Your Guide to A-Frames

This is when you may want to get a secondary vehicle to tow behind your motorhome.

A common way to tow this vehicle is using an A-Frame, also known as ‘flat towing’. This is a triangle shaped frame that attaches to the front of the tow vehicle and hooks onto the tow bar of the motorhome.

The Laws

Flat towing with an A-Frame is legal in every state and territory across Australia, however, the states can vary slightly with their rules. All A-frames must comply with Australian Design Rule 62 Mechanical Connections between Vehicles. The rules on engineering sign-off and operating the tow brakes can vary.

Note: Engineering Certification is not transferable. If any of the three components (motorhome, towed vehicle or A-Frame) are changed, certification must be re-done.

What can I tow?

There are two parts to answer this question. You need to know the tow capacity of your motorhome and then you will need a secondary vehicle that is suitable to be flat towed.

Weights

Your motorhome must have the towing capacity to tow your secondary vehicle. All state and territory laws work on the GVM (Gross Vehicle Mass) of the towed vehicle. One of the most common mistakes people make is assuming that the Tare Weight is what dictates the towing capacity.

You need to ensure that your tow bars capacity is equal or greater than the GVM of the towed vehicle and that your combination does not exceed the motorhomes’ Gross Combination Mass as specified by the manufacturer.

Vehicles

Only certain vehicles can be flat towed. Check with an expert before purchasing. Northcoach RV Equipment provide a list here.

What do you need to flat tow?

1. Towbar on your motorhome (must have a 2” square receiver to fit the A-Frame)
2. Motorhome wired with a 7-pin flat plug (wiring must be 12 volt – some motorhomes are 24 volt and these require additional wiring to reduce the voltage to 12 volt)
3. A-Frame
4. Baseplate fitted to the tow vehicle
5. Wiring of the electrics (to allow towed tow vehicle lights to work)
6. Safety cables
7. Emergency breakaway system (if required)
8. Drop receiver (if required)*
9. Vehicle Under Tow sign

*The A-Frame must be parallel with the roadway on a flat surface to hook up the towed vehicle. If this is not the case, then a drop receiver is installed to bring the frame to the correct position.

Braking

All towed vehicles must be fitted with brakes. There are two types of a A-Frame braking systems that are used. Depending on the state or territory of registration and the GVM of the towed vehicle will dictate which system you need.

Most towed vehicles are fitted with an A-Frame with an override brake system. If this does not comply with your state or territory laws, an electric brake is fitted.

Signage

If your vehicle combination is over 7.5m long and needs to straddle lanes or turn from an adjacent lane to turn at an intersection, you must display a ‘Do Not Overtake Turning Vehicle’ sign.

States and territories vary with their laws as to whether you are required to display a ‘Vehicle Under Tow’ sign.

When towing:

• When under tow you will need to have the ignition on (but not the engine started) so that the steering lock is disengaged. For keyless ignition, there is a sequence to set the car up to keep steering disengaged
• It is recommended to start the towed vehicle every 300km or so for a few minutes to keep the battery charged, and run oil through the engine or you can install a charging system via an Anderson Plug
• Reversing an A-Frame is not recommended due to the lack of directional control over the towed vehicle.

Final Note

Not all insurers cover flat towing. Specialist RV insurance exists through providers such as KT Insurance.