How Big would you tow

[bobtooke]

Thanks for that Bruce, a useful document.
That broadly corresponds with what DVSA said.
As with most legislation, there is some difference in interpretation purely by the wording used but it's pretty much as I imagined it with the exception that the regulations state max vehicle (ie the wheeled unit components) length not overall length including load. This then leaves room for interpretation.
I believe there was a test case a few years ago where an aircraft was being transported on a purpose built trailer which was well in excess of 7m and some overzealous traffic plod decided to take it to court. The case was eventually dismissed due to regulation 7 (5).
I'll see if I can find out more info ?

 

[jimmy_the_builder]

Thanks for that Bruce, a useful document.
That broadly corresponds with what DVSA said.
As with most legislation, there is some difference in interpretation purely by the wording used but it's pretty much as I imagined it with the exception that the regulations state max vehicle (ie the wheeled unit components) length not overall length including load. This then leaves room for interpretation.
I believe there was a test case a few years ago where an aircraft was being transported on a purpose built trailer which was well in excess of 7m and some overzealous traffic plod decided to take it to court. The case was eventually dismissed due to regulation 7 (5).
I'll see if I can find out more info ?

Towing an aircraft, specifically a glider, is a very good comparison to the situation with towing boats. Road users towing gliders have the same questions about trailer law as we do, and helpfully the BGA have produced this document, which directly supports the general premise above about the disapplication of the 7m length rule for indivisible loads:
https://www.gliding.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2015/03/Trailers.pdf

 

[andy59]

From the Dept of Transport website.
5. Gross weight of towing vehicle and size of trailer
A towing vehicle with GVW of 3500kg or lower is restricted as to the size of trailer it may tow. The trailer can be a maximum of 7m long by 2.55m wide. A heavier vehicle can tow a trailer of maximum 12m long by 2.55m wide. Exceptionally, where the trailer is specially designed to carry long loads (eg one or more boats, gliders), the 7m limit does not apply.

 

[BruceK]

From the Dept of Transport website.
5. Gross weight of towing vehicle and size of trailer
A towing vehicle with GVW of 3500kg or lower is restricted as to the size of trailer it may tow. The trailer can be a maximum of 7m long by 2.55m wide. A heavier vehicle can tow a trailer of maximum 12m long by 2.55m wide. Exceptionally, where the trailer is specially designed to carry long loads (eg one or more boats, gliders), the 7m limit does not apply.

Ohh. Thats a new one. Superb. Everywhere I've read and googled it says the law doesn't make the distinction. i.e. a trailer is a trailer is a trailer. I take it all back.

 

[andy59]

Sorry Bruce, i was intrigued by the rules as i have seen some bloody big ribs being towed around Lymington and thought they must be over 7 metres. If only i could get away with towing 14 metres @ 12 tons .

 

[bobtooke]

,

Sorry Bruce, i was intrigued by the rules as i have seen some bloody big ribs being towed around Lymington and thought they must be over 7 metres. If only i could get away with towing 14 metres @ 12 tons .

Well done finding that valuable snippet Andy! I guess the DoT have had to agree with DVSA and concede the rule.

As I imagined and you suggest, it really is all about width and weight.

 

[Portofino]

 

[Assassin]

Ohh. Thats a new one. Superb. Everywhere I've read and googled it says the law doesn't make the distinction. i.e. a trailer is a trailer is a trailer. I take it all back.

This is where they get around the law with heavy loads Bruce, in the last few years a certain transformer manufacturer had a trailer designed solely to carry their transformers and it adapts to various sizes made to standardised dimensions, it isn't a trailer then because it bolts rigidly to the transformer and its name changes to a transformer carrier and not a trailer as it is technically classed as part of the structure of the transformer for transportation purposes, someone clever hit this nail on the head.

 

[Scarron]

That’s good news, my “new” project was purchased on the assumption that I could get away with it as a trailable dayboat when it’s finished.
27’ long x 9’4” wide and hopefully about 2200kgs dry