Big Will_

Sadly I took my test after 1996 and as such i'm not allowed to tow a trailer behind a car

However, i've decided i'm going to trailer my Time Attack car to events next year and have just bought a 330d tourer complete with towbar.

So - all i'm missing now is the entitlement on my license!

Been looking around on the net at these training packages where you get 2-4 days training (so that I don't end up towing like Fudgey!) and then do the test on the last day.

Prices seem to vary between £350 and £850.

I know the actual test is £110 and i'm keen to pass it first time, but training wise - can anyone recommend somewhere good and sensibly priced????

Thankyouplease

big_wig_074

erm...where are you will?

Big Will_

Blackpool mate

phil_focus

i don't know of anywhere to go tbh but did you check the 330d has a big enough towing capacity to tow your time attack car?? bearing in mind its not just the weight of the trailer + load its the MAM of the trailer you have to take account of and obviously once loaded you shouldnt be over loading it.

i would have thought a 5 series would be a better tow vehicle to be honest but i've not looked into them for towing.

Big Will_

1800kg rating for towing.

Assuming the trailer weighs 500-600kgs, the Focus should come in well under the remaining 1200kg limit! I'm hoping to see it down around the 1000-1100kg mark! Leaving me 100-200kg for tools/wheels/tyres/fuel etc.

Will probably only tow around half a dozen times a year so would rather have a nice daily driver that doubles as a tow car than an out and out tow vehicle

phil_focus

that sounds about right then, shouldnt be a problem especially as a standard focus (assuming mk1) is about 1200kg anyway give or take engine and spec.

just make sure the MAM of the trailer isn't over 1800kg though or if you get a tug from the old bill they might prosecute you.

good luck finding a place to do your training and test, think they are few and far between.

POLARIS ESCOS

iTrader: (2)

Will think there is a place in warrington where you can do it they are on the same inustrial estate that r c developments were on

Big Will_

Really?

Cool - might have a google for them later

Cheers mate!

wide ka

i had in my head that aslong as the combined weight of everthing is less than 3.5 ton you dont need to do the tow test?

Rex Kramer

iTrader: (1)

That was what I thought after reading up a bit on it. Tricky thing is getting the right tow car/trailer combo.

alistairolsen

For the millionth time on here:

Total MAM under 3500kg

Trailer MAM < car unladen weight

Cargo mass< Trailer Capacity

So the best you tend to be able to do is a biggish saloon with an MAM of 2000kg and an unladen weight of 1500. You can then get a 1500kg MAM trailer, which should have a capacity of 1100kg or so, allowing you to tow an 1100kg track car on it.

In addition to, and independent of the licensing rags you also have to watch the max towing weight of the car (in this case 1800kg) some large cars are still on a 13-1600kg limit.

phil_focus

yes you are right. on the post 96 liscence you can drive a vehicle upto 3500kg MAM and tow a trailer with a MAM upto 750kg

or

drive a vehicle and trailer combo with a train MAM of no more than 3500kg. there is also something else, which i cant quite remember off the top of my head, that says the MAM of the trailer has to be less than the MAM of the tow vehicle. if the trailer Mam is more then you need to take the test.

the major problem though is finding a vehicle and trailer combo for this and realisticaly means the trailer and load can not have a MAM greater than 1500kg so you can't trailer a big vehicle.

my mate tows a 205 rally car with a vw transporter and i think he's borderline on being illegal to be honest.

really the only way to go to tow a vehicle on a trailer is to take the test and get a suitable trailer and tow vehicle for your needs which will be much easier to do when your liscenced properly.

fraser9764

iTrader: (3)

very true, van is 1750 unladen, 205 around 900kg, trailer is a home made one and doesnt weigh much, but its all the crap you take with you, spares, tools, fuel etc that screws you over. I should get my test done really.

phil_focus

hi mate

i did wonder after posting if you would find this thread. ha

with that home made trailer having no tags on it showing MAM you're probably ok law wise...until they get you on a weigh bridge full of tools :P

Big Will_

Given my track record of unlucky run ins with the police...

I think i'll do the test

Fudgey

iTrader: (4)

cunt

Fil

was a thread a few weeks ago, some more info on here https://passionford.com/forum/genera...ng-course.html

-beefy-

iTrader: (6)

dont you need to have the car built to take it to time attack next year willbur ?


or you entering it in the show n shine compotion in the modified live they normally have running on the day





hugs

beef

Big Will_

*Strikes name off christmas card list*

TimC

iTrader: (1)

Will they do trailer license and coaching at Myerscough where I went to college. Literally 10-15mins from you
http://www.myerscough.ac.uk/?page=co...r+and+Trailer)

-beefy-

iTrader: (6)

in that case
* strikes will off the guest room list !!!*


pmsl


beef

dug112y

iTrader: (1)

bollocks to the trailer thing...i am gonna use this save any hassle

wide ka

i though so, i have a 500kg track car how much do caravan converted trailers weight 200kg?

i presume tow car a trailer need to be under 3500kg

phil_focus

yes if towing a trailer heavier than 750kg the total car and trailer must be under 3500kg.

Fudgey

iTrader: (4)

so you dont actually have to take the extended trailer test if you passed your test after 1996, so long as the total combo weight under 3500kg, and the trailer/car on trailer weigh less than the towing capacity of the tow car?

fuck thats a tad confusing

ps what is the max tow weight of a 406 estate? not that i will ever be towing again with it

phil_focus

your right fudge it is really confusing and ideally the tow vehicle should be heavier than the trailer and load although some vehicles are rated to tow more.

it also depends on the MAM. you could put a very light car on a big trailer and be under the towing limit of the vehicle and under 3500kg total if put on a weigh bridge but if the trailer has a MAM greater than the capacity of the tow vehicle its illegal and also if that means the total MAM is over 3500kg then your not iscenced to tow that.

there are obviously some combinations of vehicle and trailer that will allow post 96 liscence holders to tow a small light track car but for most things you will really struggle to stay legal and if you carry a lot of kit too then even with a light track car you can be fucked.

realisticly its better to take the test and get either a big heavy estate like a big bmw, merc, vag or a 4x4 as they have decent towing limits.

Fudgey

iTrader: (4)

so what does the test actually enable you to do?

as you will still need to have the appropriate car/trailer combo. does it just up the limit from 3500kg?

ive never looked into it tbh

phil_focus

regardless of liscence you need a trailer capable of holding your required load and a towing vehicle capable of towing that load and any other kit you may want to chuck in.

the test and addition to your liscence ups the limit above 3500kg. not sure what the new limit is though and theres a few intricate details aswell that i'm sure i've missed but there will be more info availibl from towing sites and certainly the towing instructors and examiners should know all the details and where to find them.

i wonder if the dvla has a national list of towing test centres??? something worth looking into for anyone who's interested.

Gaz 88

did you find anything else out about this will?

Big Will_

Not yet Gaz, it's on my list of things to do though!

project rs

you also have to inform your insurance company of your intension to tow