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stedge Just got MTs
Joined: 16 Oct 2005 Odometer: 215 Location: Scarisbrick, Lancashire
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Posted: Sun Oct 10, 2010 9:04 pm Post subject: Trailer legalities
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Hi all,
I recently bought a series one landy and with it came a car transporter trailer. I've looked through a few threads on here to find out where I stand regards using the trailer as I've never used one before. It is a twin axle leaf sprung trailer. It has a hand brake which operates on both axles but no overrun brakes. I was told it is ex local authority but it is pretty old. I was told it is desirable because different laws apply to old trailers. If this is the case should the trailer have paperwork with it saying when it was built. Am I restricted to 750kg, if not how do I know how much I can carry.
Thanks
Steve
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scut44 Guest
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Posted: Sun Oct 10, 2010 9:22 pm Post subject:
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If you mean you dont have grandad rights & havnt passed a trailer test so limited to towing 750kg, thats it.
read the link i have put up maybe which will tell you about vehicles up to 3500kg & trailers to 750kg & MAM of 4250kg etc etc
& maximum trailer weight etc.
you will probably be none the wiser.
You can be sure tho that untill you have passes your trailer test you cant tow a braked transporter with a vehicle on it.
& you cant tow an unbraked trailer over 750kg
Even HGV drivers that passed their test after 1991 can only tow 750kg untill they pass a further test.
Its not just the law part tho thats driving not in accordance with your licence which means your insurance is void, which is another offence.
I would get it down to the weigh bridge & find out its weight empty.
www.ntta.co.uk/law/
there is a sticky up in the 4x4 section on towing.
or google the regulations.
george
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mdm Winch Assistant
Joined: 22 Apr 2008 Odometer: 50 Location: lancashire
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Posted: Sat Oct 16, 2010 9:12 pm Post subject:
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can you clarify your comment on hgv towing ,as you are incorrect.
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trailer guy Articulating
Joined: 19 Feb 2009 Odometer: 787 Location: Hampshire
1994 Land Rover 110
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Posted: Sun Oct 17, 2010 9:25 pm Post subject:
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Hi Steve
Trailer law is a very grey area - anyone even remotely familiar with it will concur!
To run through your statements / questions:
You state that it has a hand brake, but the intimation is that the trailer doesn't have a braking system actuated by a coupling? If that is the case then you're scuppered - 750kg MAM is your lot. In which case, with an old and doubtless heavy, trailer then that'll probably only give you a payload of a couple of bags of spuds! If I've got that wrong and it does have a coupling that actuates a braking system then;
If it's non auto-reverse (you have to get out and flick a catch on the coupling when you want to reverse it) it means it'll probably have been built prior to 1989. Trailers manufactured after 1989 must be fitted with an auto-reverse braking system. You can further narrow the age down by looking at the coupling. All trailers manufactured after October 1982 had / have to be fitted with with a coupling that includes a hydraulic damper. Ergo, if you have a coupling that looks like a cast iron box with a great big spring inside it then your trailer would (should!) have been built before October 1982.
The only handy law pertaining to old trailers is the maximum gross weight of 3560kg applying to trailers manufactured before March 1977. You gain 60kg over modern trailers, is all.
Paperwork would be handy, but if you've not had anything from your seller then it's unlikely to materialise. Have a look for a chassis plate on the drawbar. If not, check for some plates on the axles... if not, a bit of a clutch at straws, but have a look at the tyres. They may have a weight rating which may give you an approximation of capacity. Bit vague though...
You need to look at all sorts of different things to judge a capacity, not just it tyres!
Happy hunting!
PS. mdm - I think George is referring to the change introduced on 1 January 1997 for HGV drivers. Drivers who obtained their C or D category licence following a test taken on or after 1 April 1991 should be aware that since 1 January 1997 they have been restricted to towing trailers up to 750kg MAM until they have passed the C1+E test.
I think DVLA fact sheet INF30 gives further info.
Cheers, Ben
__________________________________ www.compasstrailers.com |
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mdm Winch Assistant
Joined: 22 Apr 2008 Odometer: 50 Location: lancashire
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Posted: Wed Oct 20, 2010 3:42 pm Post subject:
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cheers ben a nice and correct answer.
i assume geroge means the same but unless you work with or in trls then its very easy to read and take for gospel what folk see on forums.
if the old bill stop you and you dont have the correct license and insurance for the same. they may impound the tow vehilce and trl.
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