Victoria has moved to make it easier and safer to tow trailers containing gliders. The Gliding Federation of Australia has requested Victoria's assistance in facilitating the towing of these relatively narrow, long trailers with rear overhangs up to 5.0 metres.

Gliders are built to international class specifications. Most new gliders are imported from Europe and delivered in custom built trailers. The axles on the trailers are positioned to achieve the correct trailer balance and handling characteristics. This means that the trailer rear overhang may exceed the Australian limit of 3.7 metres.

Gliding is an international sport with a continuous stream of international visitors bringing their own gliders and trailers to Australia. Recognising the increased rear overhang will enable gliders to be readily transported in Victoria.

As from 28 May 1999, a class 3 notice published in the Victoria Government Gazette No. S 78, allows glider trailers to have a maximum rear overhang of 5.0 metres when being towed in Victoria.

1. The rear overhang of a glider trailer must not exceed 5 metres.
2. The rear load area on the trailer may be longer than the front load area provided there is a positive downwards force on the towing vehicle's tow coupling, It should be noted, that when the trailer is being towed without a glider in it, there must continue to be a download force on the tow coupling. Some ballast may be necessary towards the front of the trailer to achieve this force.

3. The width of the load carrying area, or body, of the glider trailer must not exceed 2 metres if the trailer rear overhang exceeds 3.7 metres.
4. The glider trailer must not exceed the following maximum dimensions:

5. the overall length of the motor vehicle and glider trailer must not exceed 19 metres.

Glider Trailer Requirements

The glider trailer must only be used when transporting a glider and any glider accessories associated with gliding, or for empty travel.

Assessing Your Route

The owner, operator and driver are responsible for planning each journey to ensure that the vehicle crosses bridges and negotiates curves and intersections in a safe manner. Such planning should recognise that some roads and intersections may not be capable. of accommodating vehicles at the dimensions in this bulletin.

Carrying Documents

The driver of a vehicle towing a glider trailer with a rear overhang exceeding 3.7 metres must carry a copy of this bulletin or the Gazette Notice in the driving compartment and must produce it when requested by a VicRoads Officer or a Police Officer.

Detailed Information

For detailed information on requirements, refer to the Victoria Government Gazette No S 78 of 28 May 1999.

Copies of the Gazette are available from Information Victoria at 356 Collins Street, Melbourne (phone 1300 366 356).

Further Enquires

For further enquiries, contact VicRoads' Permit lssuing Officers on (03) 9313 1224 or (03} 9881 8852.

e-mail: oreganj@vrnotes.roads.vic.gov.au