Post your towing questions here

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HHO admin

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Dear forum users

H&H has access to a towing expert who is going to be on hand to answer all your questions about towing safely, choosing the best towing vehicle, towing and the law, etc.

Please post your questions here or email them to hheditor@ipcmedia.com and the best will be included in a Q&A on a new microsite.

HHO Admin
 
Hi

Can your expert confirm what the maximum towing speeds are?

I've been told that you have to be 10mph less than National Speed Limit (NSL), so therefore 60mph on a motorway and 50mph on other NSL roads that aren't dual carriageways .

Is that correct as I'm often overtaken by other trailers and lorries (I thought their maximum speed was 56mph?) on motorways?

Thanks
 
I'm thinking of changing my car, I currently have a Landcruiser Colorado but would like a slightly smaller 4x4 as I no longer need a 7 seat vehicle.

Which smaller 4x4's will safely and legally tow an IW510 with two horses, both approx 500kgs.
 
OK my question will be.

A few months ago I got pulled over by the police, I was on a A road and there was no hard shoulder to stop, so I carried on to the next exit and came off, ( about 10 mins) the police car was behind me flashing his lights and sirens, I indicated to show I had seen him and he flashed his main beam, but kept the lights and siren going behind the trailer. At this point the horse in the trailer was going mad, as I pulled over the police man jumped out, and so did I, he was doing a spot check on the trailer, as one like mine was stolen that night, as I appreciate the police stopping vehicles to check, please could you tell me what guide lines the police follow to pull over horse trailers, the only reason I ask is the police man did not realise I had a horse in the trailer at the time. But surely live animals and sirens don’t go together, and I big accident could have happened, Was I right to have a go at the police man about the sirens ? should I have reported him ?
 
What should I do if I have a flat tyre on either the car or the trailer i.e should I continue to a safe place to unload the horse before jacking either up or better to leave the horse on board?

Is there a legal requirement to leave the top doors (back of trailer) open when towing?

Is there anything in the highway code regarding giving way to cars pulling trailers on narrow lanes etc?
 
Went to have a chat with the chap at the local garage and asked his opinion on the best family sized, economical, 4x4 that would tow a horse and trailer.

He immediately suggested a Nissan X trail 2.2 diesel. He said that due to its low and high ratio it would pull easily (we live in an extremely hilly area) and would do about 36 mpg.

Please could the towing expert give his views on this?

Thank you.
 
Please could you ask the expert....

I have a new (to me) towing vehicle and when I towed with it for the first time last week, at one point it felt like the trailer (Ifor 510 with 2 horses) was going to start 'swinging' or 'snaking' while going about 48mph on a dual carriageway. The vehicle is a 5 door, 2.5TDI Landrover Discovery, so should be up to the job.

Question is..... if the trailer does start swinging and pulling the towing vehicle with it, how should you deal with the situation? I was once told that you should not brake, but should accelerate out of the swing. Confirmation of what to do would be much appreciated!!
 
Whilst on the subject of the back top doors being open... can someone give some sensible advice on people who leave the door open at the top of the FRONT ramp whilst travelling?

I have seen this often, and I can't believe it is a) safe, as the horse can put his head out, and b) comfortable for the horse to be travelling with his head directly into the wind at speed?
 
Hi, A driver having to take there trailer test, can drive a trailer with L plates on as long as they have a driver with them that can pull a trailer on there licence. can they still pull like this with a horse in??????
 
I have towed with all the doors open on my 505 but only on a very hot summers day and only a short distance. My horses loved it but they were quite excited when we arrived, I dont leave the front door open any more.
I would be interested to know if there are any legal requirements about the doors open or closed?
 
Please could the towing expert give his comments on the most cost effective alternative of either buying a small two horse lorry to use approx once a week usually within a 20 mile radius and buying an economical family sized car for everyday use compared to using a larger/family sized 4 x 4 for every day and using a two horse trailer for the same journeys. Particularly taking into account the Gov's new road fund license changes, insurance and mot/plating.

Many thanks
 
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