Towing up to 4000kgs

jwalker · 04 February 2014, 16:34

Right, I've done a lot of ferreting around but still haven't sussed all I need to know.
I'm looking at upping the towing capacity for my rig to 4000kgs. This seems to be legally possible using a braking system coupled to the vehicle, and a suitable vehicle, of course, but I'm having difficulty finding out exactly what's necessary to stay on the right side of the law and also finding good quality and suitable braking gear. There's plenty of hearsay and guessing on tinternet so I'm looking for factual info please.

If any of you good folk are familiar with this I'd be pleased to hear from you. All gems and snippets of info would be good.

Ta.

biffer · 04 February 2014, 16:37

It's the vehicle that will be the stumbling block, landrover only up to 3500 I think

jwalker · 04 February 2014, 16:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by biffer

It's the vehicle that will be the stumbling block, landrover only up to 3500 I think

I believe there is a number of Landrover vehicles rated to 4000kg provided they don't use an over-run braking system.

steco1958 · 04 February 2014, 16:53

You need a chat with the experts

Try www.svtech.co.uk

Steve

Sent from my iPhone using Rib.net

biffer · 04 February 2014, 16:55

Ok. What braking system are you looking at. My motor is wired for electronic brake with bias control. My truck had a 44ft motor with it

jwalker · 04 February 2014, 16:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by steco1958

You need a chat with the experts

Try SvTech - Special Vehicle Technology

Steve

Cool, that looks promising. Thanks Steve.

Chris Caton · 04 February 2014, 17:09

Quote:

Originally Posted by jwalker

I believe there is a number of Landrover vehicles rated to 4000kg provided they don't use an over-run braking system.

you're a braver man than me if you're thinking of towing more than 3500kg with a landrover

i've towed a fair with with landrovers, and unlike some on here i actually like them, but towing any distance on the highway is going to be interesting to say the least, personally i'd be looking for something with a bit more weight in it, something like Biff's motor

jwalker · 04 February 2014, 17:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris Caton

you're a braver man than me if you're thinking of towing more than 3500kg with a landrover

i've towed a fair with with landrovers, and unlike some on here i actually like them, but towing any distance on the highway is going to be interesting to say the least, personally i'd be looking for something with a bit more weight in it, something like Biff's motor

Yeh, well, I've been towing with a Disco for the past 7 years but it's got a bit illegal weight wise and I'd rather be on the right side of the law. So this is the year for that.

There is a problem using heavier tow vehicles on a normal driving licence because the weight of the tow vehicle takes up a fair proportion of the combined tow MAM so limiting the loaded trailer weight. I've found little that's just a bit heavier and capable, one needs to take a fair increase in tow vehicle weight to get something suitable. If you know of some such suitable vehicle, I'll be pleased to know of it.

Mollers · 04 February 2014, 17:32

Unimog.

Bigmuz7 · 04 February 2014, 18:16

I think you'd need something like a mitsubishi Canter with a fifth wheel on it, (if that exists) and then probably a class 1 LGV too.

I'm also not sure now with all the recent changes that the gross tow weight cant be heavier than the tow vehicle, but then, that doesent apply for LGV's

bedajim · 04 February 2014, 18:22

Look at some of the fifth wheel company's as they fit air brakes suspension and replate the tow vehicle too
I've seen some big plant and cattle trailers + driven on a car licence

biffer · 04 February 2014, 18:23

My old girl is LGV not PLG, it did have fifth wheel but has massive tow capacity

Barrowboy · 04 February 2014, 18:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by biffer

My old girl is LGV not PLG, it did have fifth wheel but has massive tow capacity

It looks awesome Biff but I wince at the fuel bill (especially when towing) just looking at it!

jwalker · 04 February 2014, 18:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by biffer

Ok. What braking system are you looking at. My motor is wired for electronic brake with bias control. My truck had a 44ft motor with it

Well I'm open to suggestions Biff. I've looked at electric brakes but am led to believe that they are not legal in the UK, though common in other, non-EU, countries. I haven't been able to substantiate this though. One problem with electric brakes is the requirement to have a fail-safe hand brake on a UK trailer. Perhaps this is why they are considered illegal. Do electric braking systems support a handbrake system?

jwalker · 04 February 2014, 18:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by bedajim

Look at some of the fifth wheel company's as they fit air brakes suspension and replate the tow vehicle too
I've seen some big plant and cattle trailers + driven on a car licence

Okidoke, thanks.

Maximus · 04 February 2014, 18:38

Toyota Landcruiser Amazon Best Tower since Fergie!

M1 Abrams for a Decent Backup

Pikey Dave · 04 February 2014, 18:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maximus

Toyota Landcruiser Amazon Best Tower since Fergie!

M1 Abrams for a Decent Backup

Don't tell me you're on a Tank forum as well

Maximus · 04 February 2014, 18:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pikey Dave

Don't tell me you're on a Tank forum as well

Surprised your even asking!

Bushrider · 04 February 2014, 19:24

Mercedes G class - standard 3.5t and with air operated brakes 6tons towing capacity .

biffer · 04 February 2014, 19:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bushrider

Mercedes G class - standard 3.5t and with air operated brakes 6tons towing capacity .

Looking at air brakes for a new trailer project, I have no knowledge of how to put this lot on my truck, it's the compressor for my truck that has me stumped, anyone?