The complete guide to flat towing: Everything you need to know


Many a road user have raised their fist to grumble at a car that appears to be following an RV way too closely, only to realise the alleged tailgater is being towed on its wheels. If you’ve ever considered doing it yourself, you’ll realise that flat towing draws strong opinions when the subject is raised.
Flat towing offers many benefits, but before I get into why you might choose to flat tow over other alternatives and the best vehicles to tow, I will explain what flat towing is and settle the debate about its legality across Australia’s states and territories.
In simple terms, ‘flat’ or ‘A-Frame’ towing refers to towing a vehicle with all wheels on the ground via a triangle or ‘A’ shaped frame that connects the tow vehicle’s towbar to the front of the towed vehicle’s structural frame. The A-Frame is typically short, and the two vehicles are close together. Not all cars support flat towing, but more on that later.
Here’s a bit of trivia for you: the towed vehicle is commonly referred to as a toad. Hopefully, you will still find a Prince Charming among the options!
Yes, flat towing with an A-Frame is legal in every state and territory of Australia. The rules about flat towing vary slightly between the states and territories because this is Australia, and it would be far too simple to have a universal system *rolls eyes*. In all cases, the A-Frame and associated components must comply with Australian Design Rule (ADR) 62 Mechanical Connections between Vehicles. However, the rules on engineering sign-off and operating the towed vehicle’s brakes vary, and NSW/ACT rules are substantially different to the rest of the states and territories.
The maximum a rigid vehicle can weigh including its own weight and payload; accessories, cargo, fuel, driver and passengers. The tow vehicle and towed vehicle each have their own separate GVM.
Note: You won’t have a driver or passengers in the towed vehicle, but don’t think about loading it to the hilt as you may exceed the towed vehicle’s GVM, A-Frame and tow vehicle towbar ratings, the tow vehicle’s maximum tow rating, and the GCM of the combined set-up. It’s just not worth it, and your insurance companies are likely to take a dim view in the event of a claim.
The GVMs of the tow vehicle and towed vehicle plus A-Frame set-up combined; must not exceed the manufacturer of the tow vehicle’s maximum GCM.
A vehicle’s weight with fluids in a condition ready to drive with minimal fuel, but without any payload (accessories, cargo, driver* and passengers). Otherwise known as Tare weight. *varies between manufacturers.
Refers to fully laden in this context. See GVM definition.
The 3.5:1 tow mass ratio applies if you plan to tow an un-braked vehicle.
The following table highlights rules for flat towing a vehicle up to 4500kg GVM. However, rules do change, so you should always check with your road authority for the most current rules and call them directly if you don’t understand your obligations.
Note: Unless otherwise required (NSW is the exception), all states and territories accept cable/manual override brakes at a minimum when brakes are required. However, in many cases, electric brakes are a better choice. Speak with an expert to determine the best brakes for your proposed set-up based on the size and weight of both vehicles.
NSW | NT | QLD | SA | TAS | VIC | WA | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Engineering | Engineering certificate required. | See note regarding mass tow ratio and engineering approval. | Seek advice from an ‘Approved Engineer’ to ensure A-Frame device meets the standards. | Seek advice from a Recognised Engineering Signatory or a Light Vehicle Engineering Signatory to ensure A-frame device meets the standards. | Proprietary A-Frames compliant with ADR 62 do not require certification. Custom A-frame requires special certification. | Proprietary A-Frames compliant with ADR 62 do not require certification. | Apply to Department of Transport to use an A-frame. |
Lengths | The overall vehicle combination must not exceed 19m. The space between the vehicles must not exceed 4m (over 2m a distinctive brightly coloured warning device at least 300mm square must be fitted at the mid-way point of the A-Frame and visible from either side). | The overall vehicle combination must not exceed 19m. The space between the vehicles must not exceed 2m. | The overall vehicle combination must not exceed 19m. The space between the vehicles must not exceed 2m. | The overall vehicle combination must not exceed 19m. The space between the vehicles must not exceed 2m. | The overall vehicle combination must not exceed 19m. The space between the vehicles must not exceed 4m (over 2m a distinctive brightly coloured warning device at least 300mm square must be fitted at the mid-way point of the A-Frame and visible from either side). | The overall vehicle combination must not exceed 19m. The space between the vehicles must not exceed 2m. | The overall vehicle combination must not exceed 19m. The space between the vehicles must not exceed 2m. |
Brakes | Towed vehicles above 750kg GVM must be braked. Anything over 2000kg GVM must be braked with electric brakes. | 3.5:1 tow mass ratio applies if you plan to tow unbraked. | 3.5:1 tow mass ratio applies if you plan to tow unbraked. | 3.5:1 tow mass ratio applies if you plan to tow unbraked. | 3.5:1 tow mass ratio applies if you plan to tow unbraked. | 3.5:1 tow mass ratio applies if you plan to tow unbraked. | 3.5:1 tow mass ratio applies if you plan to tow unbraked. |
Safety | Specific rules regarding safety chains, cables and emergency breakaway systems. Lights must operate in unison on the towing and towed vehicle. | Specific rules regarding safety chains and cables. Lights must operate in unison on the towing and towed vehicle. | There are specific rules regarding safety chains and cables. Lights must operate in unison on the towing and towed vehicle. | There are specific rules regarding safety chains and cables. Lights must operate in unison on the towing and towed vehicle. | Lights must operate in unison on the towing and towed vehicle. Interestingly, reverse lights aren’t included. | Specific rules regarding safety chains and cables. Lights must operate in unison on the towing and towed vehicle. | Specific rules regarding safety chains and cables. Lights must operate in unison on the towing and towed vehicle. |
Signage | Vehicle combinations under 7.5m must display a VEHICLE UNDER TOW sign. Vehicle combinations over 7.5m must add DO NOT OVERTAKE TURNING VEHICLE. | Not mandatory. | Not mandatory. | Not mandatory. | Not mandatory. | Not mandatory. | Not mandatory. |
More rules | NSW rules | NT rules | QLD rules | SA rules | TAS rules | WA rules |
What a confusing jumble of rules! You might be wondering what happens when you cross borders. The good news is, if the set-up is legal in the state or territory in which it is registered, you can legally tow it anywhere in Australia, and the rules of your state or territory govern what you can do.
It’s a good idea to keep a print-out of the rules and any certificates and approvals in the vehicles to prove your set-up is legal in your state or territory. If you have a motorhome or bus registered in one state, and the towed vehicle in another (a very common scenario), the rules from the strictest state apply to the whole set-up, and that’s where you should seek the necessary approvals. The exception is Western Australia, where the entire set-up and both vehicles must be approved and registered in WA.
It is important to note that engineering certification is not transferable, therefore if you change A-Frames, motorhome/bus and/or towed vehicle the set-up must be recertified. Likewise, if you buy second-hand parts, they will need to be serviced and re-certified.
No. If your current licence covers driving the motorhome or bus, you can tow up to the maximum GCM set by the manufacturer of the motorhome or bus. On a car licence, that is up to 4500kg GVM on the motorhome or bus, and the GCM of the combined set-up, subject to the conditions of your licence in your state or territory.
Now that we’ve clarified it’s legal to flat tow, let’s consider some reasons for and against flat towing.
There are several components you’ll need to start flat towing. Before purchasing anything, talk to an expert about whether your proposed motorhome/bus and car combination will work. Companies such as Northcoach and Janer specialise in A-Frame towing and can advise you on what’s available to you at different price points before pointing you to their resellers for certified installation.
Most brands for sale on the Australian market can be used by one person, and most consist of the following components:
When under tow, the ignition must be on (engine not started) so that the steering lock is disengaged. It is recommended to start the towed vehicle every 300km or so and to keep it running for a few minutes to keep the battery charged, or install a charging system via an Anderson Plug. You must remove or fold the A-Frame out of the way when not in use to avoid any protrusions from either vehicle.
Note: vehicles are manual unless otherwise noted, and not all year models will work. Consult the baseplate distributor and the owner’s manual regarding suitability.
Second- and third-generation Suzuki Grand Vitara (3- and 5-door, manual and auto) – are by far, the most common. As your resident Grand Vitara expert, I’ve included a guide to choosing the best third-generation Grand Vitara at the end.
There are many brands on the market, the majority from the USA where big RVs and flat towing are popular. The cheapest A-Frame systems use non-telescopic, non-adjustable arms, which are often heavier and less user-friendly to hitch and unhitch, and don’t pack away as small when not in use. Another benefit of telescopic arms is the ability to hitch even when the car isn’t straight on or is on uneven ground.
Remember to close the air vents so your towed vehicle doesn’t fill with dust, just as you would on the motorhome/bus and invest in a stone guard to avoid spraying rocks into the front of the towed car. Mesh type guards seem to work better than the rubber mudflap type.
Specialist insurance exists for RVs from the likes of Ken Tame and CIL, and some car insurers such as Shannons cover a limited number of motorhomes along with cars. Whether you choose an insurance provider that covers both vehicles or separate insurance providers, you’re up for two claims in the event of an accident that damages both vehicles.
As a third-generation Grand Vitara owner, I’ve spent a lot of time behind the wheel of the flat tower’s car of choice and hope the information I provide you helps you to buy the right one.
Suzuki moved from a separate chassis and live axles for the third-generation Grand Vitara in 2005 and opted for independent front and rear suspension and a monocoque construction. The result was a mid-sized SUV with sportscar-like handling, permanent All-Wheel-Drive (with a lockable centre diff and low-range on most models), compact size, good vision all round, and enough genuine off-road ability to keep most tourers happy.
You’ll learn below that in the 13 years they were on the market, they had more engines than you’ve had hot breakfasts. Regardless of the engine you choose, lack of clearance is by far their biggest drawback, followed by limited support from the aftermarket.
4X2, permanent AWD (no high/low range) and AWD with 4X4 centre diff lock and high/low range. You want the latter, which allows the transfer case to be set to Neutral specifically for flat towing. Both manual and auto can be towed in the 4X4 centre diff lock version.
No Grand Vitara oozes luxury or precision build quality, but they’re honest, fun little 4X4s that work excellently as town runabouts, beach buggies and rocky mountain climbers. Low range is also not low at all, so get used to using the gears and brakes off-road. They don’t have front or rear lockers (although they can be purchased from the aftermarket), but opt for one with traction control. It’s a noisy, basic system but it works very well in place of lockers.
Words by Juliette Remfrey
Would i correct in saying that not every car can be legally towed. I’m looking at towing a holden rodeo ute. Can I. ??
Very much appreciated. Cheers