Mud Gaurds

jameszzz · 20 October 2011, 08:56

Hi.

My boat trailer doesn't have any mud guards so I am going to make some for it.

Is there any specific requirements for mud guards in the uk? like height from the ground? spray suppression? etc... or is it just simply that the trailer has to have mud guards. I can't find any specific requirements on the internet so im guessing as long as they cover the width of the tyre and the front and back part of the mud guard cover a reasonable amount of the diameter they will be ok??????

Also, should the trailer have a plate on it stating the max gross weight etc...

thanks in advance

Trailer Guy · 20 October 2011, 10:02

You're right ref. mudguards - a sensible attitude to what they should look like and how they should work will see you right.

Before I answer the plate question (it's a slightly convoluted area!) - is your trailer braked or unbraked?

jameszzz · 20 October 2011, 10:50

Hi thanks for the quick reply, my trailer is unbraked.

Trailer Guy · 21 October 2011, 08:42

There's actually no sitpulation, by law, to show a plate on a trailer. '82 regs demand that you have the GVW clearly marked on the trailer, but if you wanted this could be painted in white letters on the axle. '97 rules state that if you've got a plate fitted, to an unbraked trailer, it also has to show year of manufacture.

The DoT would like to see, for recall purposes, on a trailer plate:

Manufacturers name, address and a serial number
Number of axles and weight per axle
Coupling nose weight
GVW
Date of manufacture

However, all that said, if I were you (to keep the boys in blue happy) I'd buy a generic chassis plate from fleabay (or punch your own on to a bit of ally plate) and make sure you've got the GVW (I presume 750kg) and an approx date of manufacture. Rivet it to the nearside of the drawbar and you'll never have to worry about being pulled!

jameszzz · 22 October 2011, 14:58

Nice one thanks for that, just the info I needed. I think I will have a go at making one from a bit of ally plate as you suggested, the only ones I can find on ebay only have the max trailer weight and nowhere to stamp the year of manufacture etc..

Thanks again,

James