Follow These Legal
Requirements For Using Car Trailers in Brisbane
A car trailer is a trailer manufactured
specifically to carry and tow a passenger car, racing car or road
vehicle. As with any towable vehicle, there are specific design
and regulations the manufacture must adhere to before car trailers
can be sold and registered in Brisbane and all across Australia.
Here is What
The Law Says
All car trailers in Brisbane must meet
the requirements of the Motor
Vehicle Standards Act 1989. This Act is a federal system
therefore establishing standards of National design and performance,
known as the Australian
Design Rules, commonly known as the ADR’s. Such ADR’s ensure
all manufactured trailers, including car trailers are safe for use on
Australian roads. Once sold to the consumer, the individual can then
register the trailer in their state or territory.
Excellent Driving Skills
Towing a car trailer requires
additional driving skills and awareness due to the length of the
trailer. The driver of the vehicle is legally responsible for
ensuring the car trailer is towed safely, and must ensure the tow
vehicle is suitable. Some vehicles simply do not have the capacity to
tow, so make sure to check your vehicle's owner manual to ensure the maximum towing weight
applies to the vehicle.
Towing a trailer behind your
vehicle is very different to just towing a small trailer like a box
trailer. When towing a car trailer, you will notice decreased acceleration
and braking performance. You will also experience reduced vehicle control
and increased fuel consumption.
The Correct Tow-Hitch Weight
When loading the trailer to your vehicle, it is important that you have correct tow-hitch weight.
A minimum of 130kgs up to 180kgs weight on the tow ball will provide
optimum handling conditions. This will greatly minimise the trailer
from swaying when braking or changing lanes. To change the tow hitch
weight, it is as easy as moving the car forward to
increase weight on tow hitch or backwards to decrease weight on tow
hitch.
General Trailer Requirements
Car trailers in Brisbane must have the following basic requirements. Overall, the trailer width cannot be greater than
2.5m. This includes lights, reflectors and mud guards. These car trailers
in Brisbane also require side lights if greater than 2100mm.
You should always strap down all four wheels, forwards and backwards and never rely on the winch only. This is merely
a method of winching undriveable cars to car trailers and never be
relied on as a tying site on its own. Only use high-quality racket
straps to protect and provide a confident tow. Take care with strap tails, always tying and securing
these in place. Cheap straps will snap and tear when they come in
contact with any hard or sharp edges. Always refer to the towed
vehicles owner manual for correct tie down method.
Roadworthy Car Trailers in Brisbane
Ensure your car trailer remains in a
roadworthy state complete with registration plate which does not
obscure the car trailer’s rear lights. As with any vehicle, always
ensure you service your car trailer every 6 months to ensure a safe
and stress-free tow.
Speak to Swiftco About The Legal
Requirements For Your Trailer
If you would like to know more about
the legalities of owning and using car trailers in Brisbane and
across Australia, please get
in touch with our team.
