Tow Ball Weight Specs?

[AutoCrat]

My understanding is tow ball weight ratings are usually 10% of total towing capacity but here is an interesting one from Australia . This tow-bar states max 900kg towing capacity but max static ball weight is only 45kg. Why is that so? Do I need to stay within 45kg or can I go higher up to 90kg? And would insurance will have an issue with it?

I am asking because even If I just load 4 X bicycles on a bike rack it will cross 45kg limit .

 

[KennethS]

Well, since it says For Towing Purposes Only you’re already in violation by using it for a bike carrier.

 

[AutoCrat]

Well, since it says For Towing Purposes Only you’re already in violation by using it for a bike carrier.

Wondering if tow bars manufacturers ever specify it being bike rack compatible? I am yet to come across any in NZ / OZ .

 

[GATORB8]

“In communist Australia the trailer pulls you”

Looks like an insanely low 5% tongue weight which would be very dangerous on a trailer.

It can certainly carry a non motorized bike rack, but insurance is your dice roll.

 

[AutoCrat]

Believe it or not this tow hitch is way super strong in construction (class 4) then the ugly one I have on my TJ currently which is rated for 1500kg trailer mass. Square tubing itself is at least 30% less in diameter but the difference is tow ball bracket is welded on to the tube and therefore non removable type.

And the one with 900kg trailer mass and 45kg max tow ball weight -

 

[GATORB8]

Believe it or not this tow hitch is way super strong in construction (class 4) then the ugly one I have on my TJ currently which is rated for 1500kg trailer mass. Square tubing itself is at least 30% less in diameter but the difference is tow ball bracket is welded on to the tube and therefore non removable type.

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And the one with 900kg trailer mass and 45kg max tow ball weight -

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I would have zero concern on capability. Would this get caught in inspection?

 

[AutoCrat]

I would have zero concern on capability. Would this get caught in inspection?

In Australia, there are no yearly inspections and my TJ (with that ugly tow hitch mounted) recently being through the engineers compliance and road worthy inspection due to being freshly imported from New Zealand. I will recheck but I don’t think compliance sticker even mentions the towing limits or even mentions tow hitch specs on the compliance stickers.

I am only worried for insurance claim in an accident with 60kg or 90kg weight on the tow ball which would be more then 45kg max tow ball weight limit stated on the tow hitch.

I think it’s practically impossible to stay around 45kg tow ball weight limit if I want to tow weight close to 900kg.

Wondering how insurance companies look at tow hitches that are not rated?

 

[GATORB8]

In Australia, there are no yearly inspections and my TJ (with that ugly tow hitch mounted) recently being through the engineers compliance and road worthy inspection due to being freshly imported from New Zealand. I will recheck but I don’t think compliance sticker even mentions the towing limits or even mentions tow hitch specs on the compliance stickers.

I am only worried for insurance claim in an accident with 60kg or 90kg weight on the tow ball which would be more then 45kg max tow ball weight limit stated on the tow hitch.

I think it’s practically impossible to stay around 45kg tow ball weight limit if I want to tow weight close to 900kg.

Wondering how insurance companies look at tow hitches that are not rated?

If it’s really your concern, stand on it. If you are tiny, you and your wife stand on it.

 

[bucky]

In my experience a bike rack puts much more strain on the receiver than towing a trailer. This is because of the constant bouncing of the rack. I’ve personally had a receiver break with a 2 bike rack. Luckily it did not fail completely and I did not Lose the bikes.