Anyone else breaking the law? Towing again...

Brambles · 16 August 2004, 18:32

Hi,

Sorry in advance if I am in the minority regarding knowledge of this area of the law.

I need some clarification of something that was pointed out to us last week by a driving instructor, regarding the relationship between the kerb weight of a tow vehicle and the size of the trailer it is towing. In fairness he did say that the Police don't seem to be aware of it either, but you can bet your life that the insurance companies do!

Here is an extract from the Department of Transport website (http://www.dft.gov.uk/stellent/group...ds_506866.hcsp) that explains the area that he was talking about.

"The following is a summary of the main requirements.

Dimensions

If however the gross weight of the towing vehicle is 3.5 tonnes or less then the maximum permissible width and length (of the trailer) are 2.3 metres and 7 metres respectively."

A quick scan of the What Car website indicates that all 4x4s (including Range Rovers & VW Touaregs) have a kerb weight of less than 3.5 tonnes.

Does this mean that no 4x4 (regardless of manufacturers towing claims) can legally tow any rib longer than 7m? Even a 6m rib with the tubes deflated could exceed the width limit. Where does this leave people who tow boats behind estate cars?

What size boats do you guys tow, and what vehicle do you use? Any feedback would be appreciated.

Regards.

John Kennett · 16 August 2004, 18:47

Those dimensions apply to the trailer itself, but the boat can overhang in all dimensions. Do a search here for "trailer" and you'll find some useful stuff!

John

Richard B · 16 August 2004, 20:12

It also excludes the "drawbar".

You should also find a reference to "indivisible loads" which is poorly defined, but seems to sugest that if your load can't be chopped in two then you can go over 7m.

Anyone ever towed one of those glider trailers?

Tim M · 17 August 2004, 00:27

Quote:

Anyone ever towed one of those glider trailers?

Saw one on ebay a couple of weeks ago; how can you get away with towing that, since the load is inside the trailer rather than on top?

Jono Garton · 17 August 2004, 07:01

We have had a trailer made that is 7m long + 2m Draw bar + we are allowed a 2m overhang so in theory can tow 10m ish rib legally.

Jono Garton · 17 August 2004, 07:05

The over thing i was told the other day. Most family cars can only tow 500kg unbraked not 750kg !!!

Did any one see Oban Coast Guards litte accident??? 23ft rib 3000kg loaded up with fuel, being towed with landy on a SINGLE axle trailer??? They rolled the rig 3 times and destroyed £125'000 worth of kit.

Lucky the Ambulance was following them to the shout! All survived.

TIM · 17 August 2004, 08:01

ALSO, with a trailer behind, you are allowed an all up weight , or Gross Train Weight of 5500kg , but the tow car/jeep cant be more than 3500kg

PS I often tow at 6500-7000 GTW, Police dont have a clue