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'A' frames and Dollies
Q. What is a trailer?
A. A road vehicle, usually (but not necessarily) two wheeled, towed
by a motor vehicle.Given the above dictionary definition, it is fairly
clear that anything attached to the towball and having wheels in contact
with the ground is a trailer. This includes cars on ‘A’ frames
and dollies. Bearing in mind that the unbraked towing limit of 750 kgs
refers to Maximum Gross Weight (i.e. the figure on the towed cars VIN
plate) and not to actual weight, it severely restricts the options.
The only cars I know of with a MGW of less than 750 kgs is the Aixam
range. These are around 450 to 550 kgs.
There are strict regulations on braked trailers and, whilst a braked
‘A’ frame attached to a towed car constitutes a braked trailer,
it is not legal for transportation as it cannot comply with EC71/320.
With car dollies, the situation is somewhat different. Under regulation
83 of the Road Vehicles (construction & Use) Regulations 1986 (SI.1986/1078)
Amending Regulations, a car dolly, with a car in place, will be considered
as two trailers. This is legal for recovery but, under the Road Traffic
Regulations Act 1984 (Schedule 6) the combination is limited to 40 mph
on motorways and dual carriageways and 20 mph elsewhere.
Note that there is a very specific difference between recovery and
transportation. Recovery is the removal of a broken down vehicle to
a place of safety. It does not include removing a rotor arm (for instance)
and travelling the length and breadth of the country. The police are
well aware of the difference due to the regulations covering Tachographs
and Operators Licences. Recovery vehicles are exempt.
It is well known that some countries in the EEC tend to overlook the
regulations (the UK included) but some countries don’t. The situation
regarding enforcement could change at any time and, as a result, the
only safe way to transport another vehicle behind a motorhome is on
a car transporter trailer. Play safe! Don’t take the risk!
The regulations which cover this aspect of towing are:-
91/438/EEC covers driving licences.
71/320/EEC covers auto reverse braking systems and couplings.
S.I. 1971 No 450 Part III covers the obstruction of number plates.
94/20/EEC covers type approval of towing equipment and ‘S’
and ‘D’ values.
95/48/EEC covers Masses and Dimensions of M1 class vehicles.
E.T.R.T.O. 1991 section 13 covers wheels and tyres.
BSAU 113c covers 50mm ball and coupling dimensions.
BSAU 24a (1989) covers eye couplings and pin/jaw arrangements.
98/12/EEC covers brake linings and will be implemented in the UK from
1/4/01.And not strictly towing but applicable to motorhomes is EN1648-1
covers extra low voltage installations in Leisure Vehicles and Caravans.
Disclaimer
The information in this guide is as accurate
as the writer is able to make it, however, no responsibility can be
accepted for any inaccuracies which may be in the text. It is the responsibility
of any person wishing to depend on the facts to check for themselves
with original documentation or any updating regulations, instruments
or changes in the law. Interpretation of the law is a matter for the
courts.
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