Ezi Car Rental is one of the only car rental companies that allow you to use our vehicles to tow your personal trailer.
Both our Toyota Hilux 4WD and Ford Ranger 4WD utes come with a towbar, please see below for the towing capacity.
All of our utes can tow a maximum capacity of 2,500kg (braked) with a 750kg unbraked limit. Due to these vehicles diesel engines, they have the ability to hold torque, which is why they make it ideal to tow trailers, boats or horse floats.
All our vehicles equipped with towbars utilise the standard 1 7/8″ tow ball, which equates to 47.55mm. None of our vehicles are fitted with the 50mm tow ball, and tow balls are not interchangeable.
If you require further information about towing, see the article below from the New Zealand Transport Authority.
https://www.nzta.govt.nz/resources/glovebox-guide-safe-loading-towing/guide-safe-loading-towing
If you choose to tow any item, please note in case of an incident/accident, you are liable for any damage occurring to your trailer and load.
Towing Capacity Limits
Towing capacity limits refer to the maximum weight that a vehicle can safely tow. These limits are determined by several factors, including the vehicle’s engine power, transmission, brakes, frame strength, and suspension system. Here are the main aspects to consider:
- Manufacturer Specifications: Each vehicle comes with a towing capacity rating specified by the manufacturer, typically found in the owner’s manual or on a label in the vehicle. This rating is based on rigorous testing and is designed to ensure safety.
- Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): This is the maximum weight a vehicle can safely handle, including its own weight plus any cargo and passengers. Towing too much can exceed the GVWR, leading to handling issues and potential damage.
- Tongue Weight: This is the downward force exerted on the hitch by the trailer. It should typically be 10-15% of the total trailer weight. Too much tongue weight can affect vehicle handling and braking.
- Braking System: The vehicle’s brakes must be able to handle the additional weight of the trailer. Some heavier trailers may require a trailer brake system for safe stopping.
- Hitch Class: The type of hitch used can also limit towing capacity. Hitches are classified (I to V) based on their strength and are designed for specific weight limits.
- Load Distribution: Proper weight distribution within the trailer and ensuring that the load is balanced can significantly affect towing performance and safety.
Exceeding the towing capacity can lead to increased wear and tear, reduced control of the vehicle, and potential safety hazards.
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Related Information
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How do I book a rental car with Ezi Car Rental?
The fastest and easiest way to book is on our website.
If you prefer, you can email us your booking information at bookings@ezicarrental.co.nz.
If you want to talk to someone, you can call us toll free on:
- 0800 545 000 from New Zealand
- 1800 129 102 from Australia
- +64 9 254 4397 from any other international country
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What is the age/condition of Ezi Car Rental cars?
We have a a large fleet of rental cars with mostly latest model 2019-2020 vehicles.
Ezi Car Rental’s small and medium cars offer great value for money for travelers who are budget conscious, but still want a comfortable, late model vehicle with all the benefits. This includes 24 hour Roadside Assistance, unlimited kilometers, two drivers included in the base hire cost, and unrivaled depot locations.
You can be assured that all vehicles are meticulously maintained, groomed and of the highest quality.
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Am I covered in the unlikely event of a breakdown?
Should you encounter any problems during your hire with us, please call us first on
0800 545 000 (free from a public telephone).
Ezi Car Rental can provide you with all the help and assistance you need if anything should go wrong while out on the road.
All our rates include: 24 hour First Assistance.
Mechanical problems
All mechanical breakdowns are covered by AA Roadside Assistance. This includes engine faults, cooling systems, electrical faults and vehicle recovery.
Non-Mechanical/Driver at fault
All call outs diagnosed as a non-mechanical breakdown at the time of the initial call, will incur a call out fee.
This includes flat batteries (caused by accessories left on such as lights and doors not closed), wheels and tyres, lost keys, if you get locked out of your car or run out of fuel.
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What accessories are available from Ezi Car Rental ?
The following accessories or extras are available and can either be pre-booked online or purchased at pick up:
- Baby and booster seats
- Ski racks (Selected South Island locations only)
- Snow chains (Selected South Island locations only)
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How do I pay for my rental car?
When booking with Ezi Car Rental, you don’t have to pay anything up front. However please give us a call or email us if you’d like to do so.
Please note that we do NOT accept Cash as a form of payment.
We accept:
- Visa
- Mastercard
- American Express
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
These cards must show the main driver’s name, signature and card number, with the applicable logo. Cash, prepaid and reloadable debit cards, gift cards and Travel cards, are NOT accepted for payment or to use as a bond for security purposes.
A credit card transaction fee of 2.2% for Mastercard and Visa and 4% for American Express applies to the total rental charges including GST (but excluding any Airport and Ferry fees and the GST on these fees) where a credit card is used for payment.
A minimum pre-authorisation of $400* is required as security on all Mastercard and Visa debit card payments. All holds on debit cards funds are released upon return of the rental car if no damage or fees are owing on the hire. It can take up to 7 working days for your bank to operate the release. Please note this is a hold on a credit card meaning it doesn’t show as a transaction on your statement.
*The pre-authorisation may differ depending on vehicle type.
** Transfercar payment options and Terms and Conditions differ from Ezi, please see the Transfercar website for more details.
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How do I collect my vehicle?
Please note that all reservation confirmations contain full vehicle pick up information.
Click here to find out more about how to collect your Ezi Car Rental vehicle.
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Do I have to rent snow chains in Winter?
Snow chains can be an absolute essential when traveling in New Zealand during the winter months. As a result of motor vehicles being caught without chains in sudden snowfalls over winter in the Queenstown Lakes District and Milford Sound, a bylaw has been introduced.
The bylaw states, “At the direction of an enforcement officer or authorised officer, the driver of any vehicle may be required to fit snow chains to such vehicle on any road, and no person shall drive, or direct or allow such vehicle to be driven without such snow chains fitted.”
Please be aware of this bylaw if you are going to be travelling in these areas during the winter period.
Non-compliance will result in a $150 fine for Queenstown Lakes District and $750 for Milford Sound.
Snow chains can be added for as little as $13.80 a day, up to a maximum of $55.20 per hire.
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How to fit snow chains the easy way
This simple video from Ezi shows you how to fit them:
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Are there any roads I cannot drive on?
You can drive Ezi Car Rental cars on any road except:
- Tasman Valley Road – also known as the Ball Hut access road (Aoraki/Mt Cook)
Skippers Canyon Road (Queenstown)
- Ninety Mile Beach (Northland)
- Any roads north of Colville on the Coromandel Peninsula
These roads are not part of normal touring routes and you will not be insured if you drive on these roads, or drive on any beaches or take part in any off road driving at any time during your hire.
