steve_a Posted May 19, 2007 Share Posted May 19, 2007 trailer accident in dorset Thankfully BBC doesn't really do a 4x4s are bad mokay line on it, but it's made me realise that I am badly educated on towing law. I know things I *should* do, and next time I tow I will, but basically that just involves: o Make sure lights work (there's half an hours work!) o Attach a breakaway cable. It's the breakaway cable that's got me wondering, having a quick google and it appears that the cable is for braked trailers, I haven't used a braked one, should I use one on an unbraked. The reason I am tempted too is that last time I towed I forgot to, and I got a real fright when I unhitched and the tow ball had lost a bolt and the other was loose (in my defence, I had recently made a bunch of changes to my towing arrangements and I can only assume I didn't torque it up). So what do I need to do, and also what offences are generated and penalties? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
geoffbeaumont Posted May 19, 2007 Share Posted May 19, 2007 I've a friend who was seriously injured in a similar accident - the only thing that save her life was that the horsebox hit a car before it hit her. The charge in this case will almost certainly be causing death by dangerous driving, which carries a custodial sentence. That's what the police told me I would have been done for if the load I lost off a trailer on the M6 a couple of years ago had killed someone Off the top of my head: Securing your load (see above ) Number plate matches tow vehicle Trailer is in a roadworthy condition (tyres, chassis, etc.) Trailer is within the weight limit for the tow vehicle and type of trailer (braked, unbraked) Gross weights are within the limits permitted by your driving license and, if commercial, requirements for a tacho I'm not sure if there's such a thing (from a legal point of view) as a weight limit for the trailer itself? No idea what the specific offenses commited for the above would be either. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
madmatt Posted May 19, 2007 Share Posted May 19, 2007 Breakaway cables are used on trailers with overrun brakes, in the event of the trailer becoming uncoupled the cable pulls the hand brake on then usually snaps. These are a lega requirement on braked trailers. Unbraked trailers should have a secondary coupling this is usually a chain or largeish steel cable in a loop. I ofetn see brakeaway cables or safety chains looped around the tow hitch this is very bad practice as if the the actual hitch parts company the breakaway cable will do nothing, this has recently been brought into the lime llight at work. A lot of land rovers have a loop on he diagonal braces from tow hitch ladder to chassis this is where the breakaway cable should be hitched to. If you own your own trailer then there really isn't any excuse for the lights not working the materials to rewire the towing circuit on a vehicle are cheap as chips as are light units fro a trailer,why people keep bodging them up is beyond me. The accident you link to shows the wors case scenario of a charge of death by death dangerous driving, around here the local plod are getting really hot on working lights and correct registration plates and are handing out fixed penalities. its also worth remebering that those who passed their test after 1/1/1997 do not automatically have the B+E trailer entitlement on their licence Matt Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
101nut Posted May 19, 2007 Share Posted May 19, 2007 trailer accident in dorset So what do I need to do, and also what offences are generated and penalties? Top of head answer but I think it's correct. For a braked trailer you need a breakaway cable suitable to activate the trailer brakes (the hand brake mechanism) in the even of hitch failure. For an unbraked trailer you need a breakaway cable or chain which retains the hitch of the trailer and is short enough to stop it hitting the ground. Some trailers have 'skids' fitted just behind the hitch in an attempt to stop this result however I don't believe they are a replacement for a breakaway cable just an addition. Breakaway cable should not be looped around the tow ball/hitch but attached to another suitable restraining point. The theory is that the braked trailer is 'dragged' to a stop by its brakes, the unbraked trailer could potentially stick its nose into the ground and flip base over apex which, although effective, is not regarded as a safe method of stopping! The offences quoted by Mr Plod would initially be generated under construction and use regs. Remember however that if you are in contravention of these then technically other offences may be committed - driving a non roadworthy vehicle therefore driving with no insurance, having the wrong colour underwear etc etc. The penalties are ... I don't remember ... but it's easier and, let's face it, safer not to do it wrongly! AndyG Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steve_a Posted May 19, 2007 Author Share Posted May 19, 2007 Cheers People, I usually borrow a trailer from a mate and use a board as the electrics are pants. But after my close call I haven't needed it, but I did make a point that I would use cable next time. A lot of trailers sit in the cold and wet for 11.9 months a year, so the number of trailers that are probably gash is high.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
honitonhobbit Posted May 19, 2007 Share Posted May 19, 2007 max 750kg unbraked max 3.5tonnes braked unless upgraded/LGV/HGV max length 23feet (but may have changed) Brakes must work Must have suspension braked or unbraked Must have working lights Must have correct number plate to vehicle Must have correct and legal tyres There is a width limit... Must be plated to take weight carried and have matching hitch You must have passed your test before Jan 97 or have taken and passed trailer test (or be accompanied by a person who has such like) Correct hitch on towing vehicle Correct towing capacity of tow vehicle AND CORRECT Gross Train Weight - a transit 2.5tonner can carry 1.5tonnes, two 3.5tonnes but only has a GTW of 5.75 tonnes... Correct draw bar weight on towing vehicle Unbraked vehicle must have safety chains fitted if used in Europe or USA, if they are fitted they must be used in the UK Tacho must be fitted if used for towing for any form of business UNLESS you are an Agricultural, Forestry or Horticultural business towing machinery/materials to a site for work purposes; within 100kms/63.4 miles of your yard/farm if you two for work to the requirement of a tacho and your GTW is over 3.5tonnes and your vehicle is a commercial vehicle, you MUST have a speed limiter fitted - See VOSA regs for year of manufacture Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rtbarton Posted May 19, 2007 Share Posted May 19, 2007 Tacho must be fitted if used for towing for any form of business So if I've got a trailer load of stuff behind my Ford Escort to sell at an autojumble on a trade stand I need a Tacho in the car? Instead of a skid how about securing the jockey wheel such that it hits the ground before the tow hitch does? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rtbarton Posted May 19, 2007 Share Posted May 19, 2007 So if I've got a trailer load of stuff behind my Ford Escort to sell at an autojumble on a trade stand I need a Tacho in the car? Answered my own question here VOSA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
perv Posted May 19, 2007 Share Posted May 19, 2007 Answered my own question hereVOSA Ok sorry to but in but what about a sankey trailer with no provision for a breakaway cable, as the handbrake mechanism works slightly different? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redben101 Posted May 19, 2007 Share Posted May 19, 2007 has anybody here done the B+E trailer test? is it just a standard driving test but with a trailer? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
madmatt Posted May 19, 2007 Share Posted May 19, 2007 has anybody here done the B+E trailer test? is it just a standard driving test but with a trailer? That'll be me then!! Yep I've done it! and the answer is kind of!. The test consists of, Show me/tellme questions usual sort of stuff Breaking exercise, on the test yard you acclerate to 20mph and be 3rd gear, when the front of your vehicle passes a set point you hit the anchors you have to bring the combination to a stop under control without locking any wheels before the tailboard of the trailer passes the point you started to brake. Reversing exercise, you have to reverse from point A round a cone at point B and into a garage at Point c stopping with the rear of the trailer in the yellow box. you are alllowed one shunt and must stay within area marked on the test ground. The Driving bit is a on road test of about 50 minutes using as many different kinds and size of road possible the important bit to remember here is mirrors mirrors and more mirrors, paying particular attention at junctions etc not to cut white lines etc or bump up kerbs. Uncouple/Recouple. This may seem dead straight forward but you need your wits about you and listen to the examiners instructions! You will be asked to park up in a straight line. get out and uncouple your trailer. Test grounds tend to be flat but don't forget the hand brake! You'll then be asked to park up alongside your trailer. The examiner will come over and ask you to recouple the trailer "as if you had never used it before!" thats important because he wants you to get out and show you know how to do pre towing checks. The last check you shoud do before you get into your vehicle is make dam sure the hand brake is on the trailer! Then back up and recouple, you should get bang under the tow hitch front to back and within 1" to 2" sideways on anything else is deemed to far away. if you back up to far and the trailer hits the bracketry or rear cross member it will be a minor error, hit the trailer with the vehicle and not have trailer hand brake on, or not checked the handbrake is on you will fail!. After recoupling ask the examiner to check the trailer lights with you. Thats it in a nutshell. Matt Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CosZuki Posted May 19, 2007 Share Posted May 19, 2007 a test to tow a trailer. just checked the green bit o paper and that box is ticked. but my only practice has been towing trailers about the land and helping my faithers business! no "formal training" as such Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mmgemini Posted May 19, 2007 Share Posted May 19, 2007 Matt. Do you know yet what happens when somebody is 70 and passed their test in the days of short corn ? mike YES !! It is a free country. As long as you do as you are told. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
madmatt Posted May 19, 2007 Share Posted May 19, 2007 a test to tow a trailer. just checked the green bit o paper and that box is ticked. but my only practice has been towing trailers about the land and helping my faithers business! no "formal training" as such Thats because you most probably passed your car test before 1/1/1997. I have mixed feelings about B+E test in som ways its good because you have to be able to manouvre a trailer to a set standard, what annoys me is I had to pay for an extra test yet just because some old boy passed his test in 1960 he can legally drive a trailer without the test but isn't competant. look at the amount of caravaners that can't reverse their van to save their lives! Time to get off soap box! Matt Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Turbocharger Posted May 19, 2007 Share Posted May 19, 2007 A thought that occurred to me: I have a full B licence for manual vehicles - if I take my B+E test in an automatic, what can I tow and with what? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mmgemini Posted May 19, 2007 Share Posted May 19, 2007 Thats because you most probably passed your car test before 1/1/1997. I have mixed feelings about B+E test in som ways its good because you have to be able to manouvre a trailer to a set standard, what annoys me is I had to pay for an extra test yet just because some old boy passed his test in 1960 he can legally drive a trailer without the test but isn't competant. look at the amount of caravaners that can't reverse their van to save their lives!Time to get off soap box! Matt I'll have you next time I see you. LOL Old boy indeed mike FOAK YES! It is a free country. As long as you do as you are told. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maverick Posted May 19, 2007 Share Posted May 19, 2007 and make sure you dont have worn balls in a case like this ignorrance is no defence Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
madmatt Posted May 19, 2007 Share Posted May 19, 2007 I'll have you next time I see you. LOLOld boy indeed mike FOAK YES! It is a free country. As long as you do as you are told. Mike, It genuinely wasn't aimed at you lol but Coszuki above you just posted bang on the same time! LOL I haven't found anything yet to definately say ya or na on you loosing your towing licence will have another browse in a mo!!! Matt As far as I'm aware if you pass a B+E test in an auto thats all you can tow with but I'm not totally sure but would think so as B+E test follows much the same outline as C+E. and I don't think you can pass that in a automatic truck then drive a manual unit all day though I could be wrong. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mmgemini Posted May 19, 2007 Share Posted May 19, 2007 I know it wasn't. If I get a few minutes I'm gonig to pop into the local DVLA office in Stockton. Aparently it's a DVLA question not a driving standards question. mike FOAK YWS !! It is a free country. As long as you do as you are told. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
madmatt Posted May 19, 2007 Share Posted May 19, 2007 I know it wasn't.If I get a few minutes I'm gonig to pop into the local DVLA office in Stockton. Aparently it's a DVLA question not a driving standards question. mike FOAK YWS !! It is a free country. As long as you do as you are told. It is indeed a DVLA question Mike I'm quite impressed you have a local office our's is a 32 mile round trip and 2hrs on a bad day! lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mmgemini Posted May 19, 2007 Share Posted May 19, 2007 I must be lucky. A twenty min walk. Don't drive there though. There's only three parking spaces for DVLA !!! A guy sits in a van. Watches you park in another firms spot. Waits until you go into the DVLA office. THEN clamps the car. It might be twenty minutes to walk. There be at least a fourty minute wait. Ticket system in operation. mik FOAK YES !! It is a free country. As long as you do as you are told. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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