Government proposal to change trailer licensing regulations.

[jd6820]

I've read into this as was unsure myself. Here is a link to the document used by the DVSA to inspect trailers and the guidelines they follow.

https://assets.publishing.service.g...hicle-approval-inspection-manual-trailers.pdf

It would seem that as typical 3500kg trailers are not 'semi-trailers' i.e. not designed to impose a significant load onto the towing vehicle then the maximum weight the trailer can be is the plated GVW as stated on the plate unless this figure is not given in which case the maximum axle weights are used, which usually add up to make the GVW.

A semi-trailer appears to have lets say a GVW of 41000kgs and this is made up of three axles rated to 9000kgs AND an imposed load rating of 14000kgs. Which doesn't appear to be the same as balanced trailers such as Ifor's?

Now, the real question is are they gonna get you to unhook a trailer to prove it's overweight when you have just rolled the towing vehicle off the bridge to get the trailer axle weights and the trailer alone is 3500kgs but imposing a load on the towing vehicle? I'd say not as long as the rest of the outfit is below the allowable GTW. However, they would assume some load is being imposed and probably argue that the trailer was only designed with it's own 3500kg GVW and is overweight just like you can't exceed your cars GVW without potential of being fined.

 

[Justme]

From www.gov.org, briefly, the GVW as marked on the manufacturers’ trailer chassis plate can’t be exceeded. Think that’s authoritative enough.

Defined as the weight as measured through the tyres in use ie coupled up.

 

[Justme]

However, they would assume some load is being imposed and probably argue that the trailer was only designed with it's own 3500kg GVW and is overweight just like you can't exceed your cars GVW without potential of being fined.

But then they would be counting the same weight twice.

 

[jd6820]

But then they would be counting the same weight twice.

Still doesn't get away from the fact the manufacturer has designed the trailer to work within certain parameters to get type approval you alter those parameters and the trailer enters a different type classification. That extra nose weight is still being put through the trailers own structure that was designed with certain loading factors regardless of the axle capacities. The tow hitch is subject to the full load which in this argument seems to be over the 3500kg plated weight.

If we really want to split hairs, have you ever tried to load a trailer and get the axle weights up to maximum whilst having a significant nose weight? My bet is one of the axle weights would be over the plated weight before you got enough nose weight that the trailer was carrying much if any more than the 3500kg allowable? This is purely by nature of the design of balanced trailers? Not sure this is a productive discussion?

 

[Brendan]

 

[Brendan]

To be fair trailers would have been designed and tested beyond their max rating and the brakes systems would also be able to cope with more.

 

[Bri963]

Defined as the weight as measured through the tyres in use ie coupled up.

Show me where it says that.

 

[Justme]

Still doesn't get away from the fact the manufacturer has designed the trailer to work within certain parameters to get type approval you alter those parameters and the trailer enters a different type classification. That extra nose weight is still being put through the trailers own structure that was designed with certain loading factors regardless of the axle capacities. The tow hitch is subject to the full load which in this argument seems to be over the 3500kg plated weight.

If we really want to split hairs, have you ever tried to load a trailer and get the axle weights up to maximum whilst having a significant nose weight? My bet is one of the axle weights would be over the plated weight before you got enough nose weight that the trailer was carrying much if any more than the 3500kg allowable? This is purely by nature of the design of balanced trailers? Not sure this is a productive discussion?

My triple 3500kg has 3 x 1500kg axles. When I first loaded it the nose weight was too high when fully loaded. But with the 3 axles you can shift the load to get it right. My twin 2.7t has 2 x 1350kg axles so you would need to load spot on to get the max.
Nose weight will also be affected by vehicle used as the ball will be at different heights. Even if in spec for height you can have about 2" variance. Vans 4 x 4's and pickups dont always have balls in spec.

 

[Justme]

Show me where it says that.

How do they weigh you?

Yup a pressure plate via the wheels driven over them in most road side stops or a bridge if a fixed site. All weigh via load applied via wheels.

 

[Bri963]

Looks a bit too American to be relevant

sorry, meant the gov.uk site.

 

[JD450A]

 

[Canal Navvy]

Glad I didn't ask if I could tow my unladen tt3017 behind the other half's VW golf now

 

[Bri963]

How do they weigh you?

Yup a pressure plate via the wheels driven over them in most road side stops or a bridge if a fixed site. All weigh via load applied via wheels.

Not arguing with how they weigh you in practise, but if they did weigh the trailer separately, which they are entitled to, you’re over. Unless you can show an authoritative source that says they aren’t allowed to. (Preferably not a caravan forum) I think this thread has got confused over the law, (which nowhere says you can add weight to a trailers‘ GVW via the imposed load on the coupling) and how it is (usually) enforced.

 

[Bri963]

Glad I didn't ask if I could tow my unladen tt3017 behind the other half's VW golf now

What do the experts think about this one?

 

[Justme]

Weigh bridge pads ect operators guide and testing.

Consolidated code of practice: enforcement weighing of vehicles

www.gov.uk

 

[JD450A]

 

[doobin]

View attachment 27804
What do the experts think about this one?

I think it would be much easier to stick it on the back of a transit tipper!

 

[Bri963]

I think it would be much easier to stick it on the back of a transit tipper!

Unloading would certainly be quicker.

 

[Justme]

Getting back on topic. Ignore the crappy title.

What is the point of the DVSA

Association of Approved Driving Instructors run by ADIs for ADIs looking after the interests of driving instructors not afraid to challenge the DVSA - ADIs4ADIs

www.theaadi.co.uk

 

[Brendan]

View attachment 27804
What do the experts think about this one?

Borderline depending on trailer, machine is about 900kg ish trailer possibly 300kg ish, think them Jimnys? Have a 1300kg tow limit