Braked axle question

Courageous · 30 October 2011, 23:06

Guys, I was just wondering whether, on a two axle setup, the law requires that both axles are braked or can just one set have brakes? I ask this as I have bought a trailer which I plan to mod and just wondered whether there would be an option to make it braked without replacing the existing axle set?

Dirk Diggler · 31 October 2011, 08:15

All axles have to be braked

Trailer Guy · 31 October 2011, 08:35

Yup, Dirk's correct.

Courageous · 31 October 2011, 10:04

Oh well, errm I suppose braking is still a good option as it does increase the allowable load doesn't it? At the moment the axle fitted is 1200kg but I guess from what I've read here that over 750kg is wasted without the brakes (for road use). Thanx for your replies guys.

Trailer Guy · 31 October 2011, 12:10

Correct - anything over 750kg GVW / MAM has to be braked by law.

Downhilldai · 31 October 2011, 12:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by Courageous

Oh well, errm I suppose braking is still a good option as it does increase the allowable load doesn't it?

Not if the trailer only has a MAM of 750kg. Fitting a more capable axle won't increase the allowable load of the trailer.

Trailer Guy · 31 October 2011, 12:42

If they're both 1200kg it should give a GVW / MAM of 2600kg.

Courageous · 31 October 2011, 13:46

Dai, I haven't seen the trailer yet but believe it has a MAM at the moment of 1200kg on the one axle. TG - I guess you are talking about both axles? I probably won't go to the second one now you've told me they both need to be braked but wot I may well do is change the existing 1200 for a braked one and then get more value (payload wise) for the trailer as my DR750 is something like 800kg anyway. In any case how does 2 x 1200 make 2600 I wonder? Is that a typo or is there some other science at work here?

Trailer Guy · 31 October 2011, 14:07

ha ha ha!

nope, typo! I may be fik, but i can likt 'eavy fings!

Boats&Outboards · 31 October 2011, 15:11

Can i interrupt this maths lesson for another topic ?

I'm putting it on here so as not to take any attention away from your sticky (fantastic by the way, well done).

With regards to the B+E licence. All the documents seem to suggest if you've passed your test after 1997 and want to tow over 750 kgs you have to take the test.

My understanding is that if you've passed your test after 1997 your permitted to tow upto 3500 kgs total to include your tow car. So in theory if your car is 2000 kgs you can tow up 1500 kgs provided both the trailer is legal (ie braked) and th car is rated to pull such weight.

I checked with a local company who offers the b+e test on their website and thats what they confirm too

Here's the link

http://www.catseyesdrivingschool.co.uk/tow.htm

Which is correct ? It matters not to me but im sure some ribnetters may think they need to take the test when it may be they don't.

Peter ~ Boatsandoutboards4sale ~ askboatsandoutboards4sale@sky.com ~ 07930 421007

Trailer Guy · 31 October 2011, 15:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boats&Outboards

Can i interrupt this maths lesson for another topic ?

I'm putting it on here so as not to take any attention away from your sticky (fantastic by the way, well done).

With regards to the B+E licence. All the documents seem to suggest if you've passed your test after 1997 and want to tow over 750 kgs you have to take the test.

My understanding is that if you've passed your test after 1997 your permitted to tow upto 3500 kgs total to include your tow car. So in theory if your car is 2000 kgs you can tow up 1500 kgs provided both the trailer is legal (ie braked) and th car is rated to pull such weight.

I checked with a local company who offers the b+e test on their website and thats what they confirm too

Here's the link

Caravan Towing Courses | Expert Caravan Towing Lessons

Which is correct ? It matters not to me but im sure some ribnetters may think they need to take the test when it may be they don't.

Peter ~ Boatsandoutboards4sale ~ askboatsandoutboards4sale@sky.com ~ 07930 421007

Can see where you're coming from! Maybe this would be a better link?:

Towing - Are you legal? - The Camping and Caravanning Club

Boats&Outboards · 31 October 2011, 16:43

That's the cookie

So in summary if your total combined weight is 3,500 kgs or less all in including the car, persons, trailer and load your fine, regardless of when you passed your test. Provided the trailer is legal of course (braked trailer if over 750 kgs and within car rating).

If your combined weight is over that limit and you took your test after 1997, take the B+E test.

Simples

Peter ~ Boatsandoutboards4sale ~ askboatsandoutboards4sale@sky.com ~ 07930 421007

Dry_Doc · 04 November 2011, 10:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boats&Outboards

That's the cookie

So in summary if your total combined weight is 3,500 kgs or less all in including the car, persons, trailer and load your fine, regardless of when you passed your test. Provided the trailer is legal of course (braked trailer if over 750 kgs and within car rating).

If your combined weight is over that limit and you took your test after 1997, take the B+E test.

Simples

Peter ~ Boatsandoutboards4sale ~ askboatsandoutboards4sale@sky.com ~ 07930 421007

Correct, although it's worth noting that the actual measured weight is irrelevant (unless you're overloaded of course!), the combined plated MAMs of the tow vehicle and trailer are what you need to go by.

Boats&Outboards · 04 November 2011, 19:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dry_Doc

Correct, although it's worth noting that the actual measured weight is irrelevant (unless you're overloaded of course!), the combined plated MAMs of the tow vehicle and trailer are what you need to go by.

That's interesting to read. So you could be towing a 750 kg boat but on a 2.5t mam trailer and the "measurement" would be taken as 2.5t.

Makes matching the trailer/boat even more important then if your outside the licences. Glad I'm ok

Peter ~ Boatsandoutboards4sale ~ askboatsandoutboards4sale@sky.com ~ 07930 421007

derdle · 08 November 2011, 18:51

what happens if the trailer doesn't have a plated mam weight. i.e. its fell off or faded and you don't know the make can you just go by the axle specs, assuming they are known i.e. they have been replaced during your ownership

Courageous · 08 November 2011, 19:01

I'm possibly about to face the same issue. I don't know the definitive but I suppose you can't assume that as the frame could well be below spec for the axles. I have no idea how the DOT or the police would assess that one?

captnjack · 08 November 2011, 19:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by Courageous

I suppose you can't assume that as the frame could well be below spec for the axles. I have no idea how the DOT or the police would assess that one?

At least over here, axles are always vastly stronger than any trailer frame they are under. Doesn't matter if its a boat trailer or not. I think my utility trailer has a 2400lb gross weight with a 3500lb axle for instance.

Courageous · 08 November 2011, 19:24

Well there you go then!