towing weights for import vehicles

[Jon Tallis]

Have just had a very interesting exchange of emails with the Dep't of Transport International Vehicle Standards section, regarding towing weights for import vehicles (or any vehicles not displaying standard EU GVM / GCM info).

I've always been under the impression (incorrectly as it turns out), that in the absence of this info a vehicle is legally limited to towing it's own kerbweight (although I often tow significantly more than that).

The DoT have dispelled a few myths and added a few interesting points:-

• Whilst they agree it's a sensible recommendation, there's no basis in law for limiting a (unplated) vehicle to towing it's own kerbweight
• Without manufacturer info (I.E. the usual data plate) DoT / VOSA are not in a position to determine the towing weight limit of a vehicle.
• However, an engineer with knowledge of the vehicle construction may be in a position to do so.

this would make a very interesting conversation with the VOSA inspectors when stopped and potentially challenged for 'overloading'. Vs what? exactly...

I'd be pleased to copy the mail trail to anyone wanting a copy to keep in their glovebox (PM me)

As a Chartered Mechanical Engineer, with knowledge of the vehicle construction I will be attaching a Data Plate to my Hilux Surf, lifting the data from a US spec 4-runner, as Toyota don't declare towing weights for the jap models. That'll fox 'em. I'll also be informing my insurer.

[cptsideways]

Have always been aware of this grey area,


At the roadside VOSA can only go by the tyre loadings or individual components that are stamped eg wheels etc on an unplated unit. The original old handbooks for a Landruiser 80 series 4.2 says it can tow 8 tons in 4x4 low range so that can flummox them too.

Plus many vehicles can also tow way above their kerbweight, eg a UK Landcruiser that itselfs weighs 2.3t is plated to tow 3.5t like many big 4x4's so plating to tow only kerbweight might not be your best option.

I would'nt mind a copy as I run an imported Landcruiser with no weight plate

[Rokraider]

Interesting post. Toyota sold a vehicle in the UK for a limited period called a Forunner that is basically the same as the Surf. I imagine that you could probably get a good idea of the rating from the figures for that in the UK. It might also be worth checking to see if your model was imported into Germany as they have often had models we don't see here?

[HDAV]

Or the Aussie specs they are right hand drive and get most 4x4 vehicles. There are also the upgraded models such as those fitted with air brakes for heavy towing loads. Made even more interesting with a post 97 liscence and no additional categories...

[biffer]

I'll be interested in the email. I have a ford 250 super duty. It weighs over 3 ton but I have the stateside info for the truck quoting 6 tons
Gets used to the extreme

[biffer]

Email would help. Customribs@me.com

[Nick Hearne]

I think the max you can tow is 3.5 tonnes as over this you are in to air brakes as in HGV irrespective of the cars ability!

[Nos4r2]

Originally Posted by Jon Tallis

I will be attaching a Data Plate to my Hilux Surf, lifting the data from a US spec 4-runner,

I asked a traffic officer. Reply was 'We won't touch it unless it looks dangerous or the trailer is over 3500kg'.

Mine happily tows 2.6 tonnes regularly and doesn't look dangerous at all.

[Jon Tallis]

[QUOTE=Nos4r2;645020].....I asked a traffic officer. Reply was 'We won't touch it unless it looks dangerous or the trailer is over 3500kg'.......
QUOTE]

The fuzz might not, but VOSA (with their aparrent new brief as a money making arm of DoT) sure as hell will. Look on here and other forums for all the bizarre and baseless things they've fined people and impounded trailers / vehicles for.

[biffer]

Originally Posted by Nick Hearne

I think the max you can tow is 3.5 tonnes as over this you are in to air brakes as in HGV irrespective of the cars ability!

These rules don't apply to USA trucks as they have electric braking systems. My truck was supplied with a 44 ft camper body which was over 4 .5 ton the tax class is goods vehicle. Not PLG like my nissan. It's a grey area for sure. The sunny is 5 ton and the trailer has got to be over a ton

[Nos4r2]

Originally Posted by Jon Tallis

The fuzz might not, but VOSA (with their aparrent new brief as a money making arm of DoT) sure as hell will. Look on here and other forums for all the bizarre and baseless things they've fined people and impounded trailers / vehicles for.

Got any examples? I can't find anything on a quick look.

[Nick Hearne]

Originally Posted by biffer

These rules don't apply to USA trucks as they have electric braking systems. My truck was supplied with a 44 ft camper body which was over 4 .5 ton the tax class is goods vehicle. Not PLG like my nissan. It's a grey area for sure. The sunny is 5 ton and the trailer has got to be over a ton

I still think the max weight trailer you can tow will be 3.5 tonnes unless you have air brakes fitted to the trailer!

[biffer]

You may be right. But you probably know more than plod and I don't care. Too much!

[Jon Tallis]

Originally Posted by Nos4r2

Got any examples? I can't find anything on a quick look.

Post on here somewhere about them pulling someone for having his tie-downs attached to the rope-hooks on his trailer - they objected on the grounds that they weren't loadtested!
Other posts about them pulling people for towing unladen trailers, which if loaded to their max capacity, would have exceeded the GCW of the tow vehicle. This last one was what a mate of mine had his trailer impounded for, even though VOSA guidance docs clearly state that it's the laden weight at the time that counts not the max it could carry.

[biffer]

They pull for some old bollox just to have a look round and see who you are. Since the suss law was revoked they need an excuse to stop you. Same result different way

[Nick Hearne]

Originally Posted by biffer

you may be right. But you probably know more than plod and i don't care. Too much!

:d:d:d:d :-)
What happened to my green smiles?

[tehguy]

Originally Posted by Nick Hearne

I still think the max weight trailer you can tow will be 3.5 tonnes unless you have air brakes fitted to the trailer!

Doesn't have to be air brakes, it can be electric too. As long as it's not mechanical overrun.

If your pickup has a max gross weight of over 3500kg then you need category C1 on your licence to drive it (after 1997 you need to do an extra test for this). Also to tow over 750kg with it you need category C1+E (before 1997 you already have this, but it limits you to 8125kg gross train weight), again an extra test. With C1+E you can drive a vehicle up to 7500kg max gross weight, and a trailer over 750kg with a max train weight of 12000kg.

[biffer]

Have the electric brake bias system built into my truck but not sure that these trailers are legal over here, it's a complete feck up really as the camper that this towed was 44ft long and had electric brakes, it also weighed over 4 ton yet legal, don't ask me!!!

[Duke2584]

Hi John have you still got the email trail, I would be very interested in having a copy if you have.
Regards

Chris

[Duke2584]

Hi John, know this was a while back now, but would be very interested to see a copy of the email trail you had.
Regards

Chris