Towing in New Zealand: What You Need to Know
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Towing in New Zealand isn't complicated, but there are rules worth knowing, especially if you're new to it or you've recently bought a trailer. Here's a practical rundown.
Know your tow rating
Your vehicle has a maximum towing capacity set by the manufacturer. You can usually find it in the owner's manual or on a placard near the tow hitch. Exceeding this isn't just illegal. It puts serious strain on your transmission, brakes, and chassis.
The number you need to look at is the GVM (Gross Vehicle Mass) of the trailer, which is the maximum it can weigh when loaded, not just the trailer itself.
Brakes
In New Zealand, trailers over 2000kg GVM must have brakes. However it is not that simple, there are minimum stopping distances you must comply with for any trailer on the road. Towing and towed vehicles must stop within 7 metres from 30 km/h . If you're not sure whether your trailer is compliant, we can check it.
Speed limits
When towing, your maximum speed is 90km/h on the open road, regardless of the posted limit. On roads where the limit is lower, you follow the road limit.
Lights and registration
Your trailer needs to be registered to get a WOF(opposite to a car). All trailers need to display a current WoF just like a vehicle. Lights need to be working: left and right indicators, brake lights, and tail lights as a minimum.
Tongue weight
This is the downward force your trailer puts on the tow ball. Too light and the trailer will sway; too heavy and you lose steering response. As a rough guide, tongue weight should be around 10% of the loaded trailer weight.
On the road
Give yourself more braking distance than you think you need. Trailers add weight and momentum, and they don't brake like a car. Take corners wider. Be careful reversing until you get the feel for it. It takes practice.
If something feels off while you're towing (swaying, pulling to one side, unusual sounds), pull over. Don't try to manage it at speed.
Get it checked
If you've bought a second-hand trailer, or you haven't had yours serviced in a while, it's worth getting it looked at before a big trip. We do trailer WoFs and full servicing at our Auckland workshop.