Blatman Posted May 26, 2004 Posted May 26, 2004 OK. Found it.... I have a motor home and want to tow a Fiat Seicento behind it using an A-frame. This car has a kerb weight under 750 kg so am I legal with this outfit? A Sorry no is the answer. The law regards this as an unbraked trailer and you are allowed to tow up to 750 kg Gross Trailer Weight, not a car’s kerb weight. The figure you have to use is the car’s Gross Vehicle Weight or Maximum Permitted Weight. This is usually at least 300 - 400 kg more than the kerb weight. We have no knowledge of any car sold in the UK that has a GVW under 750 kg. The only vehicle we know that is completely legal to tow with an A-frame is the French Aixam small "car". This is a full four seater and details can be obtained from Aixam UK on 01926 886100. An A-frame or dolly can only be used to recover a broken down vehicle to a place of safety. Transporting a car is, therefore, illegal. A-frames may be offered with a braking system that applies the car's brakes. These do not conform to the law as the car then becomes a "braked trailer" and has to conform to European Directives contained within the Construction and Use Regulations. It does not conform to the European Directive 71/320/EEC and amendments regarding braking requirements in any way. The use of this A-frame for transportation is illegal. It is still OK for use to recover a vehicle to a place of safety. From these FAQ's.... So, although I couldn't find the wheelbase rules (mind you, I haven't read the EC Construction and Use directives referred to above), I seem to have all 3 of my neurons connected and firing in order today........ Quote
Blatman Posted May 26, 2004 Posted May 26, 2004 The other thing that comes across from all these rules is that braked trailers manufactured after 1968 must be attached to the tow vehicle by a device that will operate the brakes if the tow hitch becomes detached. On a trailer, that's the break away cable that you attach securely (ie NOT looped around the tow ball, That'd be a nick....) to the tow car, and which is attached to the handbrake on the trailer. You'd have a job making that work on a Westfield........ Quote
david.c Posted May 26, 2004 Posted May 26, 2004 Top Searching....................RESPECT I shall pass this info onto my friend.................though I think he will continue untill he gets his knuckles wrapped by plod. David Quote
steve_m Posted May 26, 2004 Posted May 26, 2004 though I think he will continue untill he gets his knuckles wrapped by plod. If the information I was given regarding towing and driving pre-registration (SVA etc) was anything to go by . . . I'd bet most plod don't know the law either. Now, if he's caught doing 57mph on a 50mph dual carriageway then he'll be for the work house . . . A frame or not Quote
cptsideways Posted May 27, 2004 Posted May 27, 2004 Found this http://www.trealestrailers.co.uk/car_recovery_trailers.php Quote
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