rjh replied:

Luke

The brand is superfluous if the tow bar is not rated to carry the load imposed and is not set up
correctly.
For mine the critical factor is how much tow ball weight you are looking to impose on
the rear suspension and tyres and whether or not this falls within the bounds of your vehicle's
specification. Your tyres will be rated to carry a maximum load as will your axles. Simply putting
on a highly rated tow bar will not necessarily solve all problems.

Hayman Reese have several good setups to suit various load weights and I have there 2500kg
rated towing setup with weight distributing hitch.

This will suffice for mos tthings you may tow but if you go to your local specialist towbar retailer
or someone like Hardings in Melbourn who arehighly regarded Caravan service experts
Ensure you have with details of the gross vehicle mass, aggregate vehicle weight of the trailer,
its tyre/ axle rating, and the draw bar weight you expect to impose on your vehicle
Get them to fit a suitable setup for your specific needs. As a good rule of thumb I try to have
the tow vehicle sitting exactly the same height off the ground at the front with the trailer on
and off. To do this I measure the distance between the top centre of the front wheel well on
the guard and the ground. When I attach the van I adjust the load distribution with the level riders
which are part and parcel of the towbar/weight distribution hitch. Sway bars are also part of
this setup.

Failing that go for a drive to your nearest caravan park and take note of the setup for a van
around 18-20' and you will see what I mean. There are not many people who purchase
$50-80000 worth of caravan and skimp on $5-600 worth of appropriate towing equipment

I'll stress again the towball weight is the most critical factor as this will determine what you need.

Good luck with it cheers RJH

RJH replied:

Just another thought Luke - read the trailers and towing segment in the trip preparation section of this site
and take notice of the comments - there are spot on.

harrivderci RJH

Dion replied:

Luke, by the book, you can only pull a maximum of 1800kg with the Rodeo. You'll find the factory (Holden) tow bar has a Hayman Reece compliance plate on it anyway. What configuration Rodeo did you end up with, engine, body, accessories etc? email me Dion.CHANDLER@dao.defence.gov.au and I'll reply with some photo's attached of what the factory would not want to see being towed behind my Rodeo. Cheers, Dion.