Trailer Mechanics

s10001

Hi,

Just wondering if anyone could recommend a good trailer mechanic in the Dun Laoghaire area? Finding one on Google seems impossible. I have a fairly old, DIY-style, single-axle trailer which lost a wheel recently and is need of an overhaul.

Many thanks.

fergal.b

Any car mechanic should be able to sort you out or if you want to have a go yourself I could talk you through it. If you are planning on using it on the road I would be looking at getting a new trailer as most DIY trailers are now illegal under the new laws and the Guards are clamping down.




.

miss no stars

What are the current laws?

fergal.b

There is some info on it here http://www.rsa.ie/en/RSA/Your-Vehicle/About-your-Vehicle/Example-of-non-Dup/Trailers-/Legal-Requirements-for-towing-trailers-/ as far as I'm aware all DIY trailers have to be tested by a NSAI centre and given a VIN tag giving details on what loads it can carry and to prove it's road legal.

bpmdj

fergal.b wrote: »

There is some info on it here http://www.rsa.ie/en/RSA/Your-Vehicle/About-your-Vehicle/Example-of-non-Dup/Trailers-/Legal-Requirements-for-towing-trailers-/ as far as I'm aware all DIY trailers have to be tested by a NSAI centre and given a VIN tag giving details on what loads it can carry and to prove it's road legal.

I thought it it just for new trailers?

fergal.b

bpmdj wrote: »

I thought it it just for new trailers?

It is mainly just new trailers but all trailers used on public roads must meet with national and EU safety standers and I think the only way to prove this is by getting it tested other than that it will be up to the Garda discretion to say weather or not it is road legal and they are clamping down.
I think the days of DIY trailers are over and it may not be such a bad thing as I have seen some dodgy looking ones over the years :eek:




.

pedroeibar1

fergal.b wrote: »

It is mainly just new trailers but all trailers used on public roads must meet with national and EU safety standers and I think the only way to prove this is by getting it tested other than that it will be up to the Garda discretion to say weather or not it is road legal and they are clamping down.
I think the days of DIY trailers are over and it may not be such a bad thing as I have seen some dodgy looking ones over the years :eek:
.

I agree that several trailers should be off the road ...'clamping' down is rather good;) A trailer should be 'fit for purpose' and legally anything on the road has to be roadworthy. Anyway, the last thing you want is the bearings to fail on a motorway and if a trailer is dodgy it should be scrapped.

If a trailer/load is obviously unsafe a Garda can take discretionary action; however 'discretion' is open to debate in Court - if he/she is being bolshy over a 'good' trailer you should politely state that you disagree and will be contesting his views with tour engineer's report in court should he decide to go that far. Unfortunately many Gardai are not properly trained in some aspects of the law (firearms licensing being a good example, of which many are profoundly ignorant) so a Garda may have to be politely informed that it is not necessary for all trailers to have a VIN-type plate.

My understanding is that the legislation applies to the sale of NEW manufactured/imported trailers and that size/weight also has a role in testing. In general boat trailers are either O1 or O2 and from what I can see from a quick read do not require testing. The RSA page here has details.