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Australia has a small heavy truck market, with trucks from Britain, Europe, North America, and Japan. However, there is a growing demand for full-size US pickup trucks in Australia, with some manufacturers already offering these vehicles in the country. While some people argue that these trucks are unnecessary and unsuitable for urban areas, others emphasize their practicality for specific tasks and rural buyers. The presence of these trucks in Australia has sparked discussions about road safety, size restrictions, and parking regulations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Full-size US trucks in Australia | Super-sized, American-style pickup trucks |
| Sale volume | Manufacturers need to work around the issue of low sales volume in Australia |
| Payload | Not as impressive as some Australians would like |
| Use case | Makes sense for rural buyers and certain tasks |
| Parking | Takes up a lot of street space |
| Licence | Can be driven on a regular licence |
| Load-carrying capacity | Low for a vehicle of that size |
| Examples | RAM Trucks Australia, Ford F-150, Raptor, Nissan Titan, Toyota Tundra, Ford Ranger Raptor |
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What You'll Learn
Popularity of full-size US trucks in Australia
Full-size US trucks are becoming increasingly popular in Australia, with manufacturers like RAM Trucks Australia and Holden Special Vehicles offering variants like the RAM 1500, 2500, and 3500, as well as the Silverado. These trucks are particularly appealing to rural buyers who need vehicles that can handle tough tasks and have large payloads.
However, some Australians argue that these trucks are not practical for everyone, especially those living in inner cities, due to their large size and limited parking options. There are also safety concerns, as their height can obstruct the view of pedestrians, especially children, during school drop-offs.
Despite these concerns, there is a demand for full-size US trucks in Australia, and some argue that manufacturers should bring more of these vehicles to the country. The popularity of these trucks in Australia can be attributed to their capabilities in towing and carrying gear, making them suitable for specific tasks and buyers.
The Australian market for heavy trucks has traditionally included brands from Britain, Europe, North America, and Japan. Over time, global brands have entered the market and adapted their vehicles to suit Australian conditions, as seen with Volvo Trucks Australia. The presence of various brands in the Australian market has led to competition and innovation, with manufacturers making business cases for lower-volume sales.
To comply with Australian laws, operators of oversized vehicles must possess specialized heavy vehicle licenses. The required license depends on the truck's size and weight, with Medium Rigid (MR), Heavy Rigid (HR), Heavy Combination (HC), and Multi-Combination (MC) licenses being the most common.
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Issues with towing capacity
Towing capacity is the maximum amount of weight a vehicle can safely tow. However, it is not a simple concept. It is not a single number, but a series of calculations, each with its own margins of error. It is important to note that the published towing capacities assume the vehicle carries only the driver and no additional cargo. Therefore, if you plan to bring additional passengers and gear, the manufacturer's calculations will not be accurate for your load.
To calculate your vehicle's towing capacity, you need to know the gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of the vehicle and the trailer, along with the cargo weight of each. You also need to know the curb weight of the tow vehicle, which is the weight of the vehicle itself with all fluids. Subtracting the curb weight and the vehicle's payload from the GCWR gives you the towing capacity.
It is crucial to never exceed the towing capacity of your vehicle, as it can be extremely dangerous. Loads can shift, and brakes may need to be applied suddenly. Driving a vehicle that strains at the absolute limits of its capability is not advisable. It is recommended to stay below 10% of the maximum towing capacity to account for miscalculations and shifting loads.
Additionally, different trailers have different braking systems. Some trailers have their own brakes, which are connected electrically to the tow vehicle. This allows the trailer's brakes to be activated simultaneously when the vehicle's brake pedal is stepped on, providing better control over a heavier load. As a result, the braked towing capacity is higher than the unbraked towing capacity.
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Japanese trucks in the Australian market
Australia has a relatively small heavy truck market, with the other major sources of trucks in the market being Britain, Europe, North America, and Japan. Japanese mini trucks have been imported to Australia, but since most Japanese mini trucks were never sold in the Australian market, they have not been certified by the government for street use. However, recent Australian laws exempting cars that are 25 years or older from this restriction have made it possible to register and plate these mini trucks. Additionally, a program called SEVS allows for special models to be approved for import into Australia.
The strength of Japanese trucks in the Australian market has been with rigid trucks, as Japan's truck transport system traditionally relies on sea and rail freight instead of bulk linehaul transport. Japanese roads have relatively few semi-trailer vehicles, which mostly carry indivisible loads. Prime movers are typically single drive, and trailers are tandem or tri-axle, with a maximum GCM of 36 tonnes. Most heavy truck traffic consists of rigid three- and four-axle trucks that are restricted to 20-25 tonnes gross vehicle mass (GVM).
Japanese truck manufacturers have taken several approaches to compete in the Australian market. UD, a Japanese company, installed Cummins engines into its CWA models. Isuzu, the market leader, attempted to break into linehaul honours with various iterations of the Giga truck, but these did not sell in large numbers. Fuso, a Mitsubishi brand, encountered issues with frequent engine blow-ups, causing their trucks to be nicknamed "Fuses". However, Fuso re-emerged in the 21st century after Daimler bought out Mitsubishi's truck business.
Importing mini trucks to Australia is a process that anyone can undertake, and hundreds have already done so. It involves finding and purchasing a mini truck in Japan, inspecting and shipping it, and then handling the necessary paperwork and customs clearance. Customs brokers can aid in getting clearances and retrieving the vehicle from the port, and the final step is to get the truck complied for registration and complete a roadworthiness check.
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Australian road transport rules
Australia's road transport rules are governed by the National Transport Commission (NTC), which works with partners to develop, maintain, monitor and review national laws, model laws, and regulations for the land transport sector. The NTC is responsible for regularly updating the Australian Road Rules (ARR), which were first implemented in 1999 and have undergone regular updates since. Each state and territory adopts the ARR into its own legislation, with minor exceptions, ensuring consistent application across the country.
The ARR covers a range of topics, including the safe use of personal mobility devices (PMDs) and motorised mobility devices (MMDs). In 2021, amendments were made to include PMDs, and ministers have also requested a review of child restraint rules to ensure they are inclusive and aligned with the latest safety guidelines.
Historically, Australian road transport rules were a mix of individual state and territory requirements until the late 1970s. The Commonwealth of Australia Constitution Act did not specify federal control over road transport, leaving jurisdiction to the states. This led to frustrations among truck drivers in 1952 due to levies on interstate road transport designed to protect state-owned railways.
Today, the NTC collaborates with state and territory road transport and law enforcement authorities, as well as the Commonwealth Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development, to maintain and update the ARR. The process includes extensive public consultation to ensure that the rules remain relevant and responsive to the needs of Australians.
While the ARR provides a standardised framework, it is important to note that each state and territory may have minor variations in their implementation. For specific rules and regulations applicable in a particular state or territory, individuals are advised to refer to the relevant state or territory transport authority or their website.
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Super-sized trucks in cities
Super-sized, American-style pick-up trucks are becoming more common in Australia. While some Australians, particularly rural buyers, are embracing the trend, others are less enthusiastic about the presence of these large vehicles on Australian roads and in inner cities.
Full-size trucks have certain advantages for Australians who require their vehicles for heavy-duty work. They can carry large loads and gear with ease, and they excel at towing. For those with specific needs, the benefits of these vehicles outweigh any drawbacks.
However, some people believe that these large trucks are unnecessary for many Australian drivers and that they are impractical for city driving and parking. There are concerns about the amount of space they take up on roads and in parking spaces, and their potential to obscure the view of pedestrians and cyclists, causing safety issues.
To address these concerns, some have suggested that city councils implement ULEZ and size restriction initiatives to manage the impact of these large vehicles in urban areas. Others have proposed reclassifying these vehicles as trucks, which would mean they could not be parked in standard parking spaces and would require higher registration fees to compensate for the additional damage they cause to roads.
While the demand for full-size trucks in Australia may be relatively low compared to other vehicle types, there is still a market for these vehicles among buyers with specific needs. As a result, manufacturers are bringing more of these trucks to Australia, and it remains to be seen whether regulations will be implemented to manage their impact on city infrastructure and road safety.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, full-size US trucks are available in Australia, with RAM Trucks Australia selling 1500, 2500 and 3500 variants, as well as the next-generation RAM. Holden Special Vehicles offers the Silverado in all three variants, satisfying 1500, 2500 and 3500 buyers with a range of models.
Full-size trucks may not be a good choice for inner-city dwellers due to their size and limited practicality in urban areas. However, they are popular among rural buyers who need vehicles that can handle towing and carrying gear.
Full-size US trucks have seen a surge in popularity in Australia, with some buyers appreciating their towing capabilities and large bed size. They are also sought after by enthusiasts who value their unique features and performance.
Some challenges include the cost of engineering and importing these vehicles, as well as the need for right-hand drive conversions. There are also concerns about their size and impact on road safety, particularly in urban areas.
