IS ROG still here. Looking for towing advice

[katiehorse]

I have a Ford Edge and looking to tow a lightweight derby unladen weight 675kg. Pony weighs around 390kg and I would only be traveling one. Do I need to take the trailer test with this combination. If I don’t I would still get trailer lessons regardless

 

[lannerch]

Think you would need to downplate the trailer as in this instance it’s the maximum trailer weight that you have to take into account not the actual weight , but if you did this I think you would be fine

 

[Equi]

If you are going to do lessons why not just do the whole test? I don’t understand the logic of not doing a test to ensure safety and legality and I’m not just talking about you I’m talking about the many many “can I tow this combo” posts that pop up on here. Just do the test and be done.

 

[phizz4]

You need to find the GVW or MAM of the Ford, I can't find it searching on line. Try your Registration document. My guess would be that it is around 2500 kg. Add that to the trailer's MAM of 1700 and you need a B+E licence. It's not the weight of the trailer and car, or the weight of the horse, it's the maximum weight that each component (car and trailer) can be. Your trailer plus horse weigh 1065 Kg so the lowest that you could downplate the trailer to would be just above this, say 1100 Kg.

 

[Lipglosspukka]

If you are going to do lessons why not just do the whole test? I don’t understand the logic of not doing a test to ensure safety and legality and I’m not just talking about you I’m talking about the many many “can I tow this combo” posts that pop up on here. Just do the test and be done.

Some people aren't good under exam conditions. I get so nervous I literally shake. Trying to reverse a trailer while you are physically shaking from heads to toe is not a pleasant experience! It took me four times to pass my driving test, each failure was because of my nerves. It's just very hard to drive while you are violently shaking!

I've had lessons because in lessons I am okay. I'm confident I can safely tow now. I however will be looking for a set up on just a B license because I'm not putting myself through the stress and anxiety of the test.