legal ... makes little sense but regs are regs. I have fitted a FFD device to my Weber, apparently Webers in 2023 will have FFD fitted. Your decisions on loading are very prudent & will save you the pain in the long term safe travels. Ian

[@TheLifestylePioneers]

Cheers, Ian. Regarding the gas regs, when this was filmed, they were still proposed changes. We're looking forward to Weber releasing a retrofit FFD. 👍

[@iandibley8032]

@@TheLifestylePioneers hi Apparently the mid 2023 Webers sold will have FFD a retro fit for older Webers down the track no time frame given I believe. The parts to upgrade cost $70- $100 fitted by suitably qualified Gas Fitter.

[@paulholubecki6386]

Under $4000 for a gvm upgrade to 4015 kg on my 2009 200 series. Well worth it. Hated when you said you took weight from the tow vehicle. Always keep the tow vehicle heavier.

[@TheLifestylePioneers]

I don't agree with the heavier vehicle theory. There's a lot more to a safe combination than that. GVM upgrades help for some vehicles but in our case GCM was the limitation. They're definitely a great option for the LC 200s though

[@brent7344]

Great video! Not a weight question, my wife wants to know where you got that fake plant on the walk behind you. 😜

[@TheLifestylePioneers]

Cheers Brent. The plant is from Ikea and the pot is from Kmart (pretty sure it was a toothbrush holder 😆)

[@coxingaround9032]

Y62 3500tow 3500 gvm 7000gcm We are doing the sums at the moment, with the family loaded up doesn't leave much weight for fruit!

[@TheLifestylePioneers]

Y62 is a great option. Good ratings and reasonably priced. Petrol engine is a compromise you have to make though

[@rich9903]

Great info and well researched; however, I’m not sure having a caravan that weighs anywhere close to the weight of the tow vehicle itself is a good idea despite the OEM acceptable weight limitations - especially if heaven forbid trailer sway inadvertently comes into play. I’m sure anyone that also follows John Cadogan’s KZbin channel would agree. That said, you have clearly taken a well considered approach in your overall setup so hats off to you

[@TheLifestylePioneers]

Thanks Rich. We've towed travelled extensively with this combination in a variety of conditions and we're really impressed with it's handling and stability. Even with strong cross winds and massive oncoming roadtrains we experience no 'wobble' or even close to sway. I'm confident this is an extremely safe combination. There's no way I would be putting my family in it if I wasn't.

[@shameelali2549]

So if that the case have a look at a road train,the cab/truck weighs around 10tonn and the trailers loaded weight 35tonn....

[@rich9903]

Fair enough Shameel; however, that’s because the axle and therefore wheel placement configuration of those large trucks & semi-trailers are completely different to your everyday campervan/caravan (equates to much more stability). Once again, John Cardogan (Auto Expert) discusses this very issue being a significant difference between heavy haulage prime movers and that of your normal 4WD and tow vehicle set up in his KZbin video. I can only encourage you to check out JC’s video for a full explanation

[@desleycasey7412]

Excellent video and relatively easy to follow along (especially as I'm not a maths person). The only thing I can't totally figure out is the formula you used to ascertain tow % I could get to 7.87... % but that's the closest I could get to. Could you let me know the formula you used. I used tBM - the actual TBM x 100 and ascertain 7.87% or thereabout once decimal point shifted 2 places.

[@TheLifestylePioneers]

Glad it was helpful! It's a percentage of the actual ATM of the trailer/caravan. EG a 3500kg caravan with a 350kg TBM is expressed as 10%. To calculate it take your actual TBM divded by the actual ATM then multiply by 100

[@desleycasey7412]

@@TheLifestylePioneers Many thanks. Greatly appreciate this.

[@daveo1559]

Been going through all this for past 2 years with my ranger. Got a sweet balance finally. 3.5 tonne gvm upgrade ( just completed) allows me all the fruit on the ranger and then a austar toyhauler around 2.5 tonne (max loaded) . Ill be rolling around 6 tonne but its all legit. So much involved. Can tell you have done ya homework. Good video. Just remember people cheaper on paper as simon says. Ive learnt the hard way. Got 33 inch tyres then sold then because u cant do gvm upgrade with them. Got a steel tray now about to sway to aluminum to save 150kgs. Def think waaayyyy into the future. My plans changes is why i made these mistakes but try think as far ahead as possible. Ive jad draws ive installed in my canopy set up theb removed to save the 35kgs per draw. Need to figure out whats important and what ya end game is. Good luck. Its a bloody full on challenge to get it right but satisfying once its balanced and ya hit the road

[@TheLifestylePioneers]

Cheers Dave. Coudn't agree more, plan out our whole build and make sure it's going to work before spending your hard earned! 👍

[@1989cranston]

Hey mate, I have a 3.5T GVM and 6.6T GCM upgrade done to my ranger and that actually is allowed with 33" tyres or any tyre for that matter. It just has to have the Light Truck(LT) construction for the weight carrying and has to be classed at a minimum of "N" (140km/h) for the speed rating. I have also had this conformed by the roads and maritime service in NSW. Not sure what state you are.

[@daveo1559]

@@1989cranston im in Victoria. No such luck here

[@woolengrappler]

This is a helpful video! Thanks! As an American I’m always surprised at how small the tow rigs are in Australia. In the USA we probably go overkill, but these types of caravans would most likely be towed by a 3/4 ton or at least a 1/2 ton truck like a RAM 2500 or RAM 1500. I suppose the payload ratings of the Aussie pick up trucks are much higher than smaller American ones and it seems like Aussie roads are probably slower. The midsize and 1/2 ton American trucks tend to get maxed out on payload before their tow ratings too.

[@TheLifestylePioneers]

Thanks mate 👍 The RAMs, Silverados and F trucks are becoming more popular over here as people tow bigger and heavier caravans. They cost a lot more over here (mainly because they have to be converted to RHD) which is why you don't see more of them.

[@woolengrappler]

@@TheLifestylePioneers it seems like the Australian market would probably be the biggest outside of the USA and Canada so I suspect you’ll see more American trucks in the future. Now if we could only get more Australian items here that would be great! Aussie caravans are so much better in terms of quality, innovation and design than American RVs. It’s not even close! It’s actually kind of sad what most American RV manufacturers are putting out compared to the Australians. I suppose Australia is a more demanding environment in terms of terrain and remoteness, but there are very remote areas of the USA and Canada that would warrant a higher quality caravan. Most American RVs are built with wood, plywood, staples, steel tube frames, solid axles on skinny little tires and they look horrible. I would love a video on your financial situation, budget, work, and how you’re able to make this lifestyle work with a family, etc. My wife and I have a 2 year old and a 2 month old. Within the next 3 to 5 years we’re planning to travel the USA and Canada with the kids and will likely head south to Mexico and South America a few years after that so the financial and logistics side of things is interesting to us.

[@graemeelliott8576]

It’s about drivers licence also

[@Sarvimate]

That's why we bought a Nissan patrol y62 in prep for our Zone. Cheaper than 200 series and 7 ton GCM, 3.5 GVM. Compromise is petrol V8... But I'd say I'm a convert.

[@TheLifestylePioneers]

Yep, Y62 is a great option if you're willing to compromise for a petrol engine. Enjoy your Zone! 🙌

[@darrindouglas1]

Same here. Had a Navara with most of the fruit, but just not enough grunt and gcm.....

[@baumie4618]

@@TheLifestylePioneers "compromise"?.....Mate, from trying CRD I'm glad I found the Y62! It's hard to explain to people when they've got it in their head towing = diesel. Great content videos 👍

[@TheLifestylePioneers]

@@baumie4618 they've got a lot of advantages, especially the power delivery. I just don't want the fuel bill 😆. The lack of availability of petrol in some areas makes diesel the winner in my books.

[@richard4136]

Agree. Sold my LC200 for a Y62 and as far as fuel is concerned I couldn’t be happier. Where the LC used 19ltr the Y62 is at 16ltr. As for availability of petrol I haven’t had a problem. I struggle to believe it’s hard to get. Are people saying that living in the outback you need diesel everything- cars, mowers, whipper snippers, , chainsaws, leaf blowers etc??? Common people careful what you say cause others will start to believe you!!!

[@brente1982]

I think a lot of people look at long range fuel tanks wrong, and maybe its because they're simply unaware. But diesel, and even unleaded, don't weight the same as water. So your 140L of diesel, only actually weighs 115kg or thereabouts.

[@TheLifestylePioneers]

That's a good point, Brent. I guess on the plus side is that means you're over-estimating not under-estimating but still relevant to keep in mind. 🙌

[@topone8010]

Get yourself a Towball Scale about $75, great to check the weight in your travels, specially when you use water from the tanks

[@TheLifestylePioneers]

I'm not too worried about it to be honest, I know it's within the limits and really restric how much gear we carry.

[@topone8010]

@@TheLifestylePioneers Once we had all the weighs right on our van, we were passing trucks and didn't even feel them, so I wanted to keep the same weight on the towball , only checked it if we were using water from the front tank or moved things around, we could carry 400 liters if needed

[@donh54gmail]

Great video, Simon. Some good points on the weight savings as well. I've known people that have had a steel bar and winch on their cars since new, and have never run the winch out, and were never likely to be in a position to do so, but still "had" to have it! Regarding towball mass, in my opinion there are a lot of armchair experts out there, insisting that you MUST have 10% of your ATM on the towball. How would these people explain that the recommendation in the UK is for 5 to 7%, and in the USA, the recommendation is for 12 to 14% . The thing is, if you look through all the regulations and literature, they are all just recommendations. If you are not exceeding your rear axle load, and the combination is safe and steady on the road, it's probably OK. The first caravan I ever owned had a full canvas annexe. When you loaded the van, you started with the annexe and poles in the middle of the van, test drove for a bit, then moved it backwards or forwards until you found the "sweet spot" for it. We towed that van with everything from a Fairlane, to a Cortina! Ah, the good old days, when you never knew just what was coming at you around the next corner! :-D Looking forward to more videos from your travels

[@TheLifestylePioneers]

Cheers Don. Totally agree. It's very east to feel like you need all the gear. Thanks for the sub!

[@stevepiper1925]

Very interesting, now I'm worried!! We ordered a caravan with a tare weight of 2600 to 2700 and our tow vehicle is a nissan navara 2022. Do you think this will be OK? Here's hoping. Steve

[@TheLifestylePioneers]

It's important to go through and do all the sums. It's impossible to say without all the information.

[@rossschofield5981]

Is there somewhere where can print your figures s guide for us Before we get it weighed properly Thanks Ross

[@TheLifestylePioneers]

We haven't got these figures anymore unfortunately.

[@zachsheffee8458]

The rating in the US for the 2021 Ranger is 216 pounds less than the rating in Australia. Most likely for insurance purposes & simplistically.

[@TheLifestylePioneers]

There you go!

[@zachsheffee8458]

@@TheLifestylePioneers Every body likes to sue for everything in the US.

[@bruno6115]

When the car was wieghed; were you in the car? And all other occupants? Does this go towards it?

[@TheLifestylePioneers]

Hi Justin. Yes we were all in the car along with car seats etc for the kids. This all counts towards your total weight and forms part of your payload.

[@glencropley4431]

Hi just have a question, isn't it better that your tow vehicle weighs more than the van you are towing? So that the van doesn't push your vehicle around?

[@TheLifestylePioneers]

Some people say that, but it's not necessary. It's also very hard to acheive if you're towing a full-size caravan.

[@markblocka24]

Gidday Simon, What is your take on towball weight. In round figures example Vehicle can tow 3.5 tonne Caravan ATM is 3.2 tonne Caravan actual weighs 3.2 tonne 200 kg goes on the towball that goes on the Car GVM Now my question is 200kg has gone onto the car. What is now the actual van weight now when it's combined Now is it still 3.2 tonne which would mean the towball weight is calculated twice which would be unfair Being calculated as Car GVM plus 200kg and van still weighs 3.2 tonne. Or is it calculated as I think it should be that the Caravan now weighs in at 3.0 tonne and the car now weighs plus 200kg. Can't find a definite answer. Cheers Mark

[@TheLifestylePioneers]

Hi Mark. Great question and I see a lot of people getting stuck with the same question. Using your example. If a trailer weights 3200kg when unhitched (ATM) with a tow ball (TBM) of 200kg, when that trailer is hitched to a vehicle the 200kg TBM transfers onto the vehicles GVM. The trailer weight now it's in combination is referred to as GTM which is the weight on it's own axles (in this example the GTM would be 3000kg). While you don't count the TBM twice, some people incorrectly believe in this example you would now be able to load an additional 200kg onto the trailer (as 200kg has been transferred to the vehicle). This is incorrect as the ATM of the trailer would then be exceeded. It's a careful balancing act to make sure your vehicle and trailer remain under all limits.

[@rainneygirl]

Did you need to adjust your tyre pressure towing off-road?

[@TheLifestylePioneers]

Yes, absiolutely. Around 50% of road pressure when on the gravel, less on sand etc.

[@Rally4Life1982]

If they did annual road worthy certs you'd be safe. But I bet the majority would not. Basically don't put fluff on your SUV/ute and you'll be able to tow more.

[@TheLifestylePioneers]

Pretty much, Peter. It's not really about will you get caught, it's about being safe and insured. 👍

[@jockmiller3056]

Good info, but your getting near to the tail wagging the dog I’ve got a ranger & I wouldn’t tow anything more than 2 ton max including what’s in the caravan

[@TheLifestylePioneers]

Each to their own. I hear what you're saying but the Ranger is capable of towing a lot more than 2t quite safely. When we're hitched (and the towball weight transfers to the Ranger), there's not much between them. After almost 20,000kms of towing in all conditions we've never once felt unsafe or on the limit. We're within the engineered limits which have a built in safety factor and I'm more than comfortable with that. 👍

[@neillee3776]

In those calculations did that waiting in clued the white of the family

[@TheLifestylePioneers]

Yeah mate, all of us in it including kids car seats etc. 👍

[@Frobu]

😃

[@phillip3155]

I may have missed something. If your actual weight of ranger is 2997kg inc towball, and actual weight of van is 3011kg prior to adding half of your luggage aren’t you over your GCM of 6000kg

[@TheLifestylePioneers]

Gday Phillip. The 2997kg GVM includes the tow ball mass as you said. 3011kg is the ATM of the caravan so you need to take off the 225kg TBM to get the GTM which would be 2786kg. GTM + GVM = 5783kg GCM 👍

[@phillip3155]

Thanks, so your GCM does not include your TBM

[@sophie36824]

@@phillip3155 It does include TBM in your GCM