
Originally Posted by
tuckertrucker
Interesting reading this thread. In NZ towing another vehicle is very legal provided you meet certain requirements.
Ie, if it is a 'non mechanical linkage' (rope, chain, strap etc) then the towed vehicle must have someone in it to operate brakes steering lights etc.
if it is a 'mechanical linkage' that can pivot on the towed vehicle side then, as above it must have an occupant in it.
But if the mechanical linkage is fixed on the tow vehicle and can only hinge vertically (ie the generic A frame), then the only requirement is that the vehicle has auto brakes if its detaches (over 2.5tonne for any towed vehicle) and has a light bar on it that has brakes and indicators. So most people just bolt a couple of brake and indicators to a 2x4, tie it to the back of the towed car somehow and plug it into the tow vehicles trailer light socket.
If the A frame is fixed to the towed vehicle, then the vehicle can't turn on it own. The vehicle centre line and the tow hitch centre line will always remain in-line and the front wheels will turn on their own to accomodate this. In NZ, so long as the car youre towing is under 2.5tonne and has a warrant of fitness and is registered, then its legal to tow. Over 2.5 tonne and we have to have autolock brakes.
So no towing the long wheel base safaris, but the shortys (GVM 2400kg) are allowed.