A compliance verdict over the four limits that actually bind — braked capacity, towball download, GVM and GCM — for ~46 popular Australian tow vehicles.
Vehicle Ford Ranger XLT 3.0 V6 2023Caravan 3300 kg ATMLoad 600 kg
marginal
Legal — but only just.
The towball download is the binding limit (20 kg spare). The braked tow rating alone does not decide this.
Max legal caravan (ATM)
3500 kg
limited by braked capacity
GVM payload remaining
65 kg
after load + towball
What's binding
Braked capacity3300 / 3500 kg
+200 kg
Towball download330 / 350 kg
+20 kgbinds
GVM3215 / 3280 kg
+65 kg
GCM6185 / 6400 kg
+215 kg
Common questions
Does a 3,500kg braked towing capacity mean I can tow a 3,500kg caravan?
Usually not. Braked capacity is only one of four limits, and it is rarely the one that binds. Towball download (typically 10% of the van's ATM, commonly capped at 350kg), GVM once that ball weight lands on the tow vehicle, and GCM for the whole combination all apply at the same time. A vehicle rated to tow 3,500kg frequently cannot legally do it once the family and gear are aboard.
What is the difference between GVM and GCM?
GVM (Gross Vehicle Mass) is the most the tow vehicle itself may weigh, including passengers, gear and the towball download pressing down on it. GCM (Gross Combination Mass) is the most the vehicle and trailer may weigh together. You must satisfy both, and GCM is often the limit that quietly fails on a loaded outfit.
Does the towball download count against my payload?
Yes. Once hitched, the towball download sits on the tow vehicle and consumes GVM payload exactly like luggage. This is the single most commonly missed part of a legal towing calculation.
What is the heaviest caravan I can legally tow?
It depends on the vehicle AND how loaded it is, because payload in the car reduces the ATM you can legally tow via GCM and GVM. This tool returns the maximum compliant ATM for your vehicle at your stated load, and names which limit sets that ceiling.