Member Since: 27 Feb 2007
Location: Cambs
Posts: 170
Large tintents.
I currently tow a 2300mm wide TEC single axle van, which is nearly 5 year old now. We have been looking for a replacement with a bit more room.
With a D3 maximum tow weight of 3500kg, a twin axle would be no problem. However the van we like the look of is 2500mm wide and about 1900kg.
I recall that there is some law about towing vehicle weights with respect to trailer width. I think 2500mm width requires over 3500kg towing vehicle, (bigger than a Standard Transit?)
We see plenty of Hobbys, or other trailers pulled by Discos, LC, standard Transits, etc.. but aren't sure on the law. Anybody able to clarify this,
22nd Jun 2008 8:15 pm
tintenter
Member Since: 29 Sep 2006
Location: Oldham
Posts: 1109
Maximum sizes for towing
Towing vehicle under 3500kg GVW
Length (excluding the coupling and drawbar)
7.0 metres
Maximum width
2.3 metres
Towing vehicle over 3500kg GVW
Length (excluding the coupling and drawbar)
12 metres if at least 4 wheels
Maximum width
2.55 metres
Length of towing vehicle & trailer combined
18 metres
Maximum overhang of load from rear of trailer
3.05 metres
Further information from: National Trailer and Towing Association (NTTA)
www.ntta.co.uk/law/
Member Since: 29 Nov 2005
Location: Hampshire
Posts: 255
Without going and looking up the specific law I know that you are right in that the max width you are permitted to tow on a car licence is 2.3m . Also with the Discos max weight you are limited to 2.3 m, even if you hold the right licence.
We also see a community of drivers towing vans over 2.3 m but somebody is turning a blind eye to them.
Your Disco insurance will be at risk towing an illegal van.
Well I have been beaten by others with more detail
22nd Jun 2008 9:25 pm
simon
Member Since: 11 Jan 2005
Location: Shropshire
Posts: 18296
If you tow something that big... why not just get a hotel room ?
Can anyone tell me why our continental cousins can come over here with their twin axle foreign 2.5m wide vans towed by D2, D3 etc and face absolutely no comeback?
If there is legislation it should be applied consistently - to all drivers, be they British or otherwise.D3 05 SE (old one)
RRS 08 SE (new one)
formerly mxgeldar7
22nd Jun 2008 9:29 pm
robsmith
Member Since: 02 Sep 2007
Location: Staffordshire
Posts: 2392
Its cops ect. turning a blind eye. The law about width/length/weight applies to all drivers in the UK. I expect the cops ignore over-width as its hard to see at a glance the difference between 2.3m and 2.4m when doing 70 on the motorway and the agro of pulling a trailer that's 2.29m wide is beyond belief. Cops are far more interested in getting the who use the outside lane of 3/4 lane motorways while towing as they understand tha paperwork far better.......Rob Smith
Silver rools OK
23rd Jun 2008 7:43 am
Pelyma
Member Since: 06 Jan 2005
Location: Patching, Sussex
Posts: 15496
Yeah but they are anti 4x4, especially LRs, they also don't like dogs or kids and quite possibly themselves!DS3 TDV6 HSE - Silver with Alpaca (old one) Gone
DS3 TDV6 HSE- Silver with Alpaca (new one) Gone
D4 HSE Lux - Montalcino Red Gone
Porsche Cayenne V8 Diesel S
23rd Jun 2008 8:14 am
al cope
Member Since: 08 Nov 2005
Location: Oldbury, WM
Posts: 10297
and dont forget, a lot of these wider 'vans are being pulled around by our Travelling/Tarmacing/Tree felling friends.
AlVolvo XC90 B5 Plus Dark
Gone - MY18 D5 HSE - Corris on 22's with Black Pack
Now gone - MY16 D4 SE Tech, Loire Blue, Almond Leather, Privacy, plus some other goodies.
Old - MY12 D4 SDV6 XS Auto - Ipanema Sand with Almond Leather - Plus other niceties, and D4.com sticker
Older - D3 TDV6 XS Auto - Lugano Teal with Almond Leather, 20" Stormers, Shiny Tailpipes, DVD/TV - and obligatory D3 sticker
Ancient - D3 TDV6 S - Tonga with Ebony, 20" Stormers, satnav & DVD
23rd Jun 2008 9:05 am
simon
Member Since: 11 Jan 2005
Location: Shropshire
Posts: 18296
Yeah but they are anti 4x4, especially LRs, they also don't like dogs or kids and quite possibly themselves!
that explains a lot mate
23rd Jun 2008 9:55 am
DSL Keeper of the wheelie bin
Member Since: 11 May 2006
Location: Off again! :-)
Posts: 72787
simon wrote:
If you tow something that big... why not just get a hotel room ?
Wot U got against caravaners Simon???
23rd Jun 2008 10:04 am
Shiny Silver
Member Since: 27 Feb 2007
Location: Cambs
Posts: 170
Thanks for the replies guys.
The cops turn a blind eye for now, but may be in the future they may have a crackdown and then you're left with a van that nobody would buy later.
The biggest problem is insurance, if it's against the law the insurance might not pay out in the event of an accident.
So not wortth the risk then.
And to answer Simon's question re hotel,....
because the bbq would set of the fire alarms!!
23rd Jun 2008 9:32 pm
simon
Member Since: 11 Jan 2005
Location: Shropshire
Posts: 18296
Shiny Silver wrote:
And to answer Simon's question re hotel,....
because the bbq would set of the fire alarms!!
Ah... I hear you
23rd Jun 2008 10:29 pm
Shiny Silver
Member Since: 27 Feb 2007
Location: Cambs
Posts: 170
Simon, I thought you might be losing your spirit for adventure for a moment there, and could start questioning the need for off roading when tarmac is available!!
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who use the outside lane of 3/4 lane motorways while towing as they understand tha paperwork far better.......
