- Towing Mass Guide -

- Suitability of Tow Vehicles -

With a 5th wheeler, more weight is transferred to the tow vehicle itself (compared to a caravan - hence the improved stability) and so we need to ensure:

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

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

Please refer to diagram above and see definitions below.

At Cut Loose, to accurately assess the suitability of your tow vehicle choice we can use industry standard figures to calculate your GVM and GCM to ensure you will be fully compliant on the road. Click on the link below to see an example calculation for a Cut Loose Pandora with the Isuzu D Max.

Tow Vehicle Suitability Calcualtion.pdf
 
Current tow vehicles vary in their weight ratings and potential 5th Wheeler owners are advised to be aware of the detailed specification of their preferred model.  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 GVM is specified by the Manufacturer and is the maximum allowable mass of the tow vehicle when fully loaded with occupants, fuel, luggage and the weight transferred from the 5th wheeler.

Gross Combination Mass (GCM)
The value specified by the tow vehicle Manufacturer the GCM is maximum allowable combined mass of the tow vehicle and 5th wheeler when they are both fully loaded.

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 carrying the maximum load recommended by the manufacturer and includes the mass imposed on the towing vehicle on a horizontal plane.

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.

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

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.