Ban on 4WD upgrades

New rules mean buy a new van, buy a new car

TOUGH new laws to be introduced by the Palaszczuk Government will stop upgrades to 4WDs to allow them to tow larger caravans, boats, horse floats and toolbox trailers. The laws mean any Queensland driver wanting to buy a caravan will probably need to buy a new vehicle as well.

Under the proposed new codes, to come into effect in two weeks, the towing capacity of 4WD vehicles will not be able to be upgraded.

Queenslanders who need an increased carrying or towing capacity will be forced to buy large, powerful, expensive and fuel-inefficient imported utes and trucks.

The ban will mean that many caravaners will be lucky to fit two people and a full load of fuel into their vehicles before they are over the legal towing limit.

Transport Minister Mark Bailey, despite repeated requests, has not told peak industry bodies why the Government is proceeding with the new laws.

The vehicles most affected include popular 4WDs including the Toyota LandCruiser, Toyota Hilux, Nissan Patrol, Ford Ranger, and Isuzu D Max. The new laws will affect up to a million 4WD drivers and 200,000 “grey nomads’’.

Caravan industry bosses say it’s the most nonsensical legislation they have ever seen. NSW and Victorian drivers will be able to tow caravans in Queensland without being subjected to the same laws as Queenslanders.

Australian Caravan Club treasurer Graeme Tree said the ban meant any Queensland driver wanting to buy a caravan would probably need to buy a new vehicle as well.

“If this was about safety, it would apply to all vehicles on the road,” Mr Tree said.

“But these are modifications that are fitted to Queensland police, emergency services, fire and parks vehicles to increase safety in towing.

“These are upgrades that will still be allowed to be fitted here in Queensland to new vehicles … but once it’s on the road, it’s banned. It just doesn’t make sense.”

Mr Tree said the proposed changes would decrease safety on Queensland roads and unwittingly put drivers of 4WDs in breach of insurance.

“Modifications to most 4WD vehicles are essential for legal towing, so from September 4, most Queenslanders buying a caravan will also need to buy a new vehicle,” he said.

“It is inconceivable that Queensland would stop people improving the safety of their towing vehicle when the modifications are allowed under federal laws and before registration in Queensland.”

Australia’s leading manufacturer of the towing upgrade equipment, Lovells, says the draft codes will have a major impact on current towing practice and will lead to higher vehicle costs. He called on Mr Bailey to explain the proposed regulation changes – and to delay their introduction.

A spokesman for Mr Bailey said it was a complex issue and he was unable to comment.