Welcome to HHO Towing Clinic

[cloverleaf1985]

So the trailer tent as it comes out of the factory would be the unladen weight?

 

[ROG]

So the trailer tent as it comes out of the factory would be the unladen weight?

In this case - yes - sort of

normally we think of a completely empty trailer as being the unladen weight but as a trailer tent is a complete item then that would be both the laden and unladen weight unless there is also an option to add weight to it

 

[Tiddlypom]

Can I butt in here (apologies for muscling in)? Examples of items you could add to a trailer tent, which would increase the unladen weight, are a towbar mounted fridge box complete with 3 way camping fridge, plus folding chairs, a table, duvets, water carrier etc etc which you can travel packed inside the folded up trailer tent. Also, we carried 3 bikes on a dedicated cycle rack on the top of our trailer tent.

This all adds to the ex works unladen weight, but must not exceed the max laden weight of the trailer tent.

Of course you can put stuff in and on top of the car, too .

 

[ROG]

another thread on trailer tents = https://forums-secure.horseandhound.co.uk/showthread.php?674499-Trailer-tents-Yay-or-nay

 

[lexibell]

Hi ROG

I just want to check this combo with you please.....

2003 5 door 2.0 Auto Mitsubishi Shogun pinin

With HB 401 Trailer and a 500 kg native pony

on a B License, I think this is OK????

 

[applecart14]

Thought I would show a photo of my car and trailer combo complete with horse. The photo shows my horse staring at the paddock where the pig was kept! It was my horses next visit to the show centre where I had unfortunately showed him a pig the show before and he was terrified and had refused to load to go home and has never really got his fright!

 

[ROG]

Thought I would show a photo of my car and trailer combo complete with horse.

What vehicle model and trailer is that?
What licence do you hold?

 

[ROG]

Hi ROG

I just want to check this combo with you please.....

2003 5 door 2.0 Auto Mitsubishi Shogun pinin

With HB 401 Trailer and a 500 kg native pony

on a B License, I think this is OK????

Shogun = http://www.automobile-catalog.com/c..._shogun_pinin_2_0_gdi_5door2_0_gdi_5door.html
GVW 1890
Towing capacity 1500

HB401 = http://www.towinghorsetrailers.co.uk/trailer/1062
Empty 770
MAM 1600

1890 + 1600 = 3490 so under the B licence limit of 3500

The max load for trailer will be 730 kg (1500 - 770 = 730)


What a nice B towing set up

 

[lexibell]

Shogun = http://www.automobile-catalog.com/c..._shogun_pinin_2_0_gdi_5door2_0_gdi_5door.html
GVW 1890
Towing capacity 1500

HB401 = http://www.towinghorsetrailers.co.uk/trailer/1062
Empty 770
MAM 1600

1890 + 1600 = 3490 so under the B licence limit of 3500

The max load for trailer will be 730 kg (1500 - 770 = 730)


What a nice B towing set up

Phewwwweeee!!

OH put down the deposit on the Shogun already!!

Thanks ROG - Happy towing days ahead

 

[applecart14]

What vehicle model and trailer is that?
What licence do you hold?

Hi ROG its the Vauxhall Vectra 1.9L Elite and max weight 1600KG. It has 160bhp which means it tows really well.

Trailer is old Rice Richardson (may be Beaufort model but not sure) and weighs either 600KG or 650KG (we know this is we have looked at the chassis plate in 1996). In 1996 when we got the trailer we had to shop around for a trailer that was really lightweight as I had a Sierra Saphire as a towing vehicle and this was about the only light weight trailer we could find. There was another one which is yellow and white and begins with the letter B but I can't remember the make of it!

Never had a problem towing it but the Peugeot did struggle a little up long inclines on the motorway but otherwise was okay.

I have a full licence.

 

[ROG]

No probs with a full B+E licence

 

[Clannad48]

A quick question with regard to limiting speed when towing a trailer. I have recently been travelling a lot on motorways with the trailer and have, road conditions and weather conditions permitting, kept my speed to 50 - 55mph. However I have had several other vehicle drivers get 'annoyed' at the speed I am travelling. Now this doesn't phase me, I can gesticulate with the best of them. Now the question, I am considering sticking a couple of 'Restricted to 55mph' stickers on the back of the trailer. Any thoughts on either the limit figure I should apply or whether if I go over the limit I have put on myself whether I would be illegal. Silly I know but just wanted to know other peoples thoughts.

 

[ROG]

A quick question with regard to limiting speed when towing a trailer. I have recently been travelling a lot on motorways with the trailer and have, road conditions and weather conditions permitting, kept my speed to 50 - 55mph. However I have had several other vehicle drivers get 'annoyed' at the speed I am travelling. Now this doesn't phase me, I can gesticulate with the best of them. Now the question, I am considering sticking a couple of 'Restricted to 55mph' stickers on the back of the trailer. Any thoughts on either the limit figure I should apply or whether if I go over the limit I have put on myself whether I would be illegal. Silly I know but just wanted to know other peoples thoughts.

Not illegal but as not actually speed limiter restricted I would put simply - Max speed 55 mph

Perhaps also underneath it - please pass safely

 

[Clannad48]

Thanks ROG, I didn't think it would render me illegal if I went over the limit on the sticker but wanted other drivers to be aware. Most drivers are considerate but as always there are the idiots out there.

 

[applecart14]

Thanks ROG, I didn't think it would render me illegal if I went over the limit on the sticker but wanted other drivers to be aware. Most drivers are considerate but as always there are the idiots out there.

Yeah I remember towing along the M6 with some idiot in a pick up truck in front of me with the back down and a pile of scaffolding poles rattling around loose in the back with one pole just starting its journey out of the back and could just see a 'Final Destination' moment coming (excellent film). I cut my speed and got well back from him, dialed 999 and had a conversation with the traffic police who found him on the cameras and sent a motorway blues and twos out to meet him! Could just see it coming through my windscreen, through me first and then the horse, nicely skewered like a kebab. Nasty.

 

[ROG]

Bank holiday weekend BUMP in case anyone has any questions

 

[HaffiesRock]

I have a question

Today I have purchased myself a nice little Rice Eventer pony trailer! I am very excited and for now my dad will be towing it until I pass my test.

My question is, can I legally tow the trailer (empty) with my dad sat with me while I prepare for my test? Dad used to be a firefighter and taught people how to drive fire engines many years ago so I trust his judgement to guide me

The car is a Freelander TD4 but I'm not sure what it's weights and stuff are. Trailer will be weighed at the weekend but the seller said it is a little under 700kg.

If I can save some money on lessons by getting confident towing and reversing it, then probably have a lesson before my test that would be great. I passed my test in 2007.

Thanks

 

[ROG]

I have a question

Today I have purchased myself a nice little Rice Eventer pony trailer! I am very excited and for now my dad will be towing it until I pass my test.

My question is, can I legally tow the trailer (empty) with my dad sat with me while I prepare for my test? Dad used to be a firefighter and taught people how to drive fire engines many years ago so I trust his judgement to guide me

The car is a Freelander TD4 but I'm not sure what it's weights and stuff are. Trailer will be weighed at the weekend but the seller said it is a little under 700kg.

If I can save some money on lessons by getting confident towing and reversing it, then probably have a lesson before my test that would be great. I passed my test in 2007.

Thanks

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

 

[HaffiesRock]

Thanks Rog

 

[ROG]

The B+E test
No medical or theory test required
Read a number plate from a certain distance
VIDEO - VIDEO - Show Me Tell Me Questions - usually 5
The next three can be in any order:-
VIDEO - VIDEO - Reversing Exercise - done in test centre grounds if test conducted from practical test centre - some tests are now being done from training school grounds
DIAGRAM - DSA REVERSING TEST AREA DIAGRAM
VIDEO - VIDEO - Uncouple/couple up - done in test centre grounds if test conducted from practical test centre - some tests are now being done from training school grounds
One hour road drive - includes the independent drive and is done virtually the same as the basic car test

The trailer must now be loaded with 600 kgs of sand bags or a 1000 kgs water IBC for the test so most companies are now training with that weight in the trailer
https://www.gov.uk/new-laden-testing-rules-for-driving-test-vehicles

Well explained here

DISCLAIMER - I have no connection to any companies which may be featured in those videos

 

[ROG]

As the test is now done with a loaded trailer you might as well progress to towing with it loaded with your Dad supervising

 

[ROG]

oops - did not mean to post here !
never mind

 

[exracer superstar]

Hi ROG,
Currently trying to work out if i need to do my B+E straight away or if i am in the limits for the time being. I have a 1.9 suzuki grand vitara (5 door) 61 plate car. An ifor williams HB406 single trailer and a 15.2 welsh d weighing approx 500 kg. Will i be within the law or do i need to do my B+E straight away ive tried ot work it out using the formula but getting mixed up.

Thanks

 

[ROG]

Hi ROG,
Currently trying to work out if i need to do my B+E straight away or if i am in the limits for the time being. I have a 1.9 suzuki grand vitara (5 door) 61 plate car. An ifor williams HB406 single trailer and a 15.2 welsh d weighing approx 500 kg. Will i be within the law or do i need to do my B+E straight away ive tried ot work it out using the formula but getting mixed up.

Thanks

Assuming this is your car = http://carleasingmadesimple.com/bus...-vitara-diesel-estate_2/58681/technical-data/
GVW 2170

HB406?? (I reckon its a 401 or 403) MAM 1600 if not down plated

total MAM = 3770 (2170+1600=3770) so 270 over B towing limit

SOLUTION = contact IW and get trailer down plated to 1300 which will still leave 530 kg for the load/horse = a little tight on weight but ok

 

[exracer superstar]

Assuming this is your car = http://carleasingmadesimple.com/bus...-vitara-diesel-estate_2/58681/technical-data/
GVW 2170

HB406?? (I reckon its a 401 or 403) MAM 1600 if not down plated

total MAM = 3770 (2170+1600=3770) so 270 over B towing limit

SOLUTION = contact IW and get trailer down plated to 1300 which will still leave 530 kg for the load/horse = a little tight on weight but ok

Whoops dodgy phone typing, yes 403 i meant lol and thats the right car. brilliant thank you for your help i will do that

 

[Kylara]

Hi, don't know the weights and just happened upon this thread and thought I would ask.
I have a B license (post the grandfather rights) and we do have a trailer (I believe it is an HB505 - the older one without the side windows!). The vehicle I am insured to drive that can tow is a 110 LR Defender 2.3L diesel (2013 I think).



I was just wondering if I would actually be able to tow it (I don't think I can but would like to know either way). If in the unlikely event that I can tow it, what weight could I have in it? I am useless with the formula and none of it make much sense when I do try and work it out! As it is the only person I show groom for has a 7.5t lorry with carriage and ponies in and the owner drives that! It would be handy to know if I could tow a trailer in the Defender, what sort of trailer could I tow? We may end up with a team in the lorry and a carriage needing to be trailered and towed and if I can tow with the Defender without the B+E that would be great (but like I said I highly doubt it!). Thanks in advance ROG

 

[ROG]

Hi, don't know the weights and just happened upon this thread and thought I would ask.
I have a B license (post the grandfather rights) and we do have a trailer (I believe it is an HB505 - the older one without the side windows!). The vehicle I am insured to drive that can tow is a 110 LR Defender 2.3L diesel (2013 I think).



I was just wondering if I would actually be able to tow it (I don't think I can but would like to know either way). If in the unlikely event that I can tow it, what weight could I have in it? I am useless with the formula and none of it make much sense when I do try and work it out! As it is the only person I show groom for has a 7.5t lorry with carriage and ponies in and the owner drives that! It would be handy to know if I could tow a trailer in the Defender, what sort of trailer could I tow? We may end up with a team in the lorry and a carriage needing to be trailered and towed and if I can tow with the Defender without the B+E that would be great (but like I said I highly doubt it!). Thanks in advance ROG

GVW of over 3000 kg so the max plated trailer you can tow on a B licence is 750 kg

the trailer also has a very high plated MAM

 

[Kylara]

Haha I was pretty sure I couldn't tow it. But good to know the Defender is a sturdy beast! Baby trailer or B+E licence it is then! Thanks.

Also not sure if you would know or not but if you get the HGV (non articulated - C I think? I am slowly saving up for that test!) licence can you tow a trailer or would you need the B+E as well?

And just to show how inept I am with trailers is a very high plated MAM good or bad?!

Thanks so much, really appreciate the help

 

[ROG]

Haha I was pretty sure I couldn't tow it. But good to know the Defender is a sturdy beast! Baby trailer or B+E licence it is then! Thanks.

Also not sure if you would know or not but if you get the HGV (non articulated - C I think? I am slowly saving up for that test!) licence can you tow a trailer or would you need the B+E as well?

And just to show how inept I am with trailers is a very high plated MAM good or bad?!

Thanks so much, really appreciate the help

High MAM depends on why?

Too high means less good for B towing

Passing a LGV C1 or C test does not increase towing allowances
You need to pass a +E test to do that

 

[Kylara]

Sorry, didn't explain very well! I meant good for towing heavier things? So if my carriage driver gets a team together either two horses in trailer or carriage - ponies not particularly heavy (under 12hh) but carriage more so (although I don't know exact weight). Would the high MAM be good for heavier trailer load I think is what I am asking. Also I am assuming the Defender is a good towing vehicle should it be used as such

Ah so the C+E would cover towing then? But would the E cover driving with the Defender or just a lorry? (Also is LGV over 7.5t?) Not particularly fussed about the B towing as plenty of people/friends qualified for towing so I am trying to work out whether to get the 7.5t + lorry test or a trailer test or combo of both really You really are a fount of knowledge ROG