Earlier 80 Series upgrade to tow 3500kg

[Diorama]

I'm looking into the possibility of upgrading my 80 series so that it can be rated to tow 3500kg. My understanding is that the earlier ones were only rated to 2500kg. Toyota upgraded the rating on the later models but the only modification was that the brakes were increased in size hence the 16" rims on later models. Is this correct and if so would the latter model larger discs & calipers bolt straight on. Is there anything else that would need to be done & were would I go to get it certified to tow 3500kg.

[wopass]

my understanding is the bus itself is rated to tow it, just the tow bar is different,the genine toyota bar is the bit that matters

[Diorama]

I don't think thats right. I'm sure toyota re-rated then in about 96-97.

[gimmemud]

Most vehicles have tow ratings given to them by the manufacturer specifying the gross trailer weight braked, unbraked, or both, that the vehicle can safely tow. Although the law does not require these tow ratings to be followed, Land Transport New Zealand (Land Transport NZ) recommends that they be taken into account.

In addition to the requirements above, the law requires that every light vehicle and trailer combination must be capable of stopping within a distance of seven metres from a speed of 30 km/h. In effect, this means that the maximum allowable weight of an unbraked trailer is limited by the weight and braking ability of the vehicle being used to tow it.

Land Transport NZ recommends, as a guide, that the laden weight of an unbraked trailer should not exceed three quarters of the unladen weight of the towing vehicle and then only if the towing vehicle’s brakes and tyres are in excellent condition. A trailer heavier than this may prevent the vehicle combination from meeting the seven metre from 30 km/h brake performance requirement. To illustrate the increase in stopping distance when towing an unbraked trailer, consider a trailer with a laden weight equal to the weight of the towing vehicle.

This combination can be expected to have double the stopping distance of the towing vehicle alone, and even a towing vehicle with good brakes is likely to fail the legal brake performance requirement of seven metres from 30 km/h. If the trailer is equipped with brakes, it may be possible to safely tow a trailer heavier than three quarters of the unladen weight of the towing vehicle, but the seven metres from 30 km/h brake performance requirement still applies.

[stinky]

The 98 on models have a towing weight braked at 3500 kg all prier models were rated at 2500kg the differance is as I understand it larger brakes and transmission cooler The pre 98 will pull and stop 3500kg but can get abit warm. The biggest issue is the towbar and the way it is mounted

[Diorama]

I understand all the towing regulations.and understand that I don't have to stick to the manufacturers towing rates. The boat I'm looking at towing with it is 3200kg and with a bit of gear will come close to 3500kg. I have already put in a big trans cooler and put in 4.8 ratio diffs so there is no problem their. The trailer will have a full braking system with in cab controls and a break away system. Usually with these kind of braking systems they pull up faster than the vehicle could on its own without a trailer so I don't think there is a safety issue. The issue will be insurance and whether it would be covered in the event of an accident. If need be I'm happy to beef up the brakes to the same as the newer 80 series but is there anyone that can certify it to an increased rating to override the manufacturers rating for insurance purposes.

[gimmemud]

If it can stop in the time stated above it is within the law. Why would an insurance company have a problem with that? And if they did all you would need to do is show them the above

[stinky]

theres the thing while im unsure if a cars standard rating can be upgraded the insurance people will look for an out every time so you would have to prove that the weight of the trailer was not an issue if you had a crash. Best bet is to get a f150 or some such thing to do the towing there rated to 5000+ kg

[red-devil]

in my eyes BIG is GOOD for towing

[Diorama]

Can anyone tell me if the larger discs & callipers from a latter model 80 series bolt straight on to an earlier 80 series.

[Jacko]

am also wanting to upgrade the brakes on a 1991 80 series. any suggestions?

[mike]

I understand all the towing regulations.and understand that I don't have to stick to the manufacturers towing rates. The boat I'm looking at towing with it is 3200kg and with a bit of gear will come close to 3500kg. I have already put in a big trans cooler and put in 4.8 ratio diffs so there is no problem their. The trailer will have a full braking system with in cab controls and a break away system. Usually with these kind of braking systems they pull up faster than the vehicle could on its own without a trailer so I don't think there is a safety issue. The issue will be insurance and whether it would be covered in the event of an accident. If need be I'm happy to beef up the brakes to the same as the newer 80 series but is there anyone that can certify it to an increased rating to override the manufacturers rating for insurance purposes.

Don't forget you'll need an HT license to tow that much weight. Anything over a combined weight of 4500kgs requires HT, so there would be insurance issues there as well.

[Andrew1706]

Most people don't realise when towing their comp vehicles/trail only 4wds that with the weight of the tow vehicle, trailer and other truck that you're well into HT territory.

Also add in the copious amounts of fuel needed for a weekend of offroading you start running into Hazardous goods sort of stuff...

[skid]

Most people don't realise when towing their comp vehicles/trail only 4wds that with the weight of the tow vehicle, trailer and other truck that you're well into HT territory.

Also add in the copious amounts of fuel needed for a weekend of offroading you start running into Hazardous goods sort of stuff...

HAS ANYONE ACTUALLY RESEARCHED THIS PROPERLY


I have my HT and my DG, but it would be a real pain in the ass, If I had to take my log book with me in my 80 and fill out a DG declaration for a jerry can or two full of gas.

I'm sure there would be some clause somewhere to cover this type of application.

[loryda]

There was a thread similar to this one on the fishing forums not so long ago, guys getting picked up without HT licences at boat ramps. Majority had no idea they were in HT country with the combined weight of their rigs, no fines had been dolled out at that point and they ended up getting the 5/0 and insurance companies involved for an info day, got a mobile weigh station setup at a popular ramp and weighed rigs as they came out of the water (ie mostly dry weight fuel etc gone). Something like 50% were illegal and wouldn't be covered by insurance if required. Made afew guys think pretty quick.

Then i remember another story about a 7m Ali coming off the back of the trailer down pak highway at 2am.. the owner being slightly inebriated hooked it all back up as fast as possible hooking the trailer to the front of the truck as he was no longer able to back up at this point and drove it the rest of the way home like that.. pretty sure he wasent covered either. Also.. kinda makes you think