I believe you need a COF on both the trailer and the tow vehicle. So you will need to have a tie vehicle like you suggest in the ram rated to tow 4500 kg or better. I looked into this when I was looking at a Tristram 851. Insurance was my concern as it was looking like being just over..... Could I get away with it?..... Aparrently not..... If you are 3501 kg and your ability to brake could have caused the accident and you didn't have a COF the was no cover

You could always get a small double cab truck.

Muzzfishing wrote: A good friend of mine towed his 881 Tristram with a Lexus 570 cruiser had class 2 licence pretty sure he didnt not have COF for trailer and vehicle.  Unfortunately cant ask him as hes not around any more. LTSA  should be able to answer this for you.

Yea thanks. I contacted nzta to try and get an exemption for towing it with a 200 series land cruiser if trailer and tow connection are certified but they said need a signed letter from Toyota Nz saying vechile up to the task. Toyota won't back this idea so only option is small truck or Dodge Ram etc.

do not need a class 2 licence until combined weight is greater than 6000kg

pjc wrote: do not need a class 2 licence until combined weight is greater than 6000kg wof for trailer is under 3500kg   cof if over 3500kg then you maybe looking at ruc charges for trailer as well its all very vague until you get picked up then it depends on officer at the time as they all interrupt the laws differently.   I got 2 logbook infringements notices today and stopped yesterday by a different cop and he found no problem,go figure

Class 2 gotta be required as 4000kg boat is got to have at least 2000kg tow. Really the tow part is the easy thing, recon my ranger could tow a 4000kg outfit. It's all about the legal side. Trailer brakes these days and custom trailers mean it's not hard to get the actual tow part done. A land cruiser would do it well.
Problem really is insurance. It's all good until some other bugga makes a mistake and your on the wrong end of a bad decision from insurance claim.

As I see it (and I've got a rig close to 3.5t recently) you have 2 options
1) get a U.S. larger ute, a 250 or more. These some big beasts out there. Sell one of your current vehicles and use it as a local run around. You will need a double cab, with enough space for 5 in as you a 4 mates are going to want to go fishing in that beast and taking 2 cars is a pain in the ass. It's also a great option for a family wiht dad mum and 2 kids as the big double cab will be able to house the family on a long trip. It's got the mass you need to tow it with confidence. If you could get a 6l Diesel even better.

Option 2. A small double cab truck. Only good for towing, mum and kids won't want to be seen in it. But you and mates would be sweet. It won't tow as good on long runs as a big ute but will pass the insurance side.

Personally I'd be thinking a U.S. ute. A bit older if money is tight.

Unless your so flush you don't need insurance don't think of getting away with it if your okay over 3500. It's just not worth the slight chance of it stuffing it up.

Great boat you have so give it a good tow wagon

MandM

Thanks JB.
Think the US truck might be the go for longer trips aye. More comfortable option.
Also the added benefit of only maintaining 1 vechile, instead of 2 with insurance, wof etc.
my navara would tow it but need that insurance cover!

That legal requirement refers only to the braking requirements.  Your braked tow rating is the maximum rating that vehicle has been tested and rated for in New Zealand. There is also a maximum downforce rating.   If you exceed either and you have an accident that can be attributed to that, the onus is then on you to prove that it was okay.  Which may be both difficult and expensive.  You will likely have an issue with both insurers and the long arm of the law.

Any response from nzta is not so, until it is supplied with a link (therefore it is written in law) otherwise it is an opinion from a helpful person

Post on this forum, nzmotorhome.co.nz There are a few regular contributers who know a thing or 2 about heavy towing, with combination units & heavy 5th wheelers
You need to know about the correct weight on the hitch, what would be the ldeal tow rig, all the legal requirements & getting it right first time

hey mandm any chance you could pm me a copy of the email would be interesting in having a full read with the links etc. cheers mike