GVM / TARE / GTM / ATM - Prado 120 Series vs Windsor Royale

[AusNomads Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close AusNomads]

We have been on the lookout for another caravan lately and had a set back with most newer vans requiring a 3-tonne towing vehicle but have now settled on, and have bought a 2008 Windsor Royal.

We are pretty sure that our Prado has sufficient towing capabilities for this particular van, however, can someone please help confirming this? It is starting to confuse us ... Specs below.

CARAVAN > TARE = 2080 kg | GTM = 2292 kg | ATM = 2480 kg
Tow Ball Capacity = 188 kg
Axle/Axle Group Load Capacity = 2750 kg

PRADO > GVM = 2850 kg (as per the vehicles compliance plate)
Towbar Capacity = 2500 kg max
Tow Ball Capacity = 250 kg max download


T.I.A

[brogers Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close brogers]

Hello Nomads,

I have no doubt that many folk get confused with towing weights and measures, as there are a range of values to consider, and it is very easy to get it wrong from what I have seen.

I think you are quoting "specifications"...which is a good start....but is there some way you can get the van to a weighbridge...because what is stamped on a van's compliance plate is one thing, but what the actual weights turn out to be can be very different, even with a new van.

Otherwise it can still be guess work unfortunately.

At a registered public weighbridge they will give you total combined weight of car and van, then the weight of just the van wheels while its hitched to the car with the car just off the weigh bridge , then the complete weight of the unhitched van only.

That will give you actual figures for the aggregate trailer mass (ATM) of the van. This must be equal to or less than the ATM on the compliance plate.

You will also get the actual GCVM (gross combination vehicle mass), ie loaded van plus loaded car incl passengers. This must be equal to or less than the maximum quoted Gross Vehicle Combination Mass (GCVM).

Also, when your car is fully loaded, AND a fully loaded van is hitched, then the weight of your car (including the down force on the car's tow bar) must be equal to or less than the quoted maximum Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM).

And you will also get an actual tow ball down force which must be equal to or less than what is quoted as the max tow bar weight.

Ultimately from what I know, what will really matter is that the actual weights are equal to, or less, than the quoted maximum values for ATM, GCM, GVM and tow bar down force.

ATM (Aggregate Trailer Mass): The mass of a laden caravan when carrying the maximum load recommended by the manufacturer – including water, luggage, the lot.
ATM is the combined weight of the trailer and its full load when it is not coupled to a tow vehicle.

GTM is the weight of the fully loaded trailer imposed on the trailer’s axle when it is coupled to the tow vehicle. GTM will always be less than ATM as some of the trailer weight is transferred to the tow vehicle when the trailer is coupled to it.GVM (gross vehicle mass) The limit on weight that the car’s wheels can support – including the weight of the car and passengers. This is a rating set by the car manufacturer. GVM also includes tow ball mass when a van is hitched to the car.
GCVMGross Combination Vehicle Mass (where given) is the maximum allowable weight of the trailer, tow vehicle and the load (including passengers) in the tow vehicle and trailer.

https://www.racq.com.au/cars-and-dri...specifications

So.....whilst you need to look at all the "specifications" carefully, what will ultimately matter are the actual laden weights obtained from a weighbridge.....because I am sure some folk are very much overloaded, and this can have serious safety and insurance implications.

I'm sorry if that doesn't help you or if that confuses you even more..but you are on the right track.

It is not unheard of that a new van can have a quoted tare which is very different to what is obtained on a weigh bridge, etc....and its not unheard of for travelers to be spot checked for weights when loaded...and then fined for being overloaded or outside the tow vehicle specifications.

[photoprado Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close photoprado]

PRADO > GVM = 2850 kg (as per the vehicles compliance plate)

Just checked our 2008 Prado 120 (Manual, Diesel, 4 door GXL) and the compliance plate says 2900kg Why is yours 2850kg???

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Have a look here also http://www.pradopoint.com/showthread...yload-database