Caravans do not have to be small in Australia

BeenThereBrokeThat, I think your assertion that US trucks are capable of hauling/towing more than the ratings is incorrect. It is easy to change components on vehicles used in different countries. Different axles, different brackets/bolts, etc. Just look at big-box equipment vs what the brand sells. John Deere, for example, has different components in the big-box store, than in the Deere dealer.

Certainly not the same components with a different sticker.

Beentherefixedthat wrote:

RobertRyan wrote:

Beentherefixedthat wrote:

73guna wrote:

Beentherefixedthat wrote:

A really good way to judge this is the commercial truck lines. Your average class 8 tractor (the ones hauling 53 foot trailers or semi's) weighs in at only about 14k to 16k lbs. Yet it hauls a GCVW of 80,000lbs or about a 40k payload depending on the type of trailer and how much it weighs.

Big trucks can gross a lot more than 80k.
That 80k limit was put in place for various reasons, one of which is to protect roads and bridges from deteriorating from heavyweight vehicles.

Yes you are right and I realize that but 80k is the limit for MOST of the states and so I used it as an easily understood example to highlight my statement about why our trucks are way under rated. Any higher number only makes my argument stronger.

Not underated but built for their specified use.You have European, Japanese and Australianbuilt Trucks that haul 100 tons but they have very little in common with something that tows 80,000lbs

Well actually Australia for years imported Mack trucks with 18 speed transmissions for hauling your "trains". I believe you now make some Macks there. But that same Mack was used here to haul 80K with very few minor changes including a 10 or 15 speed transmission.

As far as our pickups go. They are definitely and purposely underrated. They could, as I demonstrated, easily and safely haul about twice what they are currently rated for. But then they wouldnt sell so many duallys and medium sized trucks.

The Mack Trucks were/ are built designed in Australia from 1967, they developed the Metroliner that did Mining work, but not anymore.. They have different specifications even an engine to the US Macks, all now part of the Volvo Group. No US Pickups are not underrated, they are built for the purpose,they would be dangerous trying to exceed those restrictions. Only way you can change their payload,is change the specifications and build of the vehicle.
An example of built for a purpose is this Mining specific Truck that Hauls 500 Tons

RobertRyan wrote:

Beentherefixedthat wrote:

73guna wrote:

Beentherefixedthat wrote:

A really good way to judge this is the commercial truck lines. Your average class 8 tractor (the ones hauling 53 foot trailers or semi's) weighs in at only about 14k to 16k lbs. Yet it hauls a GCVW of 80,000lbs or about a 40k payload depending on the type of trailer and how much it weighs.

Big trucks can gross a lot more than 80k.
That 80k limit was put in place for various reasons, one of which is to protect roads and bridges from deteriorating from heavyweight vehicles.

Yes you are right and I realize that but 80k is the limit for MOST of the states and so I used it as an easily understood example to highlight my statement about why our trucks are way under rated. Any higher number only makes my argument stronger.

Not underated but built for their specified use.You have European, Japanese and Australianbuilt Trucks that haul 100 tons but they have very little in common with something that tows 80,000lbs

Well actually Australia for years imported Mack trucks with 18 speed transmissions for hauling your "trains". I believe you now make some Macks there. But that same Mack was used here to haul 80K with very few minor changes including a 10 or 15 speed transmission.

As far as our pickups go. They are definitely and purposely underrated. They could, as I demonstrated, easily and safely haul about twice what they are currently rated for. But then they wouldnt sell so many duallys and medium sized trucks.

In the end it all comes back to cost. The high end market will always be there.

Like Rolls Royce and Lamborghini, great machines but not likely to be seen very often.

Beentherefixedthat wrote:

73guna wrote:

Beentherefixedthat wrote:

A really good way to judge this is the commercial truck lines. Your average class 8 tractor (the ones hauling 53 foot trailers or semi's) weighs in at only about 14k to 16k lbs. Yet it hauls a GCVW of 80,000lbs or about a 40k payload depending on the type of trailer and how much it weighs.

Big trucks can gross a lot more than 80k.
That 80k limit was put in place for various reasons, one of which is to protect roads and bridges from deteriorating from heavyweight vehicles.

Yes you are right and I realize that but 80k is the limit for MOST of the states and so I used it as an easily understood example to highlight my statement about why our trucks are way under rated. Any higher number only makes my argument stronger.

Not underated but built for their specified use.You have European, Japanese and Australianbuilt Trucks that haul 100 tons but they have very little in common with something that tows 80,000lbs

73guna wrote:

Beentherefixedthat wrote:

A really good way to judge this is the commercial truck lines. Your average class 8 tractor (the ones hauling 53 foot trailers or semi's) weighs in at only about 14k to 16k lbs. Yet it hauls a GCVW of 80,000lbs or about a 40k payload depending on the type of trailer and how much it weighs.

Big trucks can gross a lot more than 80k.
That 80k limit was put in place for various reasons, one of which is to protect roads and bridges from deteriorating from heavyweight vehicles.

Yes you are right and I realize that but 80k is the limit for MOST of the states and so I used it as an easily understood example to highlight my statement about why our trucks are way under rated. Any higher number only makes my argument stronger.

Beentherefixedthat wrote:

A really good way to judge this is the commercial truck lines. Your average class 8 tractor (the ones hauling 53 foot trailers or semi's) weighs in at only about 14k to 16k lbs. Yet it hauls a GCVW of 80,000lbs or about a 40k payload depending on the type of trailer and how much it weighs.

Big trucks can gross a lot more than 80k.
That 80k limit was put in place for various reasons, one of which is to protect roads and bridges from deteriorating from heavyweight vehicles.

Boomerweps wrote:

RobertRyan wrote:

Boomerweps wrote:

RobertRyan wrote:
A medium sized Caravan being pulled by a Ford Ranger
Medium Caravan being pulled by a Ford Ranger

Wow, a Ranger described as a one ton class vehicle!
With a choice of a 5 cylinder diesel or a 2.0L turbo with more power than the US 2.4L versions.

Explanation. It is the payload.that is referred too here. It is now 1 tonne or 2,200lbs. Australian and Rangers sold outside NA have increased frame thicknesses and beefed up suspensions to cope with the increase. HD Ranger in Australia has a Payload of 3000lbs
All Rangers including the US version were designed and developed at Broadneadows , Victoria Australia

Thanks for the info. US sold mini pickups usually don't even get a full half US ton, 1000#, cargo capacity. You have to go full size to get that.

They have the extra payload and are comfortable as well

RobertRyan wrote:

Boomerweps wrote:

RobertRyan wrote:
A medium sized Caravan being pulled by a Ford Ranger
Medium Caravan being pulled by a Ford Ranger

Wow, a Ranger described as a one ton class vehicle!
With a choice of a 5 cylinder diesel or a 2.0L turbo with more power than the US 2.4L versions.

Explanation. It is the payload.that is referred too here. It is now 1 tonne or 2,200lbs. Australian and Rangers sold outside NA have increased frame thicknesses and beefed up suspensions to cope with the increase. HD Ranger in Australia has a Payload of 3000lbs
All Rangers including the US version were designed and developed at Broadneadows , Victoria Australia

Thanks for the info. US sold mini pickups usually don't even get a full half US ton, 1000#, cargo capacity. You have to go full size to get that.

Boomerweps wrote:

RobertRyan wrote:
A medium sized Caravan being pulled by a Ford Ranger
Medium Caravan being pulled by a Ford Ranger

Wow, a Ranger described as a one ton class vehicle!
With a choice of a 5 cylinder diesel or a 2.0L turbo with more power than the US 2.4L versions.

Explanation. It is the payload.that is referred too here. It is now 1 tonne or 2,200lbs. Australian and Rangers sold outside NA have increased frame thicknesses and beefed up suspensions to cope with the increase. HD Ranger in Australia has a Payload of 3000lbs
All Rangers including the US version were designed and developed at Broadneadows , Victoria Australia