Pulling a trailer safely

Builderfromhell

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055602635

In response to the above question regarding the regulations around a Pajero pulling a 6 wheel trailer I am curiouse to know;
What are the regulations regarding towing trailers?
I drive a 1997 Toyoat Hilux 2.4 Turbo diesel and often load sand in the back without a trailer. 1 ton yesterday. I was planning to get a trailer to pull stone, sand etc. regularly.
I am not so much concerned about keeping within the law as being safe. ie. I don't want to kill or injure anyone.

I didi not want to ask this question on the Pictures thread as it's going off topic.

Slidey

Thanks for starting a new thread.

If you look at the VIN plate it will tell you the max train weight for both the pick-up and trailer. Your Pick-up unladen weight is on your tax disk if taxed commercially.

aravan

I don't make the rules. The people in Toyota and Mitsubishi etc. decide (through vigerous testing i'm sure) what the towing limit is.

101sean

Either look in your handbook if you have it or do a search for the maximum recommended towing capacity and train weight for your vehicle. With over-run brakes it's usually 3.5t for the trailer, possibly a bit less. Trouble is a 2 or 3 axle Ifor Williams and the like will carry a lot more and the Hilux will pull it, stopping or loising control is a different matter:eek: As a builder I'm sure your aware of the weights of materials and wouldn't be tempted;) To really get in trouble big style, put a mini digger on the top, not that I know someones who's done it:rolleyes:

The Garda around Tipp and Limerick have been checking trailers and weights recently. I don't know when you passed your test but they were catching a lot of drivers not entitled to tow over 750kg plus others grossly overloaded.

Slidey

I have posted this here before but will do it again in case people havent seen it.

This is a VIN plate from a 07 Transit. The transit is under 3.5t so can be driven on a car licence and does not require a tachograph.



This vehicle is part of a major fleet and because it regularly tows a combined weight of more than 3.5t has had a tacho fitted.




Legally it is now allowed a combined weight (van and trailer) of 6t with the right equipment.

peasant

Isn't the 6000 the gross towing weight, i.e. the max. weight of vehicle, trailer and load ?

Slidey

Yep, sorry, slip up on my part. Meant to say train weight.