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Topic: Interesting towing limits

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AlanGlynSmith

12/12/2014 at 7:56pm
Location: S Yorks
Outfit: Outlander GX3 + Challenger 490 SE

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The .gov.uk web site on towing limits states

Width and length

..... The maximum length is 7 metres for a trailer towed by a vehicle weighing up to 3.5 tonnes (3,500 kilograms).

Interesting given that a lot of twin axle caravans are over 7 metres and weights would suggest that they are towed by vehicles well under 3500Kgs.

This would prevent me from buying almost all of my choices for a new caravan...

I wonder how many people realise this especially those with twin axles..

For example a Lunar Lexon 640 RS 2008 is 1560MTPLM (nice weight) most vehicles could tow it... BUT its 25ft 1 in long and 7 metres is 22' 11"....

Does this rule ever get enforced?

David Klyne

12/12/2014 at 8:01pm
Location: Milton Keynes
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Doesn't the length refer to body length rather than overall length?

David

AlanGlynSmith

12/12/2014 at 8:01pm
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Not sure its not clear...

https://www.gov.uk/towing-with-car/car-towing-weight-and-width-limits

Great if it is...

LlaniDavis

12/12/2014 at 8:19pm
Location: Llanidloes Powys
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Quote: Originally posted by David Klyne on 12/12/2014
Doesn't the length refer to body length rather than overall length?

David

CORRECT!!

clbewi

12/12/2014 at 8:20pm
Location: Essex
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Excludes the a-frame

-------------
Claire and Colin

AlanGlynSmith

12/12/2014 at 8:34pm
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Looks right... Odd why they dont include those extra 4 words on the government web page!

Happy now.

Back to looking at new vans!!

G7ACU

12/12/2014 at 8:57pm
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I've spotted several errors on that site, including their omission of the specifics you refer to in your post.
They don't seem to interested in correcting either as I've contacted them before to clarify this point.

I find the NTTA website useful, and as an example the specifics relating to dimensions can be found here.

Post last edited on 12/12/2014 21:04:46

-------------
Paul

Every day's a school day!

RogerGoff

12/12/2014 at 9:27pm
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This has been discussed plenty of times in threads on the towing forum. There are several errors/ambiguities on the current .gov webpages regarding towing law. The previous webpages were much more detailed but current simplified pages continue to contain errors despite these errors being pointed out.

Tbf there is little enforcement of towing law in the UK & obviously enforcement is not seen as a priority hence the disinterest in correcting these errors.

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