Correct as at 29th March 2024. It may be superseded at any time.

Extract taken from: Vehicle Inspection Portal > VIRMs > In-service certification (WoF and CoF) > Light PSVs > Towing connections

12 Towing connections

12-1 Light vehicle towbar and fifth wheel

Reasons for rejection

Mandatory equipment

1. A towbar fitted to a vehicle does not have provision for securely fitting the safety chain (Note 1) from a trailer coupling, except for:

a) New Zealand Defence Force vehicles

b) fire-fighting vehicles.

Condition

2. The towbar or towbar mounting (or fifth wheel or fifth-wheel mounting):

a) is not securely attached, or

b) has a bolt or nut that is missing or significantly corroded, or

c) has corrosion damage (Note 2) within 150mm of the mounting points, or

d) is cracked or distorted, or

e) jaws are worn beyond manufacturer’s specifications or out of adjustment, or

f) pivot is seized, worn beyond manufacturer’s specifications, or insecure, or

g) has any other damage that the vehicle inspector considers has affected the structural integrity of the towbar or its attachment to the vehicle.

3. The towbar coupling (towball):

a) is not securely attached, or

b) is worn beyond the manufacturer’s specifications, or

c) is significantly corroded, distorted or cracked, or

d) has a nut that is missing or significantly corroded.

Note 1

For vehicles fitted with a towbar that has a removable ball mount, such as the one shown on the right-hand side Figure 12-1-1, if the safety chain attaches to the removable part, the security of the removable part should be verified (eg retention clip should be of sufficient strength and in good condition).

Note 2

Corrosion damage is where the metal has been eaten away, which is evident by pitting. The outward signs of such corrosion damage is typically displayed by the lifting or bubbling of paint. In extreme cases, the area affected by the corrosion damage will fall out and leave a hole.

Note 3

A towbar attachment is a modification to the vehicle structure (which never requires LVV certification), refer to section 3-1 Structure for structure requirements around the towbar attachments.

Note 4

A towbar attachment is a modification to the vehicle structure (which never requires LVV certification), refer to section 3-1 Structure for structure requirements around the towbar attachments.

Figure 12-1-1. Towbar and towbar coupling (Note 1)

Towbars

Summary of legislation

Applicable legislation
Mandatory equipment

1. A towbar, if fitted to a vehicle, must have provision for securing the safety chain or cable from a trailer coupling, except if the vehicle is likely to tow any of the following trailers:

a) a trailer designed for armament purposes by the New Zealand Defence Forces

b) a trailer pump for fire-fighting purposes.

Condition

2. A trailer must be securely attached to the towing vehicle by an adequate coupling.

3. A vehicle must:

a) be safe to be operated, and

b) have been constructed using components and materials that are fit for the purpose, and

c) be within safe tolerance of its state when manufactured or modified.

Page amended 1 November 2017 (see amendment details).

12-2 Towbar

Reasons for rejection

Mandatory equipment

1. A towbar that is fitted to a PSV does not show evidence of meeting the requirements of Table 12-2-1.

Condition and performance

2. Refer to general vehicle pages.

3. A certification plate is:

a) illegible, or

b) has details that do not match the vehicle, or

c) has obvious signs of tampering.

Table 12-2-1. Requirements for certification

Towbar/vehicle date

Evidence of certification

Vehicle entered service as a PSV in New Zealand before 1 September 1999 and fitted with a towbar before 1 September 1999

1. A towbar fitted to a class MA vehicle is identified as supplied by the vehicle manufacturer.

2. For any vehicle, a permanently attached plate, indelibly marked with:

a) manufacturer’s name, and

b) towbar model number or part number, and

c) rating – maximum towed mass (MTM)

i. not exceeding 2000 kg if vehicle class is MA, MB, MC or MD1, or

ii. not exceeding 3500 kg if vehicle class is MD2.

Note A towbar that doesn’t meet 1. or 2. above must be identified for private use only, for example on the checksheet.

Vehicle entered service as a PSV in New Zealand on or after 1 September 1999 and fitted with a towbar, or vehicle entered service as a PSV in New Zealand before 1 September 1999 and fitted with a towbar on or after 1 September 1999.

1. A towbar fitted to a class MA vehicle is identified as supplied by the vehicle manufacturer.

2. For any vehicle, a permanently attached plate, indelibly marked with:

a) manufacturer’s name or trademark which clearly identifies the agency or person who has built the towbar, and

b) the maximum towed mass (MTM) not exceeding 3500 kg, and

c) the maximum vertical load applied at the towing ball, and

d) vehicle make, model or part number which identifies the vehicle(s) for which the towbar has been designed.

Note An unrated towbar may be assessed, rated and plated by an appropriately qualified engineer (does not have to be an engineer appointed by the NZTA).

Summary of legislation

Applicable legislation
Mandatory equipment

1. A towbar that is fitted to a PSV must comply with the requirements in Table 12-2-1.

Condition and performance

2. Refer to general vehicle pages.