Downplating a horse trailer

lucy1984

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Hi

I passed my test after 1996 so I only have a B license, and as it is, I'm not legal to pull a loaded trailer (unless I have someone sit next to me with grandfather rights and L plates on front and back).

I have an Isuzu Trooper, capable of towing 3500kg.

My horse trailer is by Cheshire Trailers and on the plate it says 'Rice & Richardson'. I'm not sure of the actual model but the dimensions and looks are very simular to the Beaufort Sixty model (for larger horses). On the plate it says maximum capacity 1400 - 2700kg.

As I will only ever be towing one horse I've heard of getting my trailer 'down plated' to make it legal so I don't need to spend hundreds on the B+E test. (I am competant at driving a trailer and reversing etc)

Can anybody tell me what to do next?
Who do I contact? DVLA or Rice?

Any help in this matter would be very appreciated, it's all so confusing!!

Thanks, Lucy
 
you would contact manufactorer but I think if its a double trailer and with your car being large you would struggle to get under 3500kg unless you have a shetland!
 
Isuzu trooper has a GVW of 2600 kgs so with a B licence that only leaves 900 kgs maximum plated MAM for the trailer so it aint gonna work

This is your only option with that vehicle until you pass the B+E test -

SUPERVISING A B+E LEARNER
In April 2010 new rules were introduced for those supervising certain learner drivers but they only affected those supervising VOCATIONAL categories such as C1 C1+E D1 & D1+E where the supervising driver had those categories given to them for free when they passed a pre 1997 car test.
They do not affect those with a pre 1997 B+E licence who wish to supervise a B+E learner.
All B licence holders have B+E provisional on the paper part of their licence and can tow an empty or loaded trailer on all roads including motorways.
The usual rules apply when a learner is driving -
The supervising driver must be aged over 21
The supervising driver must have held a B+E licence for at least 3 years
L plates must be fitted to the front of the vehicle and the rear of the trailer
Correct insurance for a B+E learner
 
Just one more thing. The GVW of my car is 2600kg, but the kerb weight of my car is 1980kg (plus me and the saddle/bridle = roughly 100kg). So does that mean that as long as my horse and trailer weigh less than 1400kg I am legal to drive this and downplate?
 
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