Towing a Patrol using a Patrol

[dom14]

Hey Guys,

I've been wondering about the methods that might be available to tow a vehicle with another vehicle,
without having access to any special gear(towing cable excluded).

Whether it is legal or not, is it possible to safely tow one vehicle using another one using the attachment similar to
a trailer tow bar as in below images/videos?

How legal is it here in Australia(generally) if it's properly secured like a trailer?

Any thoughts?

faq081_bb.jpg

https://i.ebayimg.com/13/!Bf1BwV!Bmk..._id=8800005007

http://image.fourwheeler.com/f/90816...wbar_hitch.jpg


https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/i...WIBMNtXfXH9j3o

hqdefault.jpg


https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/i...y6xBYtHZf9SgA0


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[GQtdauto]

See plenty nomads towing a small SUV behind their Winnebago and smaller motor homes so must be legal , not sure what modifications are required though .

[dom14]

See plenty nomads towing a small SUV behind their Winnebago and smaller motor homes so must be legal , not sure what modifications are required though .

Yeah, I thought it should be legal, provided it is properly secured.
I would imagine it would attract the stare of a cop or two.

I guess there might be some weight restrictions for the one being towed comparing to the towing vehicle.

I think attaching the towing gear to the back of the vehicle being towed is better than attaching to the front.

What do you think?!

[PeeBee]

One question is whether the vehicle is occupied or not. If its occupied, then presumably there is someone in it who can steer 'assist' and also brake, but if not, the front wheels would have to be locked somehow and i don't know if the simple steering lock would suffice, certainly tow trucks rope the steering wheel, plus if the vehicle is heavier than the GCM, gross combined mass, plus if the towed vehicle exceeds the braked/unbraked parameters similar to a trailer. Few 'maybe items', I don't really know. I carry a length of water pipe with load rated 'eyes' just for a fixed hard tow situation, and know it makes the towing easier than having a jerky strap set-up, but again, unsure if its legal or not.

[the evil twin]

snip... I carry a length of water pipe with load rated 'eyes' just for a fixed hard tow situation, and know it makes the towing easier than having a jerky strap set-up, but again, unsure if its legal or not.

It is illegal but I totally agree that it makes towing easier.
Finding suitable attachment points on the disabled vehicle can be an issue unless like me the vehicle has a 2 inch Reece point in the centre of the bullbar or somesuch other setup

[Aquarian51]

Hi ET
Where did you get the 2 inch Reese point? Off the shelf or custom made. I'm thinking about getting one fitted on my DX ute.
cheers
Len

[the evil twin]

Hi ET
Where did you get the 2 inch Reese point? Off the shelf or custom made. I'm thinking about getting one fitted on my DX ute.
cheers
Len

I have 3 'Reese points' or 2 inch receivers on my truck;
- the Tow Bar obviously,
- a custom jobbie made by XLR8 in Perth (that bolts to the rear chassis cross member where the factory recovery point would be) and takes my Winch Cradle
- a receiver as part of my custom Bull Bar (also made by XLR8) which will take a standard tongue or my Winch Cradle

The winch lives on the back custom receiver so it sits under the tray but above the standard tow bar so it doesn't interfere with any towing connections.
My spare doesn't live under the tray as it won't fit due to a long range main tank.

[Aquarian51]

Thanks ET. I didn't make it clear it is for the front of my DX to take a standard tongue or winch cradle. I will check out XLR8 when next in Perth.

[the evil twin]

The towing apparatus must comply to A.S. and the towing vehicle equipped for electronic or other independant control of the towed vehicle brakes IE over-rider braking is not permitted.
In addition, the vehicle under tow must also be fitted with a breakaway system to apply the brakes if it becomes disconnected.

[dom14]

The towing apparatus must comply to A.S. and the towing vehicle equipped for electronic or other independant control of the towed vehicle brakes IE over-rider braking is not permitted.
In addition, [the vehicle under tow must also be fitted with a breakaway system to apply the brakes if it becomes disconnected.

I didn't quite understand that bit.