Unbraked vs Braked Towing Capacity: What's the Difference and Which Do You Need?
2 February, 2026
Understanding towing capacity could be the difference between a safe family adventure and a dangerous situation on New Zealand roads.
In New Zealand, trailers over 2000kg must have a brake by law (Under 2000kg, there is no legal requirement for trailer brakes), yet many drivers remain unaware of the critical differences between unbraked and braked towing capacity.
The reality is that “towing capacity” isn’t just one simple number. Your vehicle has two distinct limits: what it can safely tow without trailer brakes (unbraked capacity) and what it can handle when the trailer has its own braking system (braked capacity). Modern vehicles like the Mitsubishi Triton offer a 1000kg payload and up to 3,500kg braked towing capacity, but only 750kg unbraked – a massive difference that every driver needs to understand.
Getting this right means the difference between enjoying worry-free family holidays with your caravan and facing roadside emergencies, insurance complications, or worse. Let’s explore exactly what these terms mean and how to choose the right setup for your needs.
Unbraked Towing Capacity Explained
Unbraked towing capacity refers to the maximum weight your vehicle can safely tow when the trailer has no braking system of its own.
When towing without trailer brakes, your vehicle’s braking system must handle stopping both the car and the trailer. This significantly increases braking distances and puts extra strain on your brake pads, discs, and overall stopping ability.
Typical applications for unbraked towing include: Small box trailers for weekend hardware store runs, jet ski trailers for beach adventures, utility trailers for camping gear, and lightweight camping trailers. These loads are perfect for vehicles like the Mitsubishi Outlander, which offers 1,600kg braked capacity but remains limited to 750kg when towing unbraked trailers.
The risks of exceeding unbraked limits are serious. Extended braking distances can catch drivers off guard, particularly when descending hills or in stop-start traffic. Your vehicle’s brakes will experience accelerated wear, potentially leading to brake fade or failure. In emergency braking situations, the trailer’s momentum can push your vehicle forward, reducing steering control and increasing the risk of jack-knifing.
The key takeaway? If you’re regularly towing loads approaching 750kg, or planning to tow anything heavier, trailer brakes aren’t optional – they’re necessary for safety.
Braked Towing Capacity Explained
Braked towing capacity represents your vehicle’s maximum towing capability when the trailer is equipped with its own braking system. This figure is significantly higher than unbraked capacity because the trailer contributes to its own stopping power, dramatically improving overall safety and control.
New Zealand regulations require specific brake configurations based on trailer weight: trailers between 0-2000kg don’t necessarily require brakes (but it is always recommended), while trailers over 2000kg require brakes on at least one axle. Trailers exceeding 2,000kg must also be equipped with automatic breakaway systems that activate if the trailer becomes detached from the towing vehicle.
Understanding trailer brake types helps you choose the right system:
- Override or surge brakes use mechanical activation through the trailer coupling. When you brake, the trailer pushes against the coupling, activating its brakes automatically.
- Electric brakes offer superior control and are operated directly from the driver’s position via a brake controller installed in your vehicle. This system allows you to adjust braking force and apply trailer brakes independently if needed. Electric brakes are typically preferred for heavier trailers and provide more precise control.
- Electric over hydraulic systems combine electric control with hydraulic brake activation, typically used for the heaviest trailer applications where maximum stopping power is required.
The benefits of trailer brakes extend far beyond legal compliance. Stopping distances increase dramatically, often reducing by 30-40% compared to unbraked towing. Vehicle control remains stable during emergency braking, and your vehicle’s brake system experiences significantly less wear.
Modern vehicles integrate trailer braking seamlessly with their electronic systems. Advanced models include trailer sway control and stability management that can apply individual brakes to correct trailer movement before it becomes dangerous.
Choosing the Right Vehicle and Trailer Combination
Successful towing starts with understanding your vehicle’s true capabilities and matching them appropriately to your trailer and load requirements. The key is recognising that advertised towing capacity represents maximum capability under ideal conditions – real-world towing often requires more conservative approaches.
Vehicle considerations go beyond simple towing capacity figures. The Gross Combined Mass (GCM) determines the actual legal weight maximum of your vehicle and trailer together, which can be lower than the advertised towing capacity when your vehicle is loaded with passengers and cargo.
For serious towing applications, vehicles like the Mitsubishi Triton with its 3,500kg braked towing capacity provide the muscle needed for large caravans, boat trailers, or work applications. The Triton’s robust chassis and advanced 4WD systems make it ideal for challenging terrain and heavy loads.
For recreational family towing, the Mitsubishi Outlander’s 1,600kg braked capacity handles most camping trailers, boat trailers, and recreational equipment while maintaining excellent fuel economy and urban drivability.
Calculation methods ensure safe operation: Gross Trailer Mass (GTM) includes the trailer plus everything loaded on it, while Aggregate Trailer Mass (ATM) represents the maximum the trailer can legally carry. Ball weight – typically 10% of trailer weight – affects your vehicle’s rear axle loading and must not exceed towbar ratings.
Other critical factors influence your setup:
- Terrain plays a huge role in towing safety. Mountain roads, beach sand, and steep boat ramps all demand different approaches and potentially reduced load limits. Weather conditions, particularly crosswinds and wet roads, can dramatically affect trailer stability.
- Driver experience matters significantly. New towers should start with lighter loads and gradually build confidence and skills before attempting maximum-weight towing.
- Vehicle modifications might be necessary for optimal towing. Weight distribution hitches, transmission coolers, and upgraded suspension can all improve towing capability and safety.
This information is to be used only as a guide and we reconmmend you visit websites such as nzta.govt.nz for the latest information.
New Zealand Towing FAQ Guide
What is the towing performance of the Triton?
It has a braked towing capacity of 3,500 kg, which is competitive in the mid-size ute segment. The unbraked towing capacity is 750 kg. As for payload, specific numbers vary by trim and configuration (e.g. cab chassis, double cab, etc.), so check the variant you intend to buy (at your local Ingham dealership or official spec sheet)
Is there a safe guide I can download?
Yes, NZTA offer the following towing safety guide for download: https://www.nzta.govt.nz/assets/resources/glovebox-guide-safe-loading-towing/docs/guide-safe-loading-towing.pdf
What is the speed limit for towing?
Maximum 90km/h for trailers on the open road (if using a rope or non-rigid connection, 50km/h).
What are the towing weight limits in NZ?
Total combined weight of vehicle, trailer, and load must not exceed 4,500kg for Class 1 learner/restricted licences, or 6,000kg for full licences. https://nzta.govt.nz/roadcode/general-road-code/about-your-vehicle/light-trailer-requirements#:~:text=To%20ensure%20the%20stability%20of,must%20not%20touch%20the%20ground.
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