Message Forums

hi

firstly i know i'm not in the right forum but i wanted advice of people who tow more and more regularly than me,

i have a Mondeo estate and have just got a little erde 102 trailer for putting the camping gear in, i haven't towed before (well i towed the trailer empty when picking it up) but i haven't towed it with a load in, any advice regarding loading it would help, also i can't see it when it's being towed and wanted to know if you are allowed to put a flag on it or something, so that when i get to the site i know my gears not on the M5 somewhere, any help would be great

Cheers

Cookie26    

Andy & Heidi

thanks for the advice, it's only a small trailer so i am assuming that you want with some pressure on the towball to keep it in place, rather than all the weight in the back and the trailer rearing up.

thanks

cookie26

hi

With a caravan it's reccomended to have 7% noseweight, but I don't think it'll be quite so critical with a trailer. Just make sure you have a positive noseweight.

I think a flag is a good idea. I've towed invisible trailers. It always makes me feel uncomfortable.

I have had a trailer get unstable above 60 mph so beware!

Tyreman

cheers tyreman

I have had a trailer get unstable above 60 mph so beware! 

I thought when towing even a trailer you were limited to 60mph and nearside and middle lane on a motorway?

Quote: Originally posted by mike+judi on 10/5/2008

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I have had a trailer get unstable above 60 mph so beware! 

I thought when towing even a trailer you were limited to 60mph and nearside and middle lane on a motorway?

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   60mph on motorway/dual carrigeway (not allowed in outside lane on three lane motorways)

   50mph on all other roads.

Quote: Originally posted by cookie26 on 09/5/2008

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Andy & Heidi

thanks for the advice, it's only a small trailer so i am assuming that you want with some pressure on the towball to keep it in place, rather than all the weight in the back and the trailer rearing up.

 

Its not about keeping hitch in place you should have some weight transfered onto the towing vehicle for stability,your handbook should give you a figure (called noseweight)you should aim as close to this figure without exceeding it.

You can measure it by placing a piece  of wood under the hitch on a set of scales(raise the jockey wheel clear of ground) or you can buy purpose made tools.

 

 

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Hi,

We had a camping trailer and I found it IMPOSSIBLE to reverse with any accuracy!

A 6metre caravan is much easier! Just un-hitch and push is my advice.

Mr U-M

Quote: Originally posted by sweetpeaheidi on 10/5/2008

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Quote: Originally posted by mike+judi on 10/5/2008

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I have had a trailer get unstable above 60 mph so beware! 

I thought when towing even a trailer you were limited to 60mph and nearside and middle lane on a motorway?

---

   60mph on motorway/dual carrigeway (not allowed in outside lane on three lane motorways)

   50mph on all other roads.

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thanks for all the advice, i did look up the speed limits last night and i am planning to get a spare wheel, new wheel brace to suit the nuts, and possibly a jockey wheel, the trailer has a robust chain that hoops over the towbar before fitting,

all the tips have been great thanks to all