Trailer Weight

[Doug Stormforce]

Hi guys, what is the maximum weight and size I can tow behind my landy on my basic driving license (licensed before the seperate towing license was required).

Your help will be appreciated.

DOUG

[Nick Thompson]

This seems to be a good guide, but it sure isn't simple.

[DJL]

DVLA:

http://www.dvla.gov.uk/drivers/dl_towing_trailers.htm

http://www.dvla.gov.uk/drivers/vehicle_cat_desc.htm

[Brambles]

Try this:

http://www.ntta.co.uk/law/law/driving_licences.htm

Cheers

Ian

[codprawn]

If you have an older licence it is 3500kgs braked - 750kgs unbraked.

As to length read the links - so many differences it'sstupid. For example some people quite legally tow gliders in trailers 20m long!!!

http://www.shirenewton.co.uk/html/tr...ec%20sheet.htm

[Doug Stormforce]

Thanks guys

3,500 seems like the answer and is just within what I need to tow.

Thanks for your help

DOUG

[Jono]

....and don't forget the requirement for a tachograph, at that weight, if it's in connection with your business..

[Dirk Diggler]

Originally Posted by Jono

....and don't forget the requirement for a tachograph, at that weight, if it's in connection with your business..

The lady who manages Poole Boat Park was stopped by the police recently whilst towing a Fletcher 19 Sportscruiser, big roundabout at the start of the Wessex Way for those who know the area. There's a weighbridge there!

She was towing with a SWB diesel Shogun, and was found to be 250kg over GTW. Being a girl they let her off with just a stern talking to, but said this to her.... "I hope you are going to say yes to this next question, does this boat belong to you?" Luckily, she knew about the requirments for a tacho and replied "yes" to the question, so they let her go on her way.

[Nick Thompson]

Originally Posted by codprawn

For example some people quite legally tow gliders in trailers 20m long!!!

Not legally at 20m without a Police escort.

My son tows his University rowing club boats & checked with the Police Abnormal Load Unit who told him the trailer & load was 8" over the legal limit & the '8s' are 62' long.

[roohairy]

Can anyone shed any light on the maximum weight a series 3 landrover can tow? Modern vehicles are relatively straight forward (all right they're not but it does make sense after several hours of investigation) but I cannot find any data on older vehicles. I'm looking at an ex MOD series landrover to tow my trailer (2800kg gross in this instance) as the cost of hiring a tow vehicle every time I want to move it is getting silly.

[Tim M]

Rowing and sculling boats are specifically excepmt from the length laws.

[codprawn]

Originally Posted by roohairy

Can anyone shed any light on the maximum weight a series 3 landrover can tow? Modern vehicles are relatively straight forward (all right they're not but it does make sense after several hours of investigation) but I cannot find any data on older vehicles. I'm looking at an ex MOD series landrover to tow my trailer (2800kg gross in this instance) as the cost of hiring a tow vehicle every time I want to move it is getting silly.

Nobody really knows!!! They used to measure drawbar load which is basically the maximum pulling power - around 1350kgs - but that is the force applied - like bollard pull on a tug.

Series LandRovers have very similar chassis and towing points etc to modern ones. Most of the parts are still interchangable so the general opinion is that the same limits apply as the new ones.

Having said that remember they are somewhat underpowered and underbraked - far better if you want to tow stuff that heavy to get a 110 instead - they are often cheaper than the Series III. If you don't do much milage get a V8 - the older diesels weren't very powerfull although the later tdi ones are fine.

Series Landrovers are an aquired taste - tough as old boots but leaf sprung and not permamnent 4wd.

[hard1]

Originally Posted by Doug Stormforce

Hi guys, what is the maximum weight and size I can tow behind my landy on my basic driving license (licensed before the seperate towing license was required).

Your help will be appreciated.

DOUG

Hi Doug - you have email. PDF file - VOSA guide on towing small trailers, all you need to know (hopefully). I do have more if you're stuck.

Cheers, Keith

[Nick Thompson]

Originally Posted by Tim M

Rowing and sculling boats are specifically excepmt from the length laws.

Could you point me in the direction of the relevant legislation that states this ?

[Tim M]

Originally Posted by Nick Thompson

Could you point me in the direction of the relevant legislation that states this ?

No

Having actually checked I'm getting confused with the lengths of boats which have to have nav lights. Eights are exempt even though they are longer than the specified length. This is either on the Broads or the Thames, can't remember which!

[Tim M]

This document is extremlty useful on such matters though:

http://www.ara-rowing.org/docs/ara717.pdf

[Nick Thompson]

Originally Posted by Tim M

This document is extremlty useful on such matters though:

http://www.ara-rowing.org/docs/ara717.pdf

Thanks very helpful

Although it's a bit academic now, the long trailer was stolen a couple of weeks ago.

[hard1]

I never thought of doing this. Here goes....

[jwalker]

Wait till Jono reads the bit about using a tachograph.

[Rogue Wave]

Doug. If you are going to stick 3.5 ton on the back of your Landie I'd be wary!

It's a short wheelbase and at that weight they have a tendancy for the tail to wag the Dog. Is the tow for a long distance and are you earning out of it. If it was I'd consider hiring a 7.5 tonner or a big Sprinter. Pitters of West end do em with tow hooks. You get around the weight problem and they are much finer on the motorway!

whatever you use however I'd get a pair of long vehicle plates for the back of the trailer.

Before all the Solihull Soldiers pop out of the woodwork and defend Landies I've got one myself and I love it but I wouldn't tow 3.5 tonnes behind it willingly again!