More towing questions

[ffiill]

Just to make matters more complicated if you have the means to operate some self actuating non over run brakes-same as fitted to trucks you can tow over 3500 kg without the towing vehicle weight having to match that of the trailer.

 

[prv]

Just to make matters more complicated if you have the means to operate some self actuating non over run brakes-same as fitted to trucks you can tow over 3500 kg without the towing vehicle weight having to match that of the trailer.

I can, or you can?

Pete

 

[Avocet]

It's very complex. It shouldn't be this convoluted.
I wonder what source of information the Police or VOSA will use when assessing if an infringement has been made? Will they each use the same information?
The V5 information will be easily available via computer. But is it correct?

99.9% certain that they'll use the Gross Train Weight from the car's chassis plate - there's no arguing with that, and less scope for being wrong. Then for the driver licensing side of things, just use the licence (or ask for it to be produced if not available at the time.

 

[Lakesailor]

As has been pointed out, that doesn't give you the weight that the vehicle is capable of towing. That relies on what the manufacturer has homologated for that (version of) model.

 

[Redshank Evo26]

I hope not, with its max towing weight my car and trailer combo would be nudging 6 tonnes.

Sorry David that was for the OP, "you" meaning him with his license, which is where this fast drifting thread started, not everyone else. As has been stated by several people this is a remarkably complex subject.

I think we have pretty much tied down the actual question asked to an answer of 1693kg, for the OP and his car.

 

[DownWest]

There will also be a plate on the tow hitch with the max load it is rated for.

 

[Avocet]

As has been pointed out, that doesn't give you the weight that the vehicle is capable of towing. That relies on what the manufacturer has homologated for that (version of) model.

Yes, but I think the police can only prosecute for a breach of some bit of legislation and the only ones I'm aware of are the Construction and Use regs (in which, as far as I'm aware, the "offence" is exceeding Gross Train Weight) or the driver licensing regs (in which the offence is towing something your licence doesn't allow you to tow). I don't think there's a separate offence for exceeding what the CAR is technically capable of towing, although if they were REALLY picky they could maybe argue that it (and the trailer) no longer met the BRAKING requirements in C&U if the trailer was too heavy. The problem there is that they'd have to go to the car (and trailer manufacturers) and find out what THEY did their braking tests to, because in many cases, it will be more than they specify on their documents. Often the car's towing capability is limited by the manufacturer to what he is willing to offer a warranty on for driveline components, rather than what the brakes can handle.

 

[Avocet]

There will also be a plate on the tow hitch with the max load it is rated for.

Do you mean the hitch on the trailer? The problem there is that the tow hitch will get type approved in it's own right, so the number on the hitch the plate could be more or less than the car is technically permitted to tow.

 

[Lakesailor]

Plus trailers before ( I think) 1988 don't need to have a plate as long as the Gross Trailer Weight is marked on the drawbar.
Don't even get started on the lighting regs.........


It's a complete dog's dinner.