Whiteline Television

08/06/2024

04/06/2024

Sometimes the mornings are spectacular

27/11/2023

05/04/2023

Something for a bit of light hearted fun

This is "2023 Bloopers.mov" by Whiteline Television on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people who love them.

11/02/2023

NRFA Conference

11/02/2023

Spending time at the NRFA Conference in Wagga Wagga

30/01/2023

Sometimes you read a story of courage so great it leaves a mark on your soul. Awesome read. Yes some may find the story disturbing but this courage and determination is what our industry has always represented.

19/10/2022

RIP Mate!!

Condolences, love and wishes Kerrie xx

08/10/2022

Well done Kathy, well deserved.

Every company wants a professional driver like this in their fleet! Congratulations to Kathryn Mobbs from the K S Easter Pty Ltd - Brisbane on being awarded the 2022 Professional Driver of the Year at the QTA Road Freight Industry Awards tonight. Kathy is the first female driver to win this prestigious QTA Award. Award sponsors Transurban and Vcv Brisbane.

14/09/2022

Colourful but accurate

24/08/2022

COMMENT: Nobody’s perfect but penalties for minor mistakes are madness.

30/07/2022

Now that’s gorgeous

27/07/2022

Good article. As you would expect, invokes the wrath of the muppets and obligatory head in the sand approach of many.

REAR AXLE LOADING - WHY WE NEED TO CHECK.

The ongoing random roadside weigh checks by Queensland Police have found some interesting statistics.
An alarming 80% of the caravan rigs weighed beside the highways were found to be overweight in some respect.

Of those overweight, a large percentage exceeded the rear axle weigh loading.

LET'S HAVE A LOOK AT THE REASON BEHIND THIS SAD STATISTIC.

Many caravanners, boaties, and horse float towers are now becoming familiar with the following terms and vehicle weight legalities that they must be under when towing.

These are set by the vehicle manufacturer.

GVM (Gross Vehicle Mass) - Total weight of the fully loaded tow vehicle. Includes tow ball weight., driver, passengers, all accessories, bull bar, canopy and 'stuff'.

GCM (Gross Combined Mass) - The total weight of the tow vehicle and trailer being towed.

GTM (Gross Trailer Mass) - Total weight 'on the wheels' of the fully loaded trailer. Excludes the tow ball weight which is transferred to the tow vehicle when attached for towing.

ATM (Aggregate Trailer Mass) - Total weight of the fully loaded trailer. It includes both weights on the wheels and the jockey wheel.

HOWEVER, many forget to measure the weight on the tow vehicle's rear and front axles.

Most tow vehicles, apart from 5th wheelers, have a hitch point approx. 1 - 1.5m behind the rear axle. This is called an 'overhung hitch.'

When you place a heavy load on the tow ball of an overhung hitch, the weight is leveraged by the rear axle acting as a pivot point, placing an increase load on the rear axle and taking weight off the front axle.

It is just like a see saw in a children's playground.

Typically, this weight transfer onto the rear axle can be 140 - 150% of the actual tow ball weight and means that a 300kg load on the tow hitch can mean a 420 to 450kg load on the rear axle.

This can often mean that the fully loaded vehicle now exceeds the manufacturers total rear axle loading and the vehicle is therefore unroadworthy and insurance voided.

ALL vehicles are affected by this leverage effect.

Now before you listen to the comments " Oh! you just need a weigh distribution hitch", do your own research on your individual rig.

A Weigh Distribution Hitch (WDH) / Load Levelers are NOT often a fix for the actual problem and many vehicle manufacturers recommend NOT using them on certain vehicles for a variety of individual model relative reasons.

Firstly, find out all the facts on your individual vehicle by having it professionally weighed, fully loaded.

Secondly, Check all weight is distributed correctly. Often this problem can be solved by moving some weight around, or leaving some out and saving your thousands of dollars on recommended purchases or work.

Thirdly, also check that the tow vehicle suspension is in good condition. If you have a vehicle more than a few years old, especially if it has been used for towing or heavy loads, the suspension may be fatigued causing towing imbalance. Fit it first.

These are common causes of the problem of rear down, front up towing where many just try to cover the problem with a WDH.
Only use ANY 'add on' accessory as a last resort if ALL else does not solve your problem.

A weigh distribution hitch can be a good accessory if actually needed, if adjusted correctly and for the right reasons. Because your mate uses one in not a valid reason for you to use one. Your rig, van and loading are completely different to his.

Just for the record, I use a WDH on my unique rig, showing I am not against their use, only their misuse.

DO NOT WASTE MONEY TO FIX A SYMPTOM OF A PROBLEM.
FIX THE ACTUAL PROBLEM.

The problem will always be there unless you fix it. A band aid fix of a symptom will not solve your towing problem.

It can be difficult to weigh the rear axle on a standard weighbridge as not all have separate axle weighing. Some do but most don't.

That is why I recommend a mobile scales company that can weight each wheel individually and give more information on weight distribution.

This is where a mobile scales companies like
http://www.checkweight.com.au/ in Newcastle can assist.

Owner Jeff De Ath has weighted many different types of vehicles. Here is his description of when he weighed a RAM 1500 and his comments on the rear axle loading.
https://checkweight.com.au/post/check-weight-should-i-buy-a-ram-1500-to-tow-my-caravan/

Automotive journalist Robert Pepper has a way of explaining things with demonstrations that helps understand this concept of weight increasing by leverage.
https://youtu.be/tyvpVv3PaWw

Robert Peppers video also help explain why weighing your caravan at ride height is so important. If weighing your tow ball weight, the van MUST be at normal towing height to get any accurate reading. This can be particularly difficult when using one of the cheap (long) spring pole type tow ball scales.

Stay safe everyone.
Cheers
Ken Wilson

24/07/2022

Personally I feel this rule is now so outdated. We don’t walk in front of vehicles carrying a lantern lights now are way too bright for this rule. people don’t follow it anyway.

10 MOST MISUNDERSTOOD ROAD RULES

#6 USING HEADLIGHTS AND FOG LIGHTS

High Beam:
A driver must not use their headlights on high beam if travelling
➡️ less than 200m behind a vehicle travelling in the same direction
➡️ less than 200m from an oncoming vehicle

Must not dazzle:
A driver must not use any light fitted to their vehicle that may dazzle another road user.

Fog lights:
A driver is only permitted to use fog lights if driving in fog, mist or other atmospheric condition that restricts visibility.

Spot lights:
A driver may only use a spot or search light if:
➡️ the vehicle is stationary and the light is being used for making adjustments or repairs to a vehicle. The light must not be projected more than six metres.
➡️ The light is used temporarily to read a house umber or notice board.

Lights:
When driving at night, or in conditions where there is insufficient daylight to render a person dressed in dark clothing discernible at a distance of 100m, a driver’s vehicle must have clearly visible:
➡️ headlights
➡️ tail lights
➡️ number plate lights
➡️ clearance lights and side marker lights if they are fitted to the vehicle.

It is recommended that in some daytime situations driving with the vehicle’s headlights on can improve the likelihood of being seen by other road users.

20/06/2022

Loving the new rear bar, just a few finishing touches to it to come but perfect fit!

09/06/2022

Caravan owners are urged to weigh their rigs after a recent Queensland Transport and Main Roads blitz found most of the vehicles pulled over were noncompliant.

06/06/2022

Now that’s the biz right there!!!

That’s s*x on wheels! - sorry

24/05/2022

A very interesting article. Quite technical but very interesting. Important too.

LITTLE KNOWN FACTS ABOUT THE 50MM TOW BALL THAT ALL SHOULD KNOW.

The most popular tow hitch is the standard 50mm tow ball but, is it’s time limited with so many better options available now.

Here is some interesting information about this popular tow hitch.

The 50mm tow ball is only rated to tow up to 3,500kg. Above that load, other hitch options must be used.

Larger 70mm balls or other hitch types are required above this weight.
All hitch types are rated so ensure you have the right one for your towing job.

Transport for NSW advise that 50mm ball couplings must comply to ADR 62 and Australian Standard AS4177.

A coupling complying with this standard must be permanently marked accordingly:
• the manufacturer's name or trademark;
• the mark ‘50’;
• the maximum rating for the coupling body in one of the following, as applicable,
• 750 kg; or
• 2000 kg; or
• 3500 kg;
• a code to indicate the serial number, batch, production date, or similar;
• the words ‘DO NOT WELD’ if the coupling body is manufactured from nonweldable materials;
• the words ‘WELD ONLY’ if the coupling body is specifically designed to be attached by welding only

Therefore, ensure you have the correct tow ball for your towing job, and beware of non-complying cheap overseas imports.

The 50mm tow ball must also be fitted at a height, when loaded, of between 350 and 460mm off the ground to be compliant.

WHY – Vehicle Standards at Federal Department of Infrastructure advise –

“The prescribed fitment height for ball couplings in AS 4177 is intended to ensure effective coupling articulation in normal operating conditions. When a ball coupling is operated with high levels of articulation it can become unhitched causing the trailer to become detached from the tow vehicle. The tow ball fitment height range ensures adequate levels of coupling articulation under normal driving conditions to ensure safe operation of vehicles and trailers operating ball coupling devices.”

This height limit will make safe coupling with many modern off-road caravans and lifted tow vehicles difficult to comply with, but it is still the law and should be complied with.

The 200 Series Landcruiser has one of the highest hitch receivers on the market, and most would need a drop hitch to ensure safe towing practice is followed.

NOTE: - This height limit is NOT noted relevant to other types of hitches. i.e., DO35, Hitch-Ezy etc.

Although they are by far the most used hitch, I am not a big fan of the 50mm ball use, apart from the suburban box trailer as a universal coupling.
The 50 mm coupling will have limited roll and once the limit is reached the caravan can in fact assist rolling over the tow vehicle in a caravan rollover situation. The cup rolls and pushes the ball stem to help tip the tow vehicle.

They are therefore not suited to, nor popular with serious off-road towing.

While we all have our own preferences, I recommend an articulated tow hitch, like the Hitch-Ezy, that has automatic double locking and is unusual which also reduces the chance of theft. I use the 5,000 kg unit to match my vehicle’s 4t towing capacity and even more rare.

The 3,500 kg units suit most needs.
The vehicle post is also one of the strongest on the market. No, they are not a sponsor.

I have a separate 380mm drop hitch with 50mm ball for borrowing / hiring a box or other trailers.

While many options are available, I have seen many photos of, and had a friend suffer broken hitch posts on another popular unit, so it pays to do some research of your own.

Popular hitches may not be the best or suit your individual rig needs.

NOTE :- TOWING WITH A TRUCK OR VEHICLE RATED OVER 5,000 GVM, FITTED WITH A 50mm BALL, THE 50MM TOW BALL CAPACITY MAY BE DERATED.

THIS WILL AFFECT MANY LARGE MOTORHOMES TOWING CAR TRAILERS ETC. ALSO.

If your tow vehicle has a GVM of 5,000 kg or above, a derating factor applies to the 50mm tow ball. It may no longer be able to tow a 3,500kg trailer.

Even though the ball may be originally rated at 3,500 kgs, when you attach it to a vehicle with a GVM of above 5,000kgs you will not be able to tow a 3,500 kg van with this set up in many cases.

A notice may also need to be fitted to the tow vehicle stating the maximum trailer weight that can be towed with the 50mm ball.

For example, a tow vehicle with a GVM of 6,000kgs can only tow a trailer / caravan to a max of 3,089kgs when using a 50mm tow ball. The trailer weight reduces dramatically the heavier the tow vehicle GVM gets. (7,500 GVM tow vehicle – 2,801kg van etc.)

A full explanation, calculations and chart is available from the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR).
https://www.nhvr.gov.au/files/201709-0684-vsg16-50mm-ball-couplings.pdf

The towing capacity of your vehicle will be the LESSER weight capacity of the following: -

• Tow vehicle towing capacity
• Tow bar weigh capacity
• Tow hitch weight capacity
• Tow hitch coupling fitted to the tow hitch
• Common sense

Always check the weigh capacity of any replacement or drop hitches, as they often look the same, but load capacity may vary from 2,500kgs to 3,500kgs and above.

GVM and GCM weight limits must be adhered to as do other factors include rear axle loading as with most overhung type hitches the actual weight on the tow hitch is multiplied by 140 – 150% onto the rear axle when connected.

IE: - A tow ball weight of 300kgs will often be an additional 450kg on the rear axle, due to the leverage of weight off the front axle.

This makes many seemingly great tow vehicles exceed the rear axle loading and become unroadworthy. Some of the American ‘trucks’ come into this category.

Thank you for following Truck Friendly.

Stay safe everyone.

Cheers
Ken Wilson

20/05/2022

Well we are progressing with our build on our camera car. Today we spent the morning with the awesome guys at in New Gisborne Victoria getting the new Drawers added. Pretty impressed with them I must say! We’ll do a video on the car when we’ve finished.

18/02/2022

positive

You may remember in early 2020 Sarah brought you the story of Chris Harmer whom we dubbed “Mr Positive” who had not long prior been diagnosed with a very aggressive brain tumour along with being the father of three with two being profoundly disabled. The industry in Wagga Wagga pulled together and in the spirit of brotherhood and mateship joined with his extended Christian community in lending support to this incredible family. Then last year Sarah brought you the second instalment with Chris when he subsequently went into remission. For a time Chris was doing so well that his neurosurgeon even signed off on Chris getting his car license back which allowed Chris a degree of independence and some respite for his wife Carol we’re sure.

For those of you that have followed this inspirational story of Chris and his family, we now have the third and final instalment in this story. Our mate Bruce Dodds spent some time with Chris at a benefit day arranged for him. At Chris’s request, the proceeds from the benefit day were donated to fellow truck driver Doug Newman who was in Hospital at the same time as Chris for the same tragic condition.

Sadly Chris has now lost his battle with this hideous disease. Doug had also tragically lost his battle the day before Chris.

The takeaway for us in producing the story is that no matter what happens in our life, no matter what cards we are dealt, there is always another side to look at. When you look at Chris’s life and the cards that he has been dealt you would forgive him for complaining, walking away or becoming a bitter man, however, Chris was quite the opposite to this. Chris looked at each thing as a blessing, his children, his treatment, his friends, his church and his family were all the positives in his life. His unshakable belief and faith in his God held him strong and firm. In the dealings we have had with Chris, we have never heard a complaint or a harsh word.

We don’t have the answers. Whatever you believe in, whatever higher power you feel you answer to, if that is God, Jesus Christ, Allah, Buddha or that science textbook from University it doesn’t matter, if your unshakable belief makes you half the good person that Chris Harmer was and provides half the comfort to you and your families then follow that. It has been an honour and pleasure to have known Chris and we thank him, Carol and the children who have allowed us to tell the story of this absolute tragedy.

We would also like to thank the Burkinshaw family for allowing us to shoot some of these stories at their depot in Wagga Wagga, what a shining example of a Transport company in this day and age that actually shows compassion and empathy to their drivers, quite rare these days. We also thank the Wagga Boat Club for everything they did to accommodate our crew during the pandemic. All truly amazing people.

At 9:30 am on the 17th February 2022 Chris finally lost his battle,

At 8:15 am on the 16th February 2022, Doug Newman passed away and we say Gods speed to you both, your shifts are done!

Rest in peace.