towing a trailor

[Adam]

You will have to do the test.

[deanpompey]

As has been said, if you took your test after 97, you MUST have done your B+E test to entitle you to drive with a trailer of any size.

[Diamond Hell]

you MUST have done your B+E test to entitle you to drive with a trailer of any size.

Don't think so - I think you are fine up to 750kg, but not over 750kg.   The 3500kg MAM refers to being able to tow up to 750kg behind a vehicle weighing up to 2750kg.

Isn't the police nicking your mate enough evidence to point towards you not being licensed to tow over 750kg?

[madmanmart]

Just to add, you cant even tow a car trailer empty.

This is because the MAM weight or Gross weight will be over 750kg.

[ashw831]

When we tow our clio, we use a frontera, a 700kg trailer and then the weight of the car meaning we are just over 3ton, we have quoted the following to any one who has questioned us (quote from direct.gov) and we have never had any problems:
Car licences obtained on or after 1 January 1997
If you passed a car test on or after 1 January 1997 you're limited to vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes maximum authorised mass towing a trailer up to 750kgs, or a vehicle and trailer combination up to 3.5 tonnes MAM providing the MAM of the trailer doesn't exceed the unladen mass of the towing vehicle. You will need to pass an additional driving test in B+E if you wish to tow a caravan or trailer combination which exceeds these weight limits.

[Diamond Hell]

When we tow our clio, we use a frontera, a 700kg trailer and then the weight of the car meaning we are just over 3ton, we have quoted the following to any one who has questioned us (quote from direct.gov) and we have never had any problems:

£10 says the coppers you're talking to don't know what they're talking about.  I think before very long you'll find one who does, who'll lower your trousers and spank you, because I don't believe you are legal, or licensed.

[ashw831]

But it clearly states on the quote we are legal to do so, I can'tunderstand why we wouldnt be legal or licensed?

[danny_p]

towing laws are imo a LOAD OF BOLLOX

none of the piggys know whitch version of the rule book there meant to be reading from fewer probaly understand it

problem is last time i had a proper read of the laws your actualy pritty f**ked when it comes to towing as they don't go by the weight on your trailer unless its more than the plated weight of the trailer.   they presume you are carrying the maximum weight your trailer is plated for and should your trailer be plated for a higher weight than your tow car can tow you should have the weight your trailer is plated for adjusted.

that pritty much what vosa said before i drove off

[Diamond Hell]

But it clearly states on the quote we are legal to do so, I can'tunderstand why we wouldnt be legal or licensed?

I suggest you weigh your complete outfit as you drive it, as I think if you're going by manufacturer's weights you'll be over-weight (+3500kg).

Here's a useful flowchart I just found:



I see Frontera weight: 1820kg trailer: 700kg Clio: 980kg

That comes to 3500kg.

Now add fluids, wheels, tools and goons and you're over-weight.

I hope no copper has access to the interweb or basic mathematics skills when they pull you over, but hey it's your license, not mine.

[Diamond Hell]

Just checked, as I'd used a 16V Clio.

If it's a Williams then it comes in at 1010kg.