Hz sandman towing capacity

[RodneyHZ253]

Ok what is the towing capacity of my hz sandman van
The owners manual says with several conditions 1800 kg's, it doesn't seem right that hz cars ,with no full chassis and a van or 1 ute would all be the same


I have read on other sites that 1.5 times that vehicle mass is consider to be correct so hz sandman 1444 (front unique cars spec.)x 1.5 equals 2166 kg's

In the 80's I used my sandman van to tow a lot of things Always around the 2000 kg's with over ride brakes

[RodneyHZ253]

Ok I may off found that answer in an old tread answered by HK1837

These are the rules for NSW as Sandmans are pre manufacturers providing towing data:

If the vehicle manufacturer has not specified the maximum towing mass, the maximum towing mass is:
One and a half times the unladen mass of the towing vehicle, provided that the trailer is fitted with brakes which are connected and in working order, or
The unladen mass of the towing vehicle if the trailer
does not require brakes.

So for say a HZ V8 Sandman van at 2000kg GVM, take off load of 500kg leaves 1500kg. Multiply by 1.5 = 2250kg max trailer weight (minus towball weight). Towball weight comes off the 500kg capacity of the van, so if you have 150kg of towball mass (uncoupled trailer weights 2250+150kg) then you can only have 350kg in the van. This 350kg inlcudes driver, passenger and any load in the back.

[HK1837]

RTA says 1.5 x the unladen mass of the towing vehicle where not specified (see link below). Unladen mass of a HZ XX7 van is easy, GVW is 2000kg, carrying capacity is 10cwt (508kg) (see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hundredweight). So Unladen mass is 1492kg, so 2238kg towing mass assuming the trailer is setup for that (over-ride brakes to 2000kg only).

What you have to watch for though is you can only carry 508kg. So do sums first:

On a 2000kg trailer towball weight will be about 200kg.
2 x say 75kg people = 150kg.
80L of petrol will weigh about 50kg.
Towbar will be about 25kg.

So that is 425kg, leaving you only with 75kg of luggage, or if you weigh 125kg like me then you've only got 25kg of luggage left, so the back of the van empty. You'll easily use up that 25kg in UHF radio, speakers, 12V fridge etc.

See why some people wanted XU3's?

http://www.rta.nsw.gov.au/registrati...ngtrailers.pdf

[wbute]

So what in XU3 actually made them able to tow more? Surely not just tyres?

[HK1837]

XU3 gave a GVW of 2200kg so you had another 200kg carrying capacity. Just read my calcs and you'll see why that is important.

[wbute]

Yeah I can follow the numbers. But what did they change to make the increase? Just tyres? No heavier springs? Surely 6 leaf springs should also increase the GVM and hence towing capacity?

[HK1837]

It isn't an increase, 2200kg is standard. Tyres were used to create XX7 and XU4 i.e. to lower the GVW. Rest is the same. You can only legally carry up to the GVW, simply putting commercial tyres on and towing more won't help you in an accident as the car will have found to be overloaded above the GVW on the ID plate.

[RodneyHZ253]

Thanks HK your knowledge is incredible so how does the cal work for a HX sandman ute gvm 1860 kgs

Is it 1860-508 =1352x 1.5=2028

[HK1837]

Spot on from the way I see it. I also have published GMH figures for the base vehicle and the weight added for each option but I think using the GVW and subtracting the carrying capacity is a better method. I'd probably discuss with the RTA technical division before you take it as gospel though, and remember your towbar has to be up to it too.

[wbute]

Ah so there is no increase in load capacity. It is the standard capacity on XU3. XX7 is actually a decrease. Fair enough. Did one tonners have an increased GVM with the 6 leaf springs and were they an option on other commercial vehicles in the range?