As a novice tower....haven`t pick my trailer up yet ( 3 days and counting) I did some research on here and have ordered a book from ebay that was recommended.
Quote: Originally posted by iscacamper on 25/7/2011
Quote: Originally posted by The Bimblers on 25/7/2011The frightening thing is how many people don't realise that, unless you've had your license for years (can't remember off hand when the legislation came out but I think it was you had to have passed your test about pre-'98), you can't legally tow a trailer at all - no matter how small it is!
That's not correct. Holders of newer (post-1997) licenses CAN tow up to 750kg under category B, or heavier if the gross train weight (vehicle+trailer) does not exceed 3500kg and the trailer does not exceed the unladen mass of the towing vehicle.
An extra test is needed for category B+E to tow heavier units.
Wow thatnks for clearing that up we have a caravan and have been towing it for years with our licences (Post 1997) we have researched all the rules etc so know we can tow our ourfit legally. I nearly had a heart attack when i saw that post. Please only write comments when you know you are certain of the rules as you can miss- lead people...
I wonder how many insurance companies know that their drivers are towing trailers etc? I bet they'd use it to wriggle out of a claim if they found out you'd stacked it whilst towing if they haven't been told.
------------- Coming soon to a campsite near you, Jake, Mrs Jake, Little legs, Bosdog the Doodle and Olly the Cavachon.
2014:
August: Scarborough, High Yedmandale. Not tenting though, using one of their lovely holiday homes!
scariest thing you'll see .... elderly drivers who've never actually taken a test and are towing a caravan.
shudder!
with the old addage "I've never been involved in an accident yet"
no but you've caused many!
I have to admit I've never so much as opened the Highway code since I passed in 1991 but at least I read it in the first place, and in my lifetime the traffic limits havent changed, unlike elderly drivers who've never even taken a test.
Quote: Originally posted by upapalmtree on 28/7/2011
scariest thing you'll see .... elderly drivers who've never actually taken a test and are towing a caravan.
shudder!
with the old addage "I've never been involved in an accident yet"
no but you've caused many!
I have to admit I've never so much as opened the Highway code since I passed in 1991 but at least I read it in the first place, and in my lifetime the traffic limits havent changed, unlike elderly drivers who've never even taken a test.
If you were born in the year driving tests came out you would be 76 now. If you were old enough to drive in 1935 you would be at least 93 now.
Do you know any caravanners older than 93?
------------- Love a lot. Trust a few. But ALWAYS paddle your own canoe!!
Minds are like parachutes:- They only function when they are open!!!
Those who talk don't know.
Those who know don't talk.
Quote: Originally posted by upapalmtree on 28/7/2011scariest thing you'll see .... elderly drivers who've never actually taken a test and are towing a caravan.
shudder!
with the old addage "I've never been involved in an accident yet"
no but you've caused many!
I have to admit I've never so much as opened the Highway code since I passed in 1991 but at least I read it in the first place, and in my lifetime the traffic limits havent changed, unlike elderly drivers who've never even taken a test.
If you were born in the year driving tests came out you would be 76 now. If you were old enough to drive in 1935 you would be at least 93 now.
Do you know any caravanners older than 93?
knew a few in the 1990's, and seeing them set off into the Dorset sunset .... terrifying!!
I built a half-scale traction engine a year ago, I needed to rally it so I got an old land rover discovery as they have a massive tow capacity, the engine and trailer is 2300kg and the disco is loaded with the tent etc. This is what helped get us back into camping!
I drive everywhere in the disco now as after towing at 60, I found it so much more relaxing than driving at the usual speeds. This year we took the disco from herts to Cornwall, 360 miles each way, at 60mph, it was the first time I have done this trip (been many times) and got there without a headache and feeling stressed out, time difference was negligible. I was really shocked by the fact that we were being passed by caravans and trailers, in all lanes of the M4 or M5 or A30, we also saw one of those tiny trailers bouncing from side to side, very scary.
The disco makes a fantastic tow car, very stable and with good visibility. The difference between driving it at 70 and at 60 is 8-10mpg so quite a big difference.
Even driving to work at lower speed is more enjoyable:)
I agree there should be a push on trailer laws etc, maybe also people buying a trailer should be asked to reverse it 20' in a straight line too ;)
Quote: Originally posted by Miserly on 26/7/2011
It would be nice if hgv drivers didnt feel the need to overtake the lorry in front just because its going .0009 mph slower. It's almost as if they see a hill and think it will be fun to crawl up the middle lane at 40,leaving we trailer towers stuck behind them for the next 3 miles. Come on guys,we are on holiday,you are only working!
Do you know how long it takes to get back up to 56mph once the power is lost? To be honest I dont know either but it takes a while. Some trucks will power up hills all day, so they will overtake and sit alongside another HGV. Its called cruise control. Anyway, do you think we like working so much that we love to muddle along at 56 or in some cases as low as 52mph? We have timed deliveries to stick to, your groceries in the shops. Yes its slow, but do you want to be hit by one of these monsters travelling at 60 or 70 mph? Have some patience, youre going on holiday, chill out, enjoy the drive-after all, them HGV's might me the start of a fuel protest campaigning for lower fuel prices on your behalf.
Whinge over (for now anyway)
Good night campers-stay safe out there!
oh p.s. If you bought it, a truck brought it!
------------- When there's a knock at the door, why do dogs always think its for them?
Fat people are harder to kidnap
I am a bomb technician, if you see me running, try to keep up!
well said martin2410 when i started this thread it was to give some people some info not to winge about us drivers doing 56 (if your lucky) ,perhaps some people would like to come out with us sometime and see what we see from our advantage point (being so high up ) . maybe then there would be alot less moaning .
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: cars with trailers
) I did some research on here and have ordered a book from ebay that was recommended.
