Something to consider if buying a Large tow vehicle

[DaveR]

Hi ya Swaggers
I thought I'd share something I have witnessed a number of times now that I am in the business of shifting vehicles long haul about the country.
The larger vehicles which are growing in popularity, typically the ones from the USA or even the Iveco type 4wd's etc, many owners are finding out the hard way that due to the size or weight of the vehicle it is NOT covered by the Motoring Associating insurance when needing to be recovered following a brake down. This means very expensive High weight TOW trucks or Super Tilts are needed to move the vehicles when broken down.
There is a Truck Driver insurance for for us guys, like the RACQ etc, called Tuck Assist, if you own such a vehicle, or are looking into it, you should check this out this type of insurance, and confirm what existing insurance will cover.
I recently came across a sweet Japanese 4wd which had the chassis extension and extra axel which the Motoring association rejected due to the tilt tray being sent to recover a standard 4wd arrived to find it aint standard no more.....
I watched a 3 axle American Ute with a Bushmaster van go onto the Hook behind a heavy vehicle tow truck the other day. That journey of about 80 k was going to cost the best part of $1,500.
So guys, something to consider if looking to buy a big vehicle.

[plusnq]

Thanks, great advice!

[#jonesy]

Are these ones that are trucks ie 4.5tonne GVM?  Or simply big cars? <4.5 GVM

[tryagain]

Are these ones that are trucks ie 4.5tonne GVM?  Or simply big cars? <4.5 GVM

I think it has to do with size, (maybe as well as weight)  I have had a vehicle measured for length before before the tow truck picked it up.

[DaveR]

Are these ones that are trucks ie 4.5tonne GVM?  Or simply big cars? <4.5 GVM

I was trying to not name vehicles, but yes, the Ford F250 or 350 types, either Chev, Dodge etc as well. These owners are running into trouble with brake down recovery. Even for me to cart them A to B, they are charged x 2 normal price as they take up 2 spots typically.

[HEM19X]

Premium PLUS Cover with NRMA covers up to 10t combined - Tug + Van.

Also covers up to $3k for accommodation.

Cost is $310.p.a. but well worth it IMHO



Hem

[DaveR]

Premium PLUS Cover with NRMA covers up to 10t combined - Tug + Van.

Also covers up to $3k for accommodation.

Cost is $310.p.a. but well worth it IMHO



Hem

Amen on that 1, I had no idea that level of cover is out there, also, I've not looked either. I'll be telling the various folk I meet, but it is usually too late when I am meeting them.

[Fizzie]

RACQ version is Ultimate for $292 pa

https://www.racq.com.au/roadside-assistance/compare-roadside-options

Some limitations though, which include: (my comments in italics)

Eligible Vehicle must be:(a) Used for private purposes;

Ineligible Vehicles: (c)Vehicles being operated solely for commercial use (so you may be in strife in you're towing with your work ute?); (d)Trucks, buses and other heavy vehicles that exceed the Size Limitations;

RACQ does not cover vehicles that exceed one or a combination of the following:
Gross Weight GVM 6.0t Height 3.3m

Where your Eligible Caravan or Trailer requires towing, RACQ will only be able to assist where your Running Gear is in a serviceable condition. (So if you've busted an axle )

Ineligible Caravans and Trailers
(b) Use a fifth wheel (semi-trailer hitch);
(d) Exceed the below Size Limitations:
Gross Weight GVM 4.0t Width 2.5m However, Track Width cannot exceed 2.4m Height 3.3m Length 9.7m

There is also a separate cover again for motorhomes / campervans.