Oversize trailer help

naddis01 · 01-07-2013, 07:23 PM

Ok guys, I might have a have a trip coming up soon to pick up a header front from Gunnedah (I am in Darlington Point). I want to know if I can legally use our PX Ranger to tow the trailer? It is a dedicated comb trailer made specifically for carting header fronts. The weight of the trailer and front will be under the 3.35T that the Ranger is allowed to tow and the height and width will not be an issue. The only issue I can see is the length. The combined length will be in the vicinity of 21-24m. Below is a picture of the combination but that is not the header front I will be picking up. Are there any issues with using the Ranger? Do I need a permit of some sort? What else do I need?

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XR Martin · 01-07-2013, 07:43 PM

It will be oversize.
Legal length according to the RTA is 19m including the tow vehicle.

You will need special permission, and possibly seperate vehicles infront and behind carrying 'oversize' load signs.

naddis01 · 01-07-2013, 07:54 PM

Is it classified as an agricultural combination? If so, does the following link apply?

Primary Producer Oversize Vehicles

naddis01 · 01-07-2013, 07:58 PM

They aren't very good photos but there is an oversize sign as well as rotating beacon and normal lights/blinkers on ther of the trailer.

XR Martin · 01-07-2013, 08:06 PM

You should be able to tow it ok, but will need a permit from the RTA.

You will also probably have to do it over two days.

wodahs · 01-07-2013, 09:35 PM

for a header comb we do in w.a. farm to farm with a permit oversize on back and revolving light see able all round

kempy311 · 01-07-2013, 11:24 PM

I just hope there isn't any roundabouts on the way. lol

**GasoLane** · 02-07-2013, 03:36 PM

Looks like it's time to visit the Griffith RTA

Quote:

Originally Posted by kempy311

I just hope there isn't any roundabouts on the way. lol

Only two once you get out of Gunnedah (Gunnedah has the worst) But quite a few tight corners for him to have fun with

mrfordfairmont · 02-07-2013, 06:08 PM

here is the info needed

http://www.rta.nsw.gov.au/heavyvehic...e_overmass.pdf

FGII-XR6 · 02-07-2013, 06:11 PM

what does it weigh? that may be a limiting factor

mad cow · 02-07-2013, 08:51 PM

you will need rotating at least one rotating beacon on the roof of the ute, and oversize signs front and back. you will also need a permit from the rta due to length. you will be able to get a 12 month permit so you can move between properties. also you cannott drive an oversize load before daylight or after dusk ($1,250 fine) the ranger will do it fine.. if its an auto do not tow it in drive.. just like if it was a manual do not use any of the overdrive gears, or you may damage the gearbox.. and will actually use more fuel as well.

FGII-XR6 · 02-07-2013, 09:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mad cow

also you cannott drive an oversize load before daylight or after dusk ($1,250 fine) the ranger will do it fine.. if its an auto do not tow it in drive.. just like if it was a manual do not use any of the overdrive gears, or you may damage the gearbox.. and will actually use more fuel as well.

those days are gone unfortunately. you should see the size of the loads going to the mines up here during the day and sometimes at peak traffic times

wodahs · 02-07-2013, 10:09 PM

over here over length or under 2.7 still over size but no curfew times just flag flash n fluro (the signs)

naddis01 · 08-08-2013, 07:55 PM

Just an update on this. The trip is done and dusted. I rang the RMS technical department and they gave me the following....

The guidelines to follow that apply to us are set out in the link I posted in post #3. Basically if the trailer has brakes your GCM is whatever it is for the ute. So in this case just under 6T. Without brakes you can tow up to 1:1 weight ratio for an agricultural vehicle. So if your tow vehicle is 2T then the most you can tow is 2T and you can only do it up to 50km/hr or 20km/hr below the speed limit, whichever is lower. If you are under 22m long and under 2.5m wide you can tow at night with the applicable lights/signs/flags etc. Under 25m you can't tow at night but don't need an escort. Longer than that you need an escort.

The thing the RMS neglected to tell me is that the 1:1 ratio mentioned above doesn't apply in this case as you are limited to the unbraked capacity of the towbar, even though I told him what my tow vehicle would be. That is because only the trailer is considered an agricultural vehicle not the entire combination.

**Grunter** · 09-08-2013, 08:59 AM

How did the Ranger go towing it?

naddis01 · 09-08-2013, 10:45 AM

It did well considering. It is only the 2.2L model so it did struggle around Gunnedah with the hills. Out on the flat it did fine. Obviously it knew it was there but there was no issue sitting on our chosen speed. The fuel consumption however went out the window. If I was towing or carrying a load often I would get the 3.2L.