Thread: Car Trailer Hire, Regs, etc

Originally Posted by Mick_Marsh

I thought I read 4t on a UK site.
Not to worry.

The Nannas on the UK site seem to have that discussion every couple of weeks and never resolve anything. Unfortunately it is stamped on the plates and if there were to be an accident we all know that the authorities would take that plate as gospel rather than try an understand how it is derived and also it is a "recommended" amount rather than an absolute amount.

Garry

Thanks guys.

I made a typo when saying the servo trailers were 1750kg, should have been 1200kg (dunno how I go that so wrong!!)

I'll check out the equipment hire place but I think the local ones just do similar trailers to the servos but will double check.

So with the overide brakes, etc, does that mean I need a brake booster fitted to the car?

Thanks again for all your info

Stu

Overide brakes are the ones fitted to garden variety 2000kg or less trailers.

Breakaway and brakes controlled from the cabin are required for over 2000kg. If you use vacuum controlled brakes then you will require some hoses to go all the way to the back of the car to connect to the trailer vacuum lines. I don't know if they come off a seperate vacuum collector/tank. Electric controlled brakes require a cabin fitted controller.

Originally Posted by slug_burner

I doubt you will be able to hire a trailer that can do more than 2000kg total (trailer plus load) as the override brakes on hire trailers from the service stations can only be used on trailers 2000kg or less. These trailers only have brakes on one axle. You need electric or vacuum operated brakes for anything over 2000kg plus the breakaway brakes and both axles need to be braked.

As you need the tow vehicle to have the activating portion for the over 2000kg brake system not many people have them for hire. Someone on another thread mentioned that they used a plant trailer from an equipment hire place to do their 4x4.

I use the local hire guys plant trailer. It's the best towing trailer I have ever used. Has it's own battery for the elctric brakes and on-board controller. Also has a masive full rear ramp on springs and a loading winch. It just fits my 130 to. Those guys look after their gear unlike the local servo ones and if you tell about any faults with the gear they tag it right there and then before discussing if it caused you problems with the job. They even check the lights before you leave the yard.