Towing Guidelines
This information is provided to help you understand the main considerations and responsibilities when towing trailers. It is based on our experience and understanding of towing regulations. However, prior to towing it is the drivers responsibility to validate (with the relevant government agencies, vehicle manufacturers etc) any information provided, as we can accept no liability for loss, damage or injury caused by errors or omissions.
If you have never towed before we will give you guidance so you are totally confident manoeuvring your vehicle and trailer prior to setting off on your journey.
Regulations
Prior to towing a trailer you should check :
• that you have an appropriate driving licence
• that your vehicle is capable of towing the required trailer
• whether any other regulations may apply to your situation
The following should help you to answer these or direct you to the relevant agency web-site for further guidance.
If you are still not certain about any aspect, please ask and we will be pleased to help you determine which may apply.
Most towing related regulations are summarised here... http://www.ntta.co.uk/law/
Driving Licence - Vehicle categories are shown on your driving licence which confirm the types of vehicle you are authorised to drive and the size of trailer you are permitted to tow whilst driving such a vehicle. The categories that most commonly apply to individuals are :
'B' - permits towing a trailer not exceeding 750kg MAM or a trailer with a MAM not exceeding the vehicles kerb weight and where the combined MAM (vehicle + trailer) does not exceed 3,500kg
'BE' - permits towing a trailer not exceeding 3,500kg MAM
If your driving licence was first issued prior to 1st January 1997, you should find that you are licensed to tow either of the above categories. Licences issued after this date will only allow the holder to drive category 'B' unless an additional towing test is successfully completed. For more information on towing tests and training centres visit the DirectGov site.
Note that you are not allowed to tow any trailer if driving on a provisional driving licence.
Tow Vehicle Capacities - Your vehicle's manufacturer handbook will confirm the maximum trailer MAM (maximum authorised mass) your vehicle is capable of towing. MAM is new European terminology. In older vehicle documentation, this may be referred to as GW (gross weight), MGW (maximum gross weight) or GVW (gross vehicle weight).
Trailer Capacities - All of our trailers are less than 750 kg so can be towed by a driver licensed for category 'B' or 'BE'.
Reversing - Considered by many as the most difficult element to master, reversing a trailer takes a bit of practice and understanding some basic theory. The basic principle when reversing is that first of all you need to get the trailer to point in the direction you want it to go. You achieve this by reversing your vehicle to push the front of the trailer left to make the rear of the trailer go right and vice versa. Once you have the trailer pointing in the right direction gently steer the vehicle to follow the trailer. We always recommend that when reversing, travel as slowly as possible to give yourself time to think about the steering. Also use an assistant to watch your reversing progress and pass instructions to you on direction, distance and obstructions.
Maintenance - There is no MOT required for trailers currently. Before any trailer is taken onto a public road the law requires that the braking and lighting systems must be working correctly and that it must be in good structural condition. If you have any doubt about the condition of a trailer, please do not use it.
Speed & Lane Restrictions - When towing you are restricted to 60 mph on motorways and dual carriage ways and 50 mph on other roads provided that lower limits are not in operation. Use of the outside (fast) lane of a 3 lane motorway is prohibited whilst towing, unless specifically directed to do so to avoid a road traffic accident or temporary roadworks.
Safe & Secure Loading - Loads should be positioned on the trailer so the weight is positioned centrally over the axle(s) to maintain 25 -125 kg (as per trailer specification) of nose weight on the coupling / towball. Once in position the load should be securely restrained so it cannot move during your journey. We hold a range of ratchet straps and wheel straps which are provided as required with each hire at no additional charge.
Loads Over-Hanging Rear - The law allows loads to over-hang the rear of a trailer by up to 1m without using a marker. Over-hangs between 1-2m require a marker such as a bright cloth being attached. Over-hangs of 2-3m require a regulation marker board to be correctly fitted. Over-hangs greater than 3m require police notification prior to starting your journey.
Note : We recommend using a marker to indicate any over-hang to other road users.
Loads Over-Hanging Sides - The law allows loads to over-hang the side of a trailer by up to 305mm without using a marker as long as the overall width does not exceed 2.9m. Over-hangs greater than this require regulation marker boards to be correctly fitted and police notification prior to starting your journey.
Note : We recommend using a marker to indicate any over-hang to other road users.
Loads Over-Hanging Front - A load over-hanging the front of the trailer needs to be positioned to ensure it does not connect with the rear of the tow vehicle when turning on full lock.
