How do you know what can tow a trailer?

[maletto]

my mum has a c-class mercedes estate and my friend has a trailer (one of the Ifor Williams ones that takes horses up to 17.2hh)

I don't have transport, apart from a horsebox that I'm trying to sell. (can you see where I'm going with this!!)

how can i work out if my mum's car is strong enough to tow my horse in my friend's trailer, legally. Would be nice to get out and about without having to spend £100 on renting a little box every time.

 

[maletto]

Ok - just checked the mercedes website and it says that the permitted towing weight is 750 unbraked, 1800kg braked.

So on the ifor williams site, it says that the gross weight of the HB511 (the one that carries 2x17.2) is 2700kg. I'm guessing therefore that my cunning plan won't work.

Said friend also has a (slightly rickety but entirely functional) pony trailer. B's been in it before with a pony and travelled fine. Guessing this one will have a lower gross weight.

I suppose i've pretty much answered my own question - my mum's car won't tow my friend's trailer.

Anyone got any comments on plan number 2 (use the pony trailer on my mum's car)?

 

[NeilM]

The gross weight is the total carrying capacity of the trailer.

The unladen weight will be more like 900 Kgs. Add to that the weight of your horse(s), say 550Kgs for a decent sized horse and you have your total, in this case 1450Kgs.

 

[lilaclomax]

How heavy is the horse you are wishing to transport? And the weight of the trailers?
I have a Fautras Provan+ which is up to 2,000kg in weight. I have had another plate made for the trailer which is 1,400kg MAM... the trailer weighs 920kg and my boy is 382kg = total weight 1,302kg. I tow my boy with a Mondeo which can tow a braked weight of 1,800kg so I am well within the limits and safe for the braking ability, the only thing I will not do is go off road!
I used to drive a 9.5t lorry but had my licence downgraded (medical) so the above is my way around the 3.5t towing law.
If I am taking a heavier horse or have 2 on board I borrow a 4x4 and a friend who has the correct licence to sit beside me