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Self Build Trailer regs?
coyoteboy - 19/9/11 at 12:14 PM

Hi Guys,

Is anyone aware of rules and regs regarding trailer builds - we're looking at ways of transporting a fairly small track car but the DVLA site isn't forthcoming with info regarding self-built trailers. Is there an IVA equivelent for trailers or can I just weld up a nice strong example on a caravan bed?

Ta in advance!

owelly - 19/9/11 at 12:31 PM

Theres a bit of useful info here but its not strictly about building trailers.
http://www.batesontrailers.com/trailer-towing-guide.asp

I have built several trailers and use the 'it was built pre-1992 and has had new axles, wheels, chassis, bed, drawbar etc, etc' since then.
As long as the trailer was the correct spec at the time it was built, then you're OK. I looked into the regs a couple of years ago when I was going to build a few to sell but there seems to be several organisations who claim to be 'the law' and they conflict with each other!
Thankfully, the authorities don't seem to know the ruled but I'm sure they would if you built a trailer that killed folks!

adithorp - 19/9/11 at 12:43 PM

No requirement for testing/examination of trailers at present. There's been talk of introducing it though. The only requirements at the moment are that the lighting has to operate and if over 750kg gross weight then it must be braked as far as I know. In use, you could be stopped/prosecuted for use of an unsafe trailer, which could include dodgy construction. Condition, braking and lighting would be covered under that.

owelly - 19/9/11 at 01:17 PM

There a few mire regs to be aware of if building a new trailer, these include the use if appropriately rated tyres, having the trailer plated, and the use of trailer-specific brakes, to name just a few! Also, the length and width of the trailer determines the lights required.

coyoteboy - 19/9/11 at 02:14 PM

OK, so there's a few to deal with but no major requirements - that's not too bad. Owelly - can you point me to the regs wrt trailer specific brakes and lighting requirements etc? I've not managed to track them down.

TBH I'm more than likely to over-engineer it in true locost style but I don't want to start out on a project that blooms into an expensive uncompleteable nightmare when I could have bought one.

FEZ1025 - 22/9/11 at 10:21 AM

Just be aware that if you ever consider taking it to the rest of Europe they do have strict rules, this may or may not be relevant to you

Alan...

MikeCapon - 22/9/11 at 11:41 AM

quote:
Originally posted by FEZ1025
Just be aware that if you ever consider taking it to the rest of Europe they do have strict rules, this may or may not be relevant to you

Alan...



You're right that over here trailer rules are stricter as are those for amateur built cars etc. Where your post is a little misleading is that the domestic regs do not apply to visiting vehicles or trailers.

So if you can use your trailer in the UK you can bring it here no problem as a visitor.

HTH

Mike

AndyGT - 22/9/11 at 12:05 PM

Are you sure?

A family friend had trouble in France as he was towing a car on a dolly and the péage wanted him to pay for both the camper van and the car behind. He argued it was a trailer. He ended-up cutting the engine and putting on the kettle until they decided to let him through or not. He told me that as of 2012 all Dolly-type trailers are forbidden in France but I don't know about the rest of mainland Europe...

Regards
Andy

MikeCapon - 30/9/11 at 07:41 AM

Hi Andy,

Only just seen your reply. The laws concerning trailers etc are specific to each country and only apply to vehicles registered in that country. It's the same as a Seven if you like. We cannot IVA a kit over here and get french plates for it but you can bring your seven to france and drive it on the road quite legally.

So, if it's legal where registered you can drive it here. No problem.

HTH,

Mike

alistairolsen - 30/9/11 at 08:20 AM

quote:
Originally posted by AndyGT
Are you sure?

A family friend had trouble in France as he was towing a car on a dolly and the péage wanted him to pay for both the camper van and the car behind. He argued it was a trailer. He ended-up cutting the engine and putting on the kettle until they decided to let him through or not. He told me that as of 2012 all Dolly-type trailers are forbidden in France but I don't know about the rest of mainland Europe...

Regards
Andy


Thats cos dollys are illegal in the UK for a start!

owelly - 30/9/11 at 09:47 AM

Try here for lighting info:
http://www.ntta.co.uk/law/trailers/lights.aspx
And here:
http://uk-trailer-parts.co.uk/trailer-lighting-rules-regulations-and-requirements

And some useful words here:
http://www.roadtransport.com/roadlegal/11944/vehicle-safety-regulations-lighting-cu.html
And here:
http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1989/1796/contents/made

You may need to pick through the last two to find trailer specific stuff.


And back to NTTA for brake requirements:
http://www.ntta.co.uk/law/trailers/brakes.aspx

And here:
http://www.armitagetrailers.com/trailerlaw.htm

I spent a long time researching this but all the 'official' links through .gov sites contradicted themselves. I made a list of them all but they are on my old laptop which is now fubar.
Hth.

designer - 30/9/11 at 10:09 AM

When I spoke to the Gendarmes in the North of France I was informed that if they saw a car, whatever Nationality, on a dolly, they would take you to the nearest parking place, take your car off the dolly, bin the dolly, and leave you to it.

The last time he had done this was with an Ariel Atom heading towards Paris!