Weight does matter!

Before you purchase any vehicle it is really important to take the time to sit down and list ALL the items you intend to carry or fit to the vehicle. Not paying enough attention to weight limits is one of the most common problems that Tosca encounters. That one tonne ute might be cheap but is it adequate for your needs? How much have you budgeted for future mechanical repairs? Overloading a vehicle is illegal and increases the chance of damaging a vehicle and having an accident. It can also impact on insurance claims.

A vehicle’s load capacity refers to absolutely everything you put in the vehicle AND anything you intend to tow. Assuming you won’t be driving on the moon…..it all weighs something; the body itself, what you pack in it, fuel tanks, toolboxes, bull bars, additional lighting, the driver, passengers etc

The load must also be distributed evenly and properly secured – it might make access marginally easier but maybe it’s not a good idea to have all your steel fittings stored in lockers on the driver’s side.

Average weights of some things you might want to carry/fit to your vehicle

(Please note: these weights are intended as a rough guide only. You MUST consider your individual circumstances when calculating the total weight of your loaded vehicle)

Steel tray: 175-290kg
Aluminium tray: 110-180kg
Underbody drawer: 120kg
Compressor (Renegade 2.5HP Twin Compressor 76L): 60kg
Generator (Powerchief 5.5 KVA petrol): 78kg
Concrete cutter: 50-180kg
Long range fuel tank (95L full): 140kg
Coffee machine: 10-80kg
Engel 21L portable fridge: 18kg

It is imperative that you select a vehicle that will legally and safely carry all your gear. We highly recommend slightly over-sizing your vehicle to allow for a future expansion of carrying capacity.