- Towing Mass Guide -

- Assessing the Suitability of Tow Vehicles -

With a 5th wheeler, more weight is transferred to the tow vehicle itself (compared to a conventional caravan - hence the improved stability) and so we need to ensure the principles shown in the Towing Mass Guide above are complied with. This includes:

1. The tow vehicle has the capacity to carry this extra load - more specifically that its Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) is not exceeded when the fifth wheeler is attached.

2. Also the total weight of the whole combination fully loaded should not exceed the Gross Combination Mass (GCM) of the tow vehicle.

3. The axle loads of the 5th wheeler should not exceed the Rated (trailer) Towing Capacity of the two vehicle.

Please refer to diagram above and see ADR definitions below.

At Cut Loose, using the information you provide us for your desired tow vehicle we can assess its suitability for a particular Cut Loose model. With industry standard figures we will calculate the weights of your combination fully loaded to be sure you will be fully compliant on the road. Follow these steps:

• Click on this link to download the form Cut Loose Tow Vehicle Form.pdf
• Complete sections A, B and C
• Email completed form to escape@cutlooserv.com.au or fax to 07 5520 6680
• Cut Loose will send the weights of your combination back to you

See below for an example calculation for a Cut Loose Roebuck with the Isuzu DMax

Cut Loose Roebuck & Dmax Calculation.pdf
 
Current tow vehicles vary in their weight ratings and potential 5th Wheeler owners are advised to be fully conversant with the detailed specification of their particular model. Whilst every effort is made to assist their understanding, it is the responsibility of the customer to ensure they do not exceed manufacturer's weight ratings. Then they can relax and enjoy being on the road knowing they comply with the Road Rules and have a valid warranty and insurance policy.

Please refer to our Tow Vehicle section for a summary of the most popular Cut Loose tow vehicles.

- Definitions -

Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM)*
The maximum laden mass of a motor vehicle as specified by the 'manufacturer'.

Gross Combination Mass (GCM)*
Value specified for the vehicle by the 'Manufacturer' as being the maximum of the sum of the 'Gross Vehicle Mass' of the drawing vehicle plus the sum of the 'Axle Loads' of any vehicle capable of being drawn as a trailer.

Gross Trailer Mass (GTM)*
The mass transmitted to the ground by the 'Axle' or 'Axles' of the trailer when coupled to a drawing vehicle and carrying its maximum load approximately uniformly distributed over the load bearing area, and at which compliance with the appropriate Australian Design Rules has been or can be established.

Aggregate Trailer Mass (ATM)*
The total mass of the laden trailer when carrying the maximum load recommended by the 'Manufacturer'. This will include any mass imposed onto the drawing vehicle when the 'Combination Vehicle' is resting on a horizontal supporting plane.

Rated (Trailer) Towing Capacity*
The lesser of either;
- the rating given to the towing equipment fitted to the motor vehicle or,
- the difference between ‘Gross Combination Mass’ and ‘Gross Vehicle Mass’.

Pin Transfer Weight 
The weight transferred to the tow vehicle when 5th wheeler is attached.

Kerb or Tare Mass
The unladen mass of the vehicle, unladen and unoccupied with all fluid reservoirs filled to nominal capacity except fuel (10 litres only) and with all standard equipment and any options fitted.

* Australian Design Rule Definition

NB: Tow vehicle weight ratings may differ if 2WD or 4WD, automatic or manual, single cab or dual cab, petrol or diesel etc so always obtain details from the VIN plate or operators manual specific to that vehicle.

- Tow Vehicles -

Cut Loose 5th Wheelers have been designed so they can be towed comfortably by the smaller Australian and Japanese Utilities bringing you many benefits:

- Very cost effective - most trucks start around $40,000 and hold their value well

- Only one vehicle required for towing and sight seeing

- Most new models now enjoy the same levels of luxury as your car when you 'go walkabout'

- Choices of cab style (dual, extra & single), diesel or petrol engines, auto or manual etc

Ask Nick about how you can save $$$$ on the purchase of your tow vehicle AND ensure it complies

Key Features of Popular Tow Vehicles

Ford Ranger (up to 2011)	+ High Payload (over 1,000kgs) + Freestyle cab available + GCM up to 5500kgs + No need to enhance suspension www.ford.com.au	- Auto model has low GCM (not suitable - Ride is firm when not towing
Ford Ranger (2012 onwards)	+ New 5 cyl Diesel with 147kW Power and 470 Nm Torque + GCM 5950Kgs Trailer towing capacity 3350kgs + Manual and Auto (6 spd) now have same weight ratings + Higher interior specification as standard (eg dual climate control air-con) www.ford.com.au	- Higher ride height - May require lift kit with Cut Loose - Standard spec includes items you may not require (eg towbar,sportsbar, drop in liner etc)
Holden Colorado (up to 2011)	+ Auto model has same weight rating as manual + Good payload (985kgs) + High GCM of 5900kgs + Smooth ride when not towing + Luxurious Spec available www.holden.com.au	- Suspension assistance recommended - Extra cab not available in top spec
Holden Colorado (2012 onwards)	+ Duramax Diesel with132kW Power and up to  470 Nm Torque + GCM 6000Kgs Trailer towing capacity 3500kgs + Manual and Auto now have same weight ratings www.holden.com.au
Isuzu D Max (up to 2011)	+ Auto model has same weight rating as manual. + Good payload (985kgs) + High GCM of 5900kgs + Smooth ride when not towing + Luxurious LSU Spec available www.isuzuute.com.au	- Suspension assistance recommended - Extra cab not available in top spec
Isuzu D Max (2012 onwards)	+ 4 cyl Diesel with130kW Power and 380 Nm Torque + GCM 5950Kgs Trailer towing capacity 3000kgs + New 5 speed Auto option + Higher interior specification as standard (eg controls on steering wheel etc) www.isuzuute.com.au
Mazda BT50 (up to 2011)	+ High Payload (over 1000kgs) + Freestyle cab available + No need to enhance suspension www.mazda.com.au	- Auto model has low GCM (not suitable) - Ride is firm when not towing
Mazda BT50 (2012 onwards)	+ New 5 cyl Diesel with 147kW Power and 470 Nm Torque + GCM 5950Kgs Trailer towing capacity 3350kgs + Manual and Auto (6 spd) now have same weight ratings + Higher interior specification as standard (eg dual climate control air-con) + GT model with leather interior www.mazda.com.au	- Higher ride height - May require lift kit with Cut Loose
Mitsubishi Triton	+ Available in Auto & Manual with same weight rating + New 2011 models have higher GCM (up to 5700kg) www.mitsubishi.com.au	- Shorter rear cab to axle spacing
Nissan Navara STX	+ Luxurious spec + Available in Auto with same weight rating + Smooth ride when not towing + Clever rear seat arrangement www.nissan.com.au	- Lower payload (approx 800 kgs) only suitable for low pin weight 5th wheelers
Nissan Navara STR	+ Good payload (over 1000kgs) www.nissan.com.au	- Lower power and torque than STX - Less refined than its STX sister
Nissan Patrol	+ Good weight ratings + Great workhorse www.nissan.com.au	- Only available in single cab - Not available in Auto model
Toyota Landcruiser	+ Great workhorse + High weight ratings www.toyota.com.au	- Only available in single cab - Not available in auto model

This guide is based on the Tow Vehicle Suitability Calculation (detailed above) for each model listed. Customers are advised to check the weight ratings of the particular tow vehicle of interest and satisfy themselves that it will be fully compliant with their preferred Cut Loose before purchase. If your preferred Tow Vehicle is not included please email or call us for a detailed Tow Vehicle Calculation.

- Hitching -

One of the benefits of a 5th wheeler often overlooked is the ease with which it can be attached to and detached from the tow vehicle.  This process can easily be completed within 2 minutes by one operator and requires little effort – compare this to a car and caravan combination requiring one person to guide the driver back, and then the effort of jockey wheels and weight transfer systems etc.

With a Cut Loose you can set the height of the pin-box using the electric legs and simply reverse the tow vehicle hitch onto the 5th wheeler kingpin – see image – it is clearly visible from the driver’s seat and if you are an inch or two out, the V shaped guide will line the pin up. Our Hijacker Hitches automatically lock when the kingpin is engaged before you leave the driver’s seat. Many operators find these features make the turntable hitch more user friendly than the alternative ball hitch.

Reversing onto the 5th Wheeler - view from the driver's seat

Now we can retract the electric landing legs until the weight is on the truck and flick the inner leg up using the snap locks (see image) to the transport position.             

Snaplocks make light work with the telescopic landing legs

And finally we connect the break-away safety cable, the 7 pin electric cable and the hitch lever locking pin before we are ready to drive away.

And when you are not using your hitch it is easily removed from the utility tray without any tools, leaving only the hitch rails in the floor of the tray.

- Package Deals -

Our main interest in Tow Vehicles is to ensure you have a fully compliant combination when you drive away. So over the years we have developed a large database of Tow Vehicle details and can offer customers guidance on the suitability of their preferred tow vehicle.

And since we work closely with the suppliers of recommended tow vehicles, Cut Loose are now able to offer highly competitive prices on many models including Isuzu DMax, Nissan Navara, Mazda BT50 and Holden Colorado. We also recommend a range of options with some tow vehicles – and we can now arrange for the whole rig to be ready for you to drive away before you come to collect your Cut Loose.

NB: Cut Loose customers do buy direct from the car dealer – we simply put you in touch with the right person and they offer you the Cut Loose price – this way you get to chose exactly what colour, extras, etc you want.

Please contact us to discuss the savings we can provide when you buy a Cut Loose.