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Towing using A-Frame

snakebelly - 12/9/12 at 05:48 AM

http://www.direct.gov.uk/prod_consum_dg/groups/dg_digitalassets/@dg/@en/@motor/documents/digitalasset/dg_200824.pdf

bi22le - 12/9/12 at 07:16 AM

Linky no worky.

I am using my phone on the outside of the world though!!!

JeffHs - 12/9/12 at 07:35 AM

I was away in the caravan last week. My neighbour had a very nice Peugeot Motor Home and a Fiat 500 on an A frame. Reading this, there is no way that can have met the braking requirements, and I suspect that almost all of those such outfits must be illegal too.

jossey - 12/9/12 at 08:10 AM

quote:
Originally posted by JeffHs
I was away in the caravan last week. My neighbour had a very nice Peugeot Motor Home and a Fiat 500 on an A frame. Reading this, there is no way that can have met the braking requirements, and I suspect that almost all of those such outfits must be illegal too.

I agree....

That's a shock to the system.

dhutch - 12/9/12 at 08:13 AM

quote:
Originally posted by bi22le
Linky no worky.

Works for me.

Pretty informative, but equally, supprisingly cagey in its wording!

designer - 12/9/12 at 08:18 AM

I wish all this 'confusion' about A-frames could be cleared up by the powers that be!!

quote:

Trailers having a combined axle mass not exceeding 750kg are not required to have brakes fitted. However, if the trailer (regardless of mass) is fitted with a braking system, then all brakes in that system must operate correctly.

If I connect a A-frame to my Dutton, I am below the weight limit. But as the Dutton has brakes, they have to work when towing.

So, legally, I can't use one.

GeoffT - 12/9/12 at 08:30 AM

It's interesting that this information sheet separates A-frames and dollies and applies the 'breakdowns only' ruling only to towing dollies.

This, in effect, seems to be saying that as long as you fit some sort of braking setup, towing a road legal car with an A-frame is legal. It is rather guarded in it's wording though, and noticable that at the end it say's it's up to the courts to decide.....

Could be a useful option for trackday transport maybe?

owelly - 12/9/12 at 08:33 AM

As I've said many times, the laws are there in black and white but folks are cherry-picking bits to suit their needs! Ultimately, a judge would decide if your 'rig' broke the rules. Chances are he would read the same legislation I have and decide you have broken the law!

blakep82 - 12/9/12 at 08:57 AM

quote:
Originally posted by GeoffT
It's interesting that this information sheet separates A-frames and dollies and applies the 'breakdowns only' ruling only to towing dollies.

its always been the case that dollies are only for recovery. or at least for a very long time.

it says that brakes have to operate on a 'trailer' regardless of mass if brakes are fitted. no mention of efficiency though. wonder if some sort of A frame in the footwell, with a heavy swinging weight and a pushrod system acting on the brake pedal would suit that?

I wonder if its a law that the police don't really bother with enforcing, but if an accident happens, then its taken into account and the blame automatically goes to anyone using an a frame?

chillis - 12/9/12 at 09:21 AM

The everyday reality has always been if you want to move a car you can't drive, for what ever reason then it must be on a flatbed truck or car trailer, and you need to ensure if your towing you have a suitable vehicle and licence.
Dollies, A-frames, bars and ropes/straps are for recovery to the nearest safe place i.e off the highway.
Brakes arn't required on any trailer that is below 750kg gross, but if it has brakes they must work.
The new euro mot will include trailers and thus this will test for brake efficiency.

chillis - 12/9/12 at 09:21 AM