Green light for Toyota LandCruiser towing upgrades

Reversing a 12-month ban, the South Australian Government has accepted a new testing regime following a concerted six-month campaign by suspension specialist Lovells, led by outspoken general manager Mike Davison.

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Significantly, it brings modified Toyota LandCruiser 200 Series 4WDs back into play as legal tow vehicles for larger boats, countering the surging sales of large American pickups.

Only Queensland and the Northern Territory remain out of step in not allowing towing and GCM upgrades in their jurisdictions, with Western Australia set to make a decision on the same testing regime later this year.

Heavier boats are causing buyers to look for more capable tow vehicles.

Davison told boatsales that he’s due to meet with WA Transport on October 2 after almost a year of lobbying and was hopeful of a positive outcome.

He said the state and territory laws cover in-service vehicles – those that have left the showroom floor – and they do not affect travellers whose vehicles have been modified legally in other states, but do not allow the modifications to be made locally.

In line with the current Australian Design Rules, GCM revision and towing upgrades can be done on pre-registered vehicles, with the modified vehicle then delivered via the manufacturer’s authorised dealership, just like unmodified vehicles.

Davison said Lovells Automotive Systems was able to prove to Transport SA that its rigorous regime of engineering tests, based on current Australian Design Rules and international standards, delivered a safe product.

“The majority of Australian motorists can now have their vehicles legally upgraded and be confident that they are not breaking road rules or voiding their insurance by towing too much,” he said.

“The usable payload and factory GCM of most 4X4 vehicles today is minimal. The addition of basic optional accessories and equipment, plus two or three adult occupants will bring the vehicle close to its legal maximum weight capacities.

“Add long-range fuel tanks, bullbars, a winch, side steps, roof racks, recovery gear, a payload of camping equipment or toolboxes, or an industrial-style custom body and the vehicle may exceed its legal capacities, which include axles, GVM and GCM,” he said.

“That’s even before you add the caravan or trailer, where ball weights and towing capacities are easily exceeded.”

Davison said that without an increase in legal towing capacities, many people hauling caravans or trailers had been unknowingly breaking the law and voiding their insurance.

“Luckily Queensland allows towing upgrades for in-service vehicles, however without allowing a GCM revision, towing upgrades are virtually superfluous,” he said.

“We know that the community needs greater towing capacities and a revised Gross Combination Mass on vehicles which have the capabilities and we have fought for 12 months to reinstate these upgrades."

Davison said Lovells had always rigorously tested every vehicle it modifies in accordance with Australian and international standards to increase the Gross Combination Mass of vehicles – this includes critical component analysis and testing of brakes, suspension, chassis, engine, transmission, driveshaft, differentials, cooling systems, tow bars, tow points and tow hitches both individually and as a combination.