Towing Capacity Guide
| Vehicle | Braked (kg) | Unbraked (kg) | GVM (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|
| RAM 1500 | 4,500 | 750 | 3,500 |
| Toyota Hilux | 3,500 | 750 | 3,210 |
| Ford Ranger | 3,500 | 750 | 3,200 |
| Nissan Navara | 3,500 | 750 | 3,100 |
| Mazda BT-50 | 3,500 | 750 | 3,200 |
| Isuzu D-Max | 3,500 | 750 | 3,100 |
| SsangYong Musso | 3,500 | 750 | 3,060 |
| Toyota Land Cruiser 300 | 3,500 | 750 | 3,300 |
| Holden Colorado | 3,500 | 750 | 3,100 |
| Volkswagen Amarok | 3,500 | 750 | 3,200 |
| SsangYong Rexton | 3,500 | 750 | 2,910 |
| Mitsubishi Triton | 3,100 | 750 | 3,035 |
| Toyota Fortuner | 3,100 | 750 | 2,835 |
| Ford Everest | 3,100 | 750 | 3,100 |
| Mitsubishi Pajero Sport | 3,100 | 750 | 2,835 |
| GWM Ute | 3,000 | 750 | 3,070 |
| LDV T60 | 3,000 | 750 | 2,860 |
| Toyota Land Cruiser Prado | 3,000 | 750 | 2,990 |
| Isuzu MU-X | 3,000 | 750 | 2,880 |
| Nissan Pathfinder | 2,700 | 750 | 2,818 |
| Hyundai Santa Fe | 2,500 | 750 | 2,595 |
| Kia Sorento | 2,000 | 750 | 2,605 |
| Mazda CX-9 | 2,000 | 750 | 2,605 |
| Subaru Outback | 2,000 | 750 | 2,330 |
| Mazda CX-8 | 2,000 | 750 | 2,505 |
| Toyota HiAce | 1,900 | 750 | 3,300 |
| Hyundai Tucson | 1,650 | 750 | 2,310 |
| Kia Sportage | 1,650 | 750 | 2,280 |
| Toyota RAV4 | 1,500 | 750 | 2,235 |
| Mitsubishi Outlander | 1,500 | 750 | 2,340 |
Maximum rated capacity — varies by variant, engine, and year. Always verify with your vehicle's compliance plate and manufacturer documentation.
NZ towing rules
New Zealand has specific rules for towing set by NZTA Waka Kotahi and the NZ Road Code. Here are the key rules every driver should know:
Learner/Restricted: Combined vehicle + trailer + load must not exceed 4,500 kg.
Full licence: Must not exceed 6,000 kg.
Class 2: Required for heavier combinations.
The open road speed limit when towing is 90 km/h — 10 km/h less than the standard 100 km/h limit. Normal urban speed limits still apply.
Required for trailers over 2,000 kg GVM. The vehicle + trailer must be able to stop within 7 metres from 30 km/h. Recommended for any trailer over 750 kg.
Light vehicles can only tow one trailer at a time in NZ. No daisy-chaining.
NZ uses two standard sizes: 1⅞" (47.55mm) and 50mm. Using the wrong size risks the trailer disconnecting — always check the match.
Increase following distance to 4 seconds when towing (double the normal 2 seconds). Maximum gap between vehicle and trailer: 4 metres.
Trailer dimensions (NZ limits)
| Dimension | Maximum |
|---|---|
| Width (including load) | 2.55 metres |
| Length (including drawbar and load) | 12.5 metres |
| Height (including load) | 4.3 metres |
| Light trailer GVM | 3,500 kg (Class TA up to 750 kg, Class TB 750-3,500 kg) |
Tips for safe towing
- Tow ball weight: Aim for 7-10% of the trailer's total loaded weight on the tow ball. Too little causes sway; too much overloads your rear axle.
- Load distribution: Pack heavy items low and over the trailer axle. Keep the load balanced side to side.
- Mirrors: If the trailer is wider than your vehicle, you need extended towing mirrors for visibility.
- Trailer lights: All trailers must have working red rear lights and indicators when towing at night or in poor visibility.
- Practice: If you're new to towing, practice reversing and turning in an empty car park before hitting the road.
Frequently Asked Questions
What licence do I need to tow a trailer in NZ?
With a Class 1 (car) licence, you can tow a trailer as long as the combined weight of vehicle + trailer + load doesn't exceed 4,500 kg on a learner or restricted licence, or 6,000 kg on a full licence. If you need to tow heavier combinations, you'll need a Class 2 licence.
What is the speed limit when towing in New Zealand?
The maximum speed when towing a trailer behind a light vehicle on the open road in NZ is 90 km/h — not the usual 100 km/h. In urban areas, the normal speed limits apply.
Do trailers need a WOF in New Zealand?
Trailers with a gross vehicle mass (GVM) over 3,500 kg need a Certificate of Fitness (CoF). Light trailers under 3,500 kg don't need a WOF or CoF, but they must still have a current registration and meet safety requirements. Lights, tyres, and coupling must all be in good condition.
When do trailer brakes become required in NZ?
Trailers with a gross vehicle mass (GVM) over 2,000 kg are required to have brakes in New Zealand. It's also recommended for any trailer over 750 kg for safer towing. The combined vehicle and trailer must be able to stop within 7 metres from 30 km/h.
What is tow ball weight and why does it matter?
Tow ball weight (also called tongue weight or downward force) is the weight the trailer puts on the tow ball. It should be 7-10% of the trailer's total weight for stability. Too little tow ball weight causes trailer sway; too much can overload the rear axle of the tow vehicle.
Can I tow more than one trailer in NZ?
No. In New Zealand, a light vehicle can only tow one trailer at a time. Towing multiple trailers with a car, ute, or van is not permitted.
Towing specifications sourced from manufacturer data for NZ-specification vehicles. NZ towing rules from the NZ Road Code and NZTA light trailer requirements.