Quote: Originally posted by DrivenMad on 14/7/2013The 2 Tops - I agree with you, if they do go down the MOT route. However if they choose to exempt caravans from the MOT and other member states adopt the MOT then this is where problems may be.
Not quite true, DrivenMad. If the UK exempts our caravans, this has to be honoured under EU law - similar to the "80/90" speed roundels that you see on the rear of continental caravans where the train weight of the outfit exceeds 3,500kg.
We do not have to have these stickers on our vans when visiting the mainland EU. But, if our vans do exceed 3,500kg, we do have to adhere to related speed limits.
I think the worst scenario would be, as in the case where we now have to carry our original V5, that the mainland EU governments could apply a condition that there must be carried with the van proof that it had been serviced within the 12 month period that included return to the UK.
Random stopping by the police would then occur; almost guaranteed, because mainland EU seems to have a much greater number of police officers.
Another example: When I bought a new car with the tow ball ready fitted, it had only the dashboard bulb-failure light to show that my van indicators and road lights were working.
I met with dire warnings on this forum, so I asked the local police. They said I would be prosecuted if I was stopped and found not to have the 'required' trailer indicator warning light, or audible signal.
Contacting the DfT for advice, I was informed, and in writing, that, because the operation of my system had been type-approved in another EU member state, it was legal in all EU member states, including the UK.
Bertie.
Why have a caravan serviced annually if you only use it once or twice a year?
Surely bi-annually would suffice. Also reading in this forum the number of horror stories about wheels falling of caravans proves that servicing does not make it safer.
You are not obliged to service a motor vehicle annually so why have a caravan serviced annually?
Quote: Originally posted by iank01 on 15/7/2013
Why have a caravan serviced annually if you only use it once or twice a year?
Surely bi-annually would suffice. Also reading in this forum the number of horror stories about wheels falling of caravans proves that servicing does not make it safer.
You are not obliged to service a motor vehicle annually so why have a caravan serviced annually?
For safety, which means habitation IN the van as well as roadworthiness, realistically a caravan must be serviced periodically. Since caravans do not have odometers, a set annual service was probably initiated by caravan manufacturers. Bi-annual may well be technically acceptable, but who is going to change it? When considering the state of the roads, and how a caravan can be subjected to quite violent shaking, is it unreasonable for manufacturers to insist on annual service, at least where bodyshell warranties are in force?
I personally believe that sideways forces (yawing) may cause addition compressive action by the studs on alloy wheels, thus reducing the actual torque load. For this reason, I check my wheel-stud torque between reaching a substantial journey and setting off again. I have found some need to reset the torque during the first year of our new van with alloy wheels. This effect probably reduces as the resistive strength of the alloy increases due to compressive forces. I may be wrong, but I cannot think of any other explanation.
Regarding motor vehicles, owners ARE obliged by law to keep them in roadworthy condition. They are either subjected to a variable regime (usually where annual mileage is high) or an annual service. And, of course, they are subject to an annual MoT.
Bertie.
Quote: Originally posted by The 2 Tops on 15/7/2013
Regarding motor vehicles, owners ARE obliged by law to keep them in roadworthy condition. They are either subjected to a variable regime (usually where annual mileage is high) or an annual service. And, of course, they are subject to an annual MoT.
Bertie.
Keeping a vehicle roadworthy and keeping it serviced are not the same thing though. There is no legal requirement to keep a vehicle serviced, though it is required by dealers to maintain a warranty.
Apart from classics, I would imagine that most cars that are over 10 years old get very little servicing, either at home or a a garage. The MOT is probably the only time many of them go inside a workshop.
One previous car that I towed with was nearly 8 years old when I sold it. During the four years that I owned it, it was dealership-serviced every 12 months. This regime would have continued had I still had that car.
When using a car for towing, it is usually being pushed towards its acceptable limits. With the addition of a van on the back, proper service and maintenance become even more important.
I find it hard to believe that any caravanner would be so foolish as not to ensure that his/her tow car was roadworthy and safely up to the task asked of it. Duty of care to others on the road is a legal requirement, apart from the moral issue of the safety for one's family and oneself.
Bertie.
Quote: Originally posted by The 2 Tops on 16/7/2013
One previous car that I towed with was nearly 8 years old when I sold it. During the four years that I owned it, it was dealership-serviced every 12 months. This regime would have continued had I still had that car.
When using a car for towing, it is usually being pushed towards its acceptable limits. With the addition of a van on the back, proper service and maintenance become even more important.
I find it hard to believe that any caravanner would be so foolish as not to ensure that his/her tow car was roadworthy and safely up to the task asked of it. Duty of care to others on the road is a legal requirement, apart from the moral issue of the safety for one's family and oneself.
Bertie.
Both our cars are services annually even if they have not done the required mileage. One has only done about 3500 miles as is due for a service next month, but at the service all they really do is changed the oil which is what is done at most service unless you complain about something.
A habitation test is not a requirement for a MOT. More than likely when a MOT for caravans becomes mandatory it will probably only be every 2 years anyway like in Germany. TBH as per the CC I don't see any reason for a caravan MOT as it is not warranted. According to figures only .06% of accidents involved caravans and it is any ones guess if any of those were due to roadworthiness. More VOSA stops would be a better idea.
The idea of a certificate to be inspected before admission to a site would just lead to some people purchasing forged certificates,as used to be the case with MOT's before the were recorded at the DVLA.
How will the authorities know if a van has been MOT'd? Only by roadside checks.
At the moment there is no complete register of ownership that the police or VOSA can refer to to prove ownership.
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Topic: Stop new EU Law - Caravan MOTs
