I have brought a ren clio 1.2 and i am thinking of towing it to eastbourne so can park the campervan prtrol 2lt up and use the car does enybody know if it is legal ? as would not like to do it if it is not legal ?
Hi mate go to the features and tips above and there is a guy who has posted well compiled answers relating to towing in general, i'm sure you will find it most helpful
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? 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.
You might find this interesting. Lots of people ignore it though as it seems it hasn't been tested in a court of law yet. Until it does and the outcome is known I guess it will continue. Personally I wouldn't do it, I'd use a proper braked trailer as I would not jeopardise my insurance. My friend is a policeman and he knew the law and confirmed it is illegal so don't believe other articles you will read where people claim that the police haven't a clue, they have.
On my forum we have had a lot of posts on this over the years. The general consensus is that the Police are waiting for a juicy accident and then it can be become "Case law". Who ever gets a right royal shoeing can look forward to a decent hol. at Mrs Windsor's expense and a nice safe job in the Library .
As others on here have suggested; use a proper braked trailer and then you know that you're safe.
I’ve been using an A Frame for several years, not the brake type though!
We have pulled all sorts behind, including some very nice Classic Cars, but now I’m considering getting a brake set-up on our Ka.
Every time I am out I see at least 1 or 2 cars being pulled behind MH’s. And therefore can’t see what all the fuss is about – or is it just that the majority of people who drive MH’s feel that it’s the reverse of a Caravan.
If you need to get the car and MH to a site, take a spare driver just in case you have to separate the car from the A Frame.
t
------------- “I’ve packed everything but the kitchen sink – shame, as it’s the only thing she actually misses”
Seeing them all the time doesn't make it legal though! It is a very grey area and one that I would not want to put to the test that's for sure. Not in this world of litigation.
There is at least one of the A frame manufactures that use an external cable and over-run hitch to apply the brakes on the towed vehicle, which then becomes a "braked trailer".
------------- Life is one big holiday, only broken up by as little work as possible
Colin don't know if it's more than you can afford but we have a almost new car trailer for sale .It's a proper trailer not a home made job .The only reason we are selling it is that we have gone back to a caravan so don't need it now .We have had a Ford KA on it fits easy we want 950 for it if you want some photos let me know
Doug
------------- We ain't much money but we do see life!!!