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by Andrew Taplin20/01/2026
Heavy Towing Build Packages for American Pickup Trucks in Australia
by Andrew Taplin20/01/2026Andrew Taplin, Sales Manager, Autogroup International
14 January 2026
1) Why heavy towing in Australia is different
Australian towing is often not a short run to a campsite. It usually consists of long highway runs, crosswinds, road surface changes, heat, and long stretches with limited services.
Heavy towing also makes the hidden issue obvious: payload. Tow rating does not protect you if the truck is overloaded. Ball weight, passengers, accessories, and gear all consume payload. Many “towing problems” are payload problems wearing a different mask.
2) The towing package decision framework
If you want stability, you need clarity. Start here:
| Question | Why it matters | What happens if you ignore it |
|---|---|---|
| What is the real loaded trailer weight? | Determines demands on stability and braking feel | Sway, fatigue, heat stress |
| What is the real ball weight? | Consumes payload, affects steering and braking | Squat, instability, poor confidence |
| How is the truck loaded? | Weight placement changes behaviour | Porpoising, uneven tyre wear |
| How often do you tow? | Determines need for durable, repeatable setup | Constant adjustments and rework |
3) The Accessory Deep Dive (Towing-First)
Suspension and Load Control
Towing stability starts with suspension matched to the weights you will be towing. Height is not the goal in this case, Control is.
Airbags can help in the right scenario, but they are not a fix for the wrong suspension choice. We select from Fox Suspension, Liquid Springs, and Kelderman-style solutions based on the towing application, and we tune the package to behave correctly both loaded and unloaded.
Wheels and Tyres
Tyres are a stability decision:
- Correct load and speed ratings
- Predictable sidewall behaviour
- Sensible sizing
- Alignment that supports straight-line stability
Front-End Weight Planning
Bull bars, pre-runner bars, winches, driving lights, side steps, and roof loads all change steering feel and braking behaviour. A proper towing build plans front-end weight from the start, not as an afterthought.
Electrical and Lighting Integration
Towing reliability depends on clean, protected electrical integration. We focus on:
- Robust routing and protection
- Tidy, serviceable installation
- Documentation for future fault-finding
- Practical lighting for reversing and night manoeuvring
4) Compatibility notes by model
- Ford F-250, Ford F-350, Ford F-450: strong towing platforms, but still require payload discipline and correct tyre and suspension selection.
- GMC Sierra 2500, GMC Sierra 3500, Silverado 2500: excellent for towing, especially when the package is built around stability rather than stance.
- RAM 2500: very capable with a balanced build. Easily affected by the wrong spring setup
- F-150, RAM 1500, Silverado 1500: tow well within the right envelope, but ball weight and payload discipline are critical.
Older trucks can tow well too, but towing packages on older vehicles should start with an inspection. The goal is reliability, not surprises.
5) Towing package tiers (how we build it)
| Package tier | Who it suits | Typical inclusions | What we confirm with you |
|---|---|---|---|
| Towing Stability Package | Regular towing, moderate loads | Suspension matched to towing, tyres selected for stability, electrical integration principles | Trailer weight, ball weight, typical load |
| Heavy Towing Package | Bigger caravans, long distances | Adds stronger load control, front weight planning, power planning if touring | Payload truth, accessories already fitted |
| Towing Workhorse Package | Towing plus payload-heavy work use | Adds storage and payload discipline, GVM planning where appropriate | Payload cycles, where weight sits |
6) Service centre reality check (what we fix when towing setups fail)
We commonly fix:
- Incorrect steering feel under load
- tyres wearing quickly after wheel and suspension changes
- Porpoising and poor recovery after bumps
- electrical faults from poor trailer wiring integration
- overloaded setups where payload was ignored
Most of these are not “mysteries”. They are planning failures.
7) Before you buy anything, answer these 10 towing questions
- What is the trailer’s real loaded weight?
- What is the real ball weight?
- How many people are in the truck and how much gear will you carry?
- What accessories are already on the truck?
- Do you tow weekly, monthly, or seasonally?
- Do you tow in crosswinds and highway conditions regularly?
- Are you mixing towing with touring?
- Do you want the truck to drive comfortably when not towing?
- Are you chasing height or chasing stability?
- Do you want it to work first time, every time?
8) Warranty and documentation mindset
Our fitment is designed and installed to maintain warranty coverage, and we advise clients on what to avoid and how to document modifications. For towing, documentation is simple ownership protection.
9) Why Autogroup International is different
30+ years, 5,000+ vehicles converted and often upfitted, 250+ people including 30+ engineers, and Australia’s largest American truck service center. We do not just fit parts. We build towing packages that reflect real service outcomes.
HOW WE CAN HELP
Share your truck model and year, trailer weight, ball weight, and typical loading. We will map a towing package that suits Australia and your use case.
Glossary (towing)
- Ball weight: Downward force on the towball, consumes payload.
- Payload: What the truck can carry incluinfi ding passengers and ball weight.
- GVM: Max legal loaded vehicle weight.
- GCM: Max combined vehicle and trailer weight.
- Stability: How predictable the rig feels at speed and in wind.
- Alignment: Geometry settings affecting straight-line tracking and tyre wear.
FAQ
What is included in a heavy towing build package?
Typically suspension tuned for towing, tyres chosen for stability and load ratings, hitch planning, front weight planning, and clean electrical integration. The goal is stability and reliability, not cosmetic changes.
Do I need airbags for towing in Australia?
Not always. Airbags can help some setups, but they should not mask a mismatched suspension package. A stable tow setup starts with correct springs and damping.
Why does my truck feel unstable even though it is rated to tow the trailer?
Often payload and ball weight are the real issue. Suspension tuning, tyre choice, and how the rig is loaded can change stability dramatically.
Can a lift kit make towing worse?
Yes. A lift built for looks can reduce stability. A towing-first suspension package can improve control, but it must be chosen and set up properly.
What tyres are best for towing on a Ford F-250 or RAM 2500?
Load-rated tyres with predictable sidewall behaviour generally tow best. Oversized tyres without a stability plan can increase wander and fatigue.
Do front accessories like bull bars and winches affect towing?
Yes. Front weight changes steering feel and braking behaviour. Towing builds must plan front-end weight properly.
Can you build towing packages for older American pickup trucks?
Yes. Older trucks often tow well, but they should be inspected first. Wear and past modifications can change what works.
Will towing upgrades affect warranty coverage?
They can if poorly chosen or installed. Our fitment is designed and installed to maintain warranty coverage, with practical documentation guidance.
What is the biggest towing mistake you see?
Ignoring payload. Ball weight, passengers, accessories, and gear consume payload quickly, and stability suffers.
How do I reduce towing sway?
Start with correct loading and ball weight. Then match suspension and tyres for stability. Many sway issues are planning issues.
Should I build towing and touring in one package?
You can, but the package must be balanced. Too many heavy touring accessories without payload discipline can hurt towing behaviour.
What do you need from me to recommend the right towing package?
Truck model and year, trailer weight, ball weight estimate, passengers and gear, and what accessories are already fitted.
