The mass and dimension limits for vehicles, including rigid trucks towing trailers, are detailed in Part 4 of the Road Safety (Vehicles) Regulations 1999.
The following information bulletins set out the operating requirements for truck and dog trailer combinations in Victoria that are in excess of the general mass limits in the Regulations.
3 Axle Truck & 4 Axle Dog Trailer [PDF, 281 KB, 4 pp]
45 Tonne Truck & 3 Axle Dog Trailer [PDF, 436 KB, 4 pp]
The requirements for 3 axle and 4 axle dog trailer combinations are also described in Part 1 and 2 of Schedule 3 to the Road Safety (Vehicles) Regulations 1999.
3 axle and 4 axle dog trailer combinations operating above 42.5 tonnes are required to have an approved air suspension on all axles except the truck steer axle.
The following mechanical suspensions systems, which are certified as road friendly, may be used on the tandem drive group as an alternative to air suspension:
- Mercedes-Benz 6 rod - certificate no. RF 2017;
- Volvo 6 rod RADD-BR - certificate no. RF 2021; and
- Scania BT200/201/B/D/I - certificate no. RF 2024.
The approval of these mechanical suspensions is described in the Australian Government Department of Transport and Regional Services website at www.dotars.gov.au
Search road friendly to find the document Certified Road-Friendly Suspensions.
The instrument allowing the use of the above mechanical suspensions is:
Victoria Government Gazette - Special No. 166 - 15 July 2004.
The following information bulletin summarises the operating requirements for 22 metre long truck and dog trailer combinations carrying logs.
22 Metre Long Quad Dog for Logs [PDF, 626 KB, 2 pp]
Details are also contained in Victoria Government Gazette - Special No. 277 - 22 December 2004.