Dinghy Trailers

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krimar

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/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gifHelp: I have to trail my 10ft tender home for someTLC. Checking current regulations re trailer lighting & other requirements eg side amber reflectors, fog lamps, forrard clear reflectors, colours of number plates & letters et al has left this windy totally confused. Can anyone please explain the current regs or advise a site to help me conform to THE LAW.
 
I use a standard towing light bar, reflectors, etc. fitted with matching dinghy rudder fittings to hold it to the transom. To stop it swivelling and maintaining tension two cheap sponges stuck to the board act as spacers. The trailer is a simple low capacity cruciform model, find one which fits and supports the tender. I use simple ratchet straps to lash the tender to it. There is a link to towing info etc on the towsure site. web page Follow the towbar and towing info link. Enjoy reversing! I was taught hold the bottom of the steering wheel and move it in the direction you wish the trailer to go.
 
Lighting: a standard trail board a foot less than the beam of the dinghy or trailer at its widest point will provide all required lighting arrangements.

Unless the all up weight of the trailer and dinghy exceeds 500kg (some dinghy!) brakes are not required. You fit the white forward reflectors and amber side reflectors to the mudguards, which you must have if you run the trailer empty anyway.

Finally, make sure the dinghy is firmly strapped on. Rope will do, but much better use webbing straps and buckles from eg Halfords. Without a strap the boat can bounce around on the trailer, and Plod can do you for an insecure load. A rope from the bow cleat or mooring point down to the trailer frame also is a good idea.

Get a number plate made up, and it should conform to the legal requirements for colour lettering and spacing - you will need the vehicle log book and personal ID to obtain one from any legit supplier. (Halfords, motor shops, factors etc). They have to put their ID on it too so that plod can deal with them if it does not conform or you had nicked the car and were changing the plates.
 
Lighting: a standard trail board a foot less than the beam of the dinghy or trailer at its widest point will provide all required lighting arrangements.

Unless the all up weight of the trailer and dinghy exceeds 500kg (some dinghy!) brakes are not required. You fit the white forward reflectors and amber side reflectors to the mudguards, which you must have if you run the trailer empty anyway.

Finally, make sure the dinghy is firmly strapped on. Rope will do, but much better use webbing straps and buckles from eg Halfords. Without a strap the boat can bounce around on the trailer, and Plod can do you for an insecure load. A rope from the bow cleat or mooring point down to the trailer frame also is a good idea.

Get a number plate made up, and it should conform to the legal requirements for colour lettering and spacing - you will need the vehicle log book and personal ID to obtain one from any legit supplier. (Halfords, motor shops, factors etc). They have to put their ID on it too so that plod can deal with them if it does not conform or you had nicked the car and were changing the plates. /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif
 
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