firstly i know i'm not in the right forum but i wanted advice of people who tow more and more regularly than me,
i have a Mondeo estate and have just got a little erde 102 trailer for putting the camping gear in, i haven't towed before (well i towed the trailer empty when picking it up) but i haven't towed it with a load in, any advice regarding loading it would help, also i can't see it when it's being towed and wanted to know if you are allowed to put a flag on it or something, so that when i get to the site i know my gears not on the M5 somewhere, any help would be great
Dont know the dimmensions of the trailer offhand but as a rule you need a small amount of weight bearing down on tow vehicle (refered to as noseweight) rather than the weight being loaded to the rear and in effect lifting rear of tow vehicle.Dont think there are any rules regarding flags,a piece of garden cane or simillar secured in the centre of tail gate could help especially when reversing.
thanks for the advice, it's only a small trailer so i am assuming that you want with some pressure on the towball to keep it in place, rather than all the weight in the back and the trailer rearing up.
With a caravan it's reccomended to have 7% noseweight, but I don't think it'll be quite so critical with a trailer. Just make sure you have a positive noseweight.
I think a flag is a good idea. I've towed invisible trailers. It always makes me feel uncomfortable.
I have had a trailer get unstable above 60 mph so beware!
thanks for the advice, it's only a small trailer so i am assuming that you want with some pressure on the towball to keep it in place, rather than all the weight in the back and the trailer rearing up.
Its not about keeping hitch in place you should have some weight transfered onto the towing vehicle for stability,your handbook should give you a figure (called noseweight)you should aim as close to this figure without exceeding it.
You can measure it by placing a piece of wood under the hitch on a set of scales(raise the jockey wheel clear of ground) or you can buy purpose made tools.
Quote: Originally posted by sweetpeaheidi on 10/5/2008
Quote: Originally posted by mike+judi on 10/5/2008
I have had a trailer get unstable above 60 mph so beware!
I thought when towing even a trailer you were limited to 60mph and nearside and middle lane on a motorway?
60mph on motorway/dual carrigeway (not allowed in outside lane on three lane motorways)
50mph on all other roads.
Totally agree, anything over 60 is illegal in the UK and will make the trailer very unstable. Don't forget that with an unbraked trailer you will need a safety chain that MUST NOT break should the trailer become disconnected from the car. This is to stop the trailer carrerring into another vehicle. On a braked trailer the Safety cable should snap and pull on the brakes at the same time.
Re reversing with small trailer, its possible but far easier just to unhitch it. Get a Jockey wheel and a spare wheel and jack if you have not already done so.
thanks for all the advice, i did look up the speed limits last night and i am planning to get a spare wheel, new wheel brace to suit the nuts, and possibly a jockey wheel, the trailer has a robust chain that hoops over the towbar before fitting,
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Topic: Trailer Towing advice
