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Hi,

I am hopefully picking up a Combi Camp at the weekend and was just wondering if they should have any sort of MOT or tests?

Not yet, but there is talk of something like this...

Steve.

Main problem with older TT's, FC's etc is the tyres - they rarely wear out so are often the ones fitted at the factory (maybe 15-20 years ago). If you google tyre age you will find both how to determine the age of the tyres (there will be a 3 or 4 digit code on them) and various recommendations about the service age of tyres (generally 5 years - but could probably be more/less depending on how they have been looked after. And don't overlook the spare. And don't forget a spanner for the wheel nuts as they may not be the same as the ones on your car.

Can you tell - happened to me, 14 year old tyre exploded 400 miles from home in torrential rain, no spanner to change wheel, eventually managed to borrow one from a petrol garage, spare was ancient  - had a very fraught journey home at 50mph.

The tow bar bit is really straightforward.  You are expected to have the correct mounting points used, bolts tight etc.  The allowance for corrosion is surprisingly slack, can't remember the figure, but it isn't hard to find.

Anyone who drives with a trailer that is rusted to bits, with cracked or bald tyres or no brakes ought to be off the road.  Other obvious points are mudguards fitted & working, lights that work, a number plate so the speed camera people can work out where to send the penalty notice.  Nuts & bolts all tight & any load securely fastened on.  Wheel bearings that aren't worn or seized, as well as the hitch working properly all also would seem worth checking.  I

'm pretty sure there was a rule brought in a few years ago about plates for loaded & unloaded weight that had to be fitted from a certain date.  I know mine was built before that came in.  I'd also guess that any new trailers would need a CE mark to be imported or sold to say it complies with whatever European dictat governs trailer construction.

Steve.