Car trailer II

[shaun]

I am wondering what the requirements are for towing trailers in the UK. There seems to be some confusion, some like the 85% rule others not worried.

If my devils plaything weighs 1050 kg, the trailer 500kg and the trailer should not exceed 85% of the unladen tow cars weight, my car weight must be at least 1824Kg, thats a fair sized car.

I have one of the old B+E and have previously used a land rover tow, le trailer actually improves braking confort is another thing.

Guess the question I should ask is can I used a 3L 164 as a tow car?

[SUSIT]

As Long as the trailer has brakes and the All up weight of the trailer and load does not exceed the suspension load limits of the trailer then yes. I may be wrong and will stand corrected but I think the 85% rule is advisiory not law.

The new law that confuses me is age limit and how long you have held a full licence but dont worry Shaun your way older than required :)

[rutthenut]

I think that figures are provided by the manufacturers to cover their maximum gross vehicle weight for towing?

From memory, Range Rovers and Jeeps are permitted something like 5 tons (or tonnes).

However it is worked out, I would think that a 164 should be ok to tow a Strat.
I recall Mike Buckler using his turbodiesel 164 race car to tow a trailer with his V6 petrol 164 race car on it s- both could be used at a single event. Sure that was heavier than a Stratos replica...

As for age limits, I see that the UK licensing rules now require you to take a test to tow a trailer - unless you have had your license since some year or other (1997). Not an issue or me as I think I am now officially an 'old fart'.
http://www.dvla.gov.uk/drivers/dl_towing_trailers.htm

[strat6v]

John,

You know you've got to 'that' age when the policemen look like kids and you find lots of usefull things in those betterware type household catalogues. :D

John.