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Trailer Towing Advice Needed

Read the guidelines available here: http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motor...ersCommercialVehicles/DG_10013073

Just wanted to clairfy this scenario in my own mind.

Boat (Cornish Pilot Gig) + Trailer + rowing paraphanalia = about 1,000kgs (Un-verified - to be verified on aturday hopefully - Anyone fancy a sweepstake?).  The trailer is a braked trailer.

Ford Focus (TDCI Sport) = 1,279kgs - Braked Towing Weight of 1,300kgs.
Land Rover Freelander (TD4 Sport) = 1,619kgs - Braked Towing Weight of 1,800kgs.

Now by my understanding, if our combinded towed weight is = too or less than the unladen weight of either vehicle (The first weight quoted), I would not need to do a Part B + E trailer licence as the MAM of both, is less than 3.5tonnes.

Does that seem right?

Anyone in the know here?
scamper

C'mon we can see right through you.  What you are realLy wanting to know is the towing capacity of a Focus for a Shed.
SpecB

You would have to check what the trailer was rated at on the chassis plate as the MAM of the trailer may be over the unladen weight of the car even if loaded with all your gear it is not - i.e. the trailer may be capable of taking over the 1.2 tonnes despite you not loading it this much.
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Thanks Mark.  I will have a look at the plate on the trailer tonight if its still there.

If not I can ring the mfr up and ask them.

Scamp, I just want to be like you really and that includes towing a shed!  I'm even going on the 'cuddly look' diet.

scamper

Torque Junkie wrote:
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Scamp, I just want to be like you really and that includes towing a shed!  I'm even going on the 'cuddly look' diet.



Cheeky.  I'm down your way from tomorrow.  Got a 24hr bike race at Newnham Park, then off to some cottage (i think) in Dartmouth.  Got any of this easy gig racing to watch?

No shed in sight!
PG

SpecB wrote:
You would have to check what the trailer was rated at on the chassis plate as the MAM of the trailer may be over the unladen weight of the car even if loaded with all your gear it is not - i.e. the trailer may be capable of taking over the 1.2 tonnes despite you not loading it this much.


I agree with SpecB - you have to look at the MAM of the trailer, not what it actually weights with your cargo on. There should be a plate attached to the trailer chassis that gives the unladen weight and the MAM (or may give the unladen weight and the maximum cargo weight which then have to be added together to get the MAM).
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scamper wrote:
Torque Junkie wrote:
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Scamp, I just want to be like you really and that includes towing a shed!  I'm even going on the 'cuddly look' diet.



Cheeky.  I'm down your way from tomorrow.  Got a 24hr bike race at Newnham Park, then off to some cottage (i think) in Dartmouth.  Got any of this easy gig racing to watch?

No shed in sight!


Teignmouth on Sunday actually, which isn't a million miles from Dartmouth.

Dartmouth is very nice actually.  Some very nice resturants down on the waterfront area.

Will have a look at the plate on the trailer tomorrow then when I go down to the Boathouse.
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OK the plate on the trailer had the following:

Trailer weight = 750kgs
GTW = 1,100 to 1,800kgs.

Does that help?

Still going to call in on the weighbridge anyway to see how much it all ways.
SpecB

That will be the Gross Trailer Weight I imagine.  I can't understand why it gives a range of weights - most unusual.

The maximum GTW is over your allowance in any case but that is a grey area as the minimum stated is well under.

As you say go to a weighbridge and get it confirmed as you may be able to tow if the total weight with all your gear on meets the guidelines.

For example - most horse trailers give a net trailer weight and a payload and maximum trailer weight.  I've never heard of a trailer giving a range of weights before as it defeats the definition of Gross Trailer Weight (i.e. maximum).
Frank Bullitt

Your trailer weighs 750kg; what is it made from, lead?

Agree varying weights on the plate don't make sense and kinda defeat the object.
Martin

At that weight it may well be a caravan! Don't worry Mike, there is no shame in it!!!
Frank Bullitt

Is it national rowing regatta weekend or something 'cos we've had the one in town this weekend too - some crews have travelled from York (170-ish miles).

What is it with all the 'Linford Christie in a freezer lunchboxes' - do rowers have no dignity or something?

Think I'll stick to the ergo.
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Right.

Person who told me the trailer weighs 750kgs is a numpty.  That was the GTW on the second trailer we have.

The other trailer has a GTW of 1,000kgs and a maximum load weight of 1,100 - 1,8000kgs - this is what is stated on the plaque on the trailer.

Anyhow, the weighbridge results came in at:

900kgs.

Which really surprised me.  Thats our heaviest boat, three sets of oars, gazebos and other junk we end up carting around.  So alot.
Grampa

Boats are not heavy things compared to cars or even caravans - I was a bit surprised to see that you expected it to be around 1000kg.
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