Confused. Can anyone help

[Portholme]

So I keep reading the uk towing laws about trailers being no more than 7m long except the drawbar and then I see shots like the rowers river launch being towed by a Discovery. How does that work? Is that Disco using a tachometer?

Can anyone help me understand what length boat/ trailer I could tow with a mercedes GL. Not so bothered about weight limit, I know thats 3.5t.

Thanks

[ShinyShoe]

I dint know for sure, but are they using the overhang of the rowing boat as not being part of the trailer length?

[Tim M]

Originally Posted by Portholme

So I keep reading the uk towing laws about trailers being no more than 7m long except the drawbar and then I see shots like the rowers river launch being towed by a Discovery. How does that work? Is that Disco using a tachometer?

Can anyone help me understand what length boat/ trailer I could tow with a mercedes GL. Not so bothered about weight limit, I know thats 3.5t.

Thanks

No tacho required as it was private use.

The rules and regs are outlined here: http://www.ntta.co.uk/law/law/dimensions.aspx

FYI: I did have a marker board on the back of that rowers launch.

[SW Boat Transport]

For towing vehicles upto 3500kg GVW, the law gives a maximum trailer length of 7m excluding drawbar and rear overhang. In practice, there are lots of trailers on the road longer than this and I am not aware of anyone ever being prosecuted for it. Fitting a tacho is only required for hire or reward use and does not make any difference to the allowable dimensions.

[Nos4r2]

The rules are different if it's a purpose built trailer for an indivisible load as well.

[Poly]

Originally Posted by Portholme

Can anyone help me understand what length boat/ trailer I could tow with a mercedes GL. Not so bothered about weight limit, I know thats 3.5t.

Originally Posted by Nos4r2

The rules are different if it's a purpose built trailer for an indivisible load as well.

Nos is right - search the rules for that phrase and you will find what you want.

[Portholme]

3.1 An Abnormal indivisible Load is a load: - (a) which cannot without undue expense or risk of damage be divided into two or more loads for the purpose of carriage on roads AND (b) which ( i ) owing to its dimensions cannot be carried by a heavy motor car or trailer or a combination of a heavy motor car and trailer complying in all respects with the requirements of the Construction and Use Regulations OR (ii) owing to its weight cannot be carried by a heavy motor car or trailer or a combination of a heavy motor car and trailer having a total laden weight of not more than (A) prior to 1.10.1989 32,520 kgs and (B) on or after 1.10.1989 44,000 kgs and complying in all respects with the requirements of the Construction and Use Regulations. (Article 3, M.V. (S.T.G.O.) 2003

How does an indivisible load relate to the movement of a private leisure boat using a large 4x4? Part b suggests it can't be carried by a heavy motor car, which I think insinuates it cannot be carried by a motor car or motor vehicle.

[Portholme]

Sorry, forgot to say TimM, I was in no way insinuating your load was illegal just interested!

[Poly]

Originally Posted by Portholme

3.1 An Abnormal indivisible Load is a load: - (a) which cannot without undue expense or risk of damage be divided into two or more loads for the purpose of carriage on roads AND (b) which ( i ) owing to its dimensions cannot be carried by a heavy motor car or trailer or a combination of a heavy motor car and trailer complying in all respects with the requirements of the Construction and Use Regulations OR (ii) owing to its weight cannot be carried by a heavy motor car or trailer or a combination of a heavy motor car and trailer having a total laden weight of not more than (A) prior to 1.10.1989 32,520 kgs and (B) on or after 1.10.1989 44,000 kgs and complying in all respects with the requirements of the Construction and Use Regulations. (Article 3, M.V. (S.T.G.O.) 2003

How does an indivisible load relate to the movement of a private leisure boat using a large 4x4? Part b suggests it can't be carried by a heavy motor car, which I think insinuates it cannot be carried by a motor car or motor vehicle.

No you are not reading it right. Its written in "legalese". Translation:

3.1 An Abnormal indivisible Load is a load: -

(a) which cannot safely or affordably be split into multiple parts for transportation AND
(b) which
...(i) therefore exceeds the normal limits OR
...(ii) exceeds certain weight limits.

[Portholme]

Ok. I get it. You a lawyer Poly?

[Poly]

Originally Posted by Portholme

Ok. I get it. You a lawyer Poly?

John can I ban him for that sort of abuse or does the question mark let him away with it ?

[John Kennett]

I think "barrack room lawyer" is the technical term

[SW Boat Transport]

Originally Posted by Portholme

3.1 An Abnormal indivisible Load is a load: - (a) which cannot without undue expense or risk of damage be divided into two or more loads for the purpose of carriage on roads AND (b) which ( i ) owing to its dimensions cannot be carried by a heavy motor car or trailer or a combination of a heavy motor car and trailer complying in all respects with the requirements of the Construction and Use Regulations

I don't think the Abnormal Indivisible Load rules apply in this case, as there are other vehicles (eg artics) available which comply are capable of carrying a load of this length and comply fully with with the Construction and Use Regulations.

[Poly]

Originally Posted by SW RIB Charter

I don't think the Abnormal Indivisible Load rules apply in this case, as there are other vehicles (eg artics) available which comply are capable of carrying a load of this length and comply fully with with the Construction and Use Regulations.

There is an AND between (a) and (b). So the load is big AND can't be carried in a standard CAR/trailer combo.