Information on towing with dollies and aframes

[Bellend]

So I've been doing some intense research on the subject and come to the conclusion with help of VOSA that both are perfectly legal.

BUT

You need light board etc and the numberplate of the towing vehicle on the back.

The towed vehicle becomes a trailer so therefore doesn't need tax, MOT or insurance to be on the road, no matter if 4 or 2 wheels are on the ground.

BUT the big thing is

All wheels on the ground MUST be braked if above 750KGs. This actually means 4 wheeled trailers that only have two wheels braked if used with over 750kgs of weight are technically illegal.

It gets pretty hard after Googling and different things coming up here there and everywhere.

Both an aframe and a towing dolly means the car becomes a trailer, not a car as such.

So it's pretty impossible basically to use either unless you have a way of operating the vehicles brakes. This could technically be a solenoid on the brake pedal wired up to the brake light circuit on the towing vehicle but it's all very messy!

So really in all realism, you can't do it unless it's an emergency and you're going to the nearest safe point.

I'm currently in the market for a hefty 4 wheel braked trailer... 

[dubber36]

I've often thought about this when I've seen motorhomes towing cars.

[Diamond Hell]

Old ex-AA A-frames have a device that pushes the foot-pedal on a cable-operated over-run system so they can tow over 750kg.

Unless you have a system like that then towing on an A-frame won't be legal on anything over 750kg.

Dollies are only to be used to tow a vehicle to the nearest safe location. You should disregard them entirely.

TBH I'd disregard A-frames unless you can find one with a full braking system.  Even then you'll have no servo assistance on the brakes so it won't have much impact when you hit the brakes.

I've never seen a 4-wheeled trailer with brakes on two wheels. 

If the vehicle has wheels on the ground it needs to be taxed etc to be towed.

Make sure you have the correct license before you start towing large objects about the countryside.

Isn't it funny how people can read things and then make conclusions to suit what they want. 

[Bellend]

Old ex-AA A-frames have a device that pushes the foot-pedal on a cable-operated over-run system so they can tow over 750kg.

Unless you have a system like that then towing on an A-frame won't be legal on anything over 750kg.

Dollies are only to be used to tow a vehicle to the nearest safe location. You should disregard them entirely.

TBH I'd disregard A-frames unless you can find one with a full braking system.  Even then you'll have no servo assistance on the brakes so it won't have much impact when you hit the brakes.

I've never seen a 4-wheeled trailer with brakes on two wheels. 

If the vehicle has wheels on the ground it needs to be taxed etc to be towed.

Interesting on the ex-AA bits. Still wouldn't risk it as you said though.

I've seen a couple although probably at a guess DIY caravan chassis conversions.

The car DOESN'T need tax.

There was a PDF released I think 2012 on the VOSA site stating it becomes a trailer of the towing vehicle, not a seperate vehicle. Hence the weights and what needs to be braked and doesn't etc all comes under that of trailer regulations.

[Diamond Hell]

The car DOESN'T need tax.

Good luck with the police on that one, nipper.

[Bellend]

The car DOESN'T need tax.

Good luck with the police on that one, nipper.

Will do. I literally rang VOSA about 10 mins before making the thread. All the while it's attached to another car/van it's a trailer, not a separate motor vehicle.

Ring for yourself and find out.

[JC]

vosa one set of rules and regulations

stroppy police officer - another.

if a vehicles wheels are in contact with the road, it needs tax and mot.

I know these things 

Welcome to the BIGGEST grey area going, add in the rules about what you can tow on these new licences that doesnt give you 7.5t, minibus & trailer etc

I am now one of only 3 people allowed to go rigid bar cars back to the garage at our place as all the nippers ARENT covered to tow on the company insurance for that very reason.

Being old does have some advantages 

[boneybradley]

bellend what about weight? I had problems getting a volvo estate towed due to it's weight and I guess your licence will only let you have a max of 3.5t

what weight would be left after a decent sized car & 4 wheel trailer for you to carry?

[Diamond Hell]

what weight would be left after a decent sized car & 4 wheel trailer for you to carry?

I believe the common term is 'f*ck all'. 

[danny_p]

a decent size 4 wheel trailer weighs almost bang on 750KG

other things to note -

A Frames damage wishbones
A frame overun barkening devices  damage cars,

  it's possible to bend the, brake pedal, steering wheel and damage the steering columb,  the one i had went between the pedal and steering wheel,  it was sh!t and with a big flaw that to make a car stop in reasonable order you need load of pressure on the pedal if there is no servo,  transit vans haul up quite well so the overun device gets and gives  alot of stick,   anchor up hard once and for teh rest of the trip everytime you slow down you hear the overun hitch crash into the end of the slide.

dollies -  are just hatefull    if there are ruts on the road you have to crawl else it'll be throwing it and you all over the road