Can I tow a boat with my car?

It depends on your vehicle's braked and unbraked towing capacity. Small tinnies on a trailer (under 750 kg total) can be towed unbraked by most cars. Larger boats with trailers weighing 1,000–3,000 kg require a vehicle rated for braked towing. Use our calculator to check your specific vehicle's limits.

How do I calculate the total weight of my boat and trailer?

Add the dry weight of your boat, the trailer weight (tare mass), fuel, water, gear, and any accessories like a canopy or electric motor. This total is your Aggregate Trailer Mass (ATM). It must be under your vehicle's braked towing capacity.

What is the towing capacity for a horse float?

Horse floats typically weigh 1,200–3,200 kg loaded (depending on size and number of horses — each horse adds roughly 500–600 kg). Most dual-cab utes and large SUVs can handle a 2-horse float, but a 3-horse or angle-load float may require a vehicle with 3,000 kg+ towing capacity.

Do I need electric brakes to tow a boat trailer?

In Australia, any trailer with an ATM over 750 kg must have its own braking system. Most boat trailers over this weight come with hydraulic override (surge) brakes or can be fitted with electric brakes. Check your state's regulations for specifics.

What's the difference between towing a boat and towing a caravan?

The main differences are aerodynamics and weight distribution. Boats are typically heavier at the rear and experience more wind resistance at highway speeds. Caravans have a higher centre of gravity. Both require checking GVM, GCM, and towball download — our calculator handles all of this.

Can I use a towing calculator for my boat or horse float?

Yes! The Know My Tow calculator works for any towed load — caravans, boats, horse floats, box trailers, and camper trailers. Simply enter your trailer's weight in the 'caravan/trailer weight' field and the calculator will check all your vehicle's limits.

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Guide

Boat & Float Towing Guide Australia

Whether you're towing a tinny to the ramp, hauling a ski boat, or transporting horses in a float — here's everything you need to know about weights, legal limits, and how to check your vehicle can handle it.