GavStyli

Hi all
I'm curious as to how it works if I had this trailer on my mondeo.
I just want to tow the fiesta to shows etc as it has no tax mot or insurance.
does the trailer need to be insured or taxed etc?
do all 4 wheels of the fiesta need to be off the ground instead?

stevieturbo

The vehicle being "trailed" lol technically becomes the trailer so doesnt need tax or MOT.

But I'm sure plenty of cops could give you hassle and grief over it.

However, anything over 750kgs is supposed to be a braked trailer, which that clearly wouldnt be and could never be.
Although I'm sure I read the rules were changed and that it doesnt need to be braked braked as long as the trailer weighs less than the tow car.

So that could be an issue. But it seems trailer laws change almost yearly, and never get any easier to understand.

And that also assumes you hold a license to tow said trailer.

reithy

I believe it would have to be taxed and mot'd, plus that designed for recovery purposes.

millybuzzin

I believe if the drive wheels are off the ground it does not have to be taxed etc.

Glenn_

iTrader: (1)

Why dont you just drive the fiesta to shows.

scoooby slayer

iTrader: (4)

what you have there Is called a dolly I have one.

the car doesn't need tax or mot as it will be mounted to the dolly and towed like a trailer.

I don't know about laws with needing brakes but ive used mine for 10 years and never had any issues, but I using flashing beacons on tow vehicle and a light board with tow vehicles reg on attached to rear of car covering number plate, but I only use it for recovery purposes when I buy vehicles that are 2wd.

as said the main thing is in my view common sense, the tow vehicle needs to be heavier than whats being towed, I have a Renault traffic and a Isuzu 4x4 for towing.

BLU

iTrader: (1)

A dolly should only be used for recovery purposes. To permanently tow a car it would need to be on a proper trailer.

Having said that you'd probably be fine, just be aware though its a risk as its not technically legal!

scooby slayer, any trailer over 750kgs needs brakes!!

OP be sure to check what towing capacity your car has! My Wifes Audi A3 TDi can tow 450kgs more than my heavier 2.0DTi Zafira and my Scooby can tow 150kgs more *edit* your Mondeo should have a health tow limit.......

stevieturbo

http://www.towitall.co.uk/faq/4.aspx

Interesting comment at the bottom of this sellers website. Although they do not state the laws.

http://www.armitagetrailers.com/protow.htm

http://www.phoenixtrailer.co.uk/towingdollies.php

But one thing that does seem common....they are legal for recovery only.

And any weights quoted or used seem to be based on the Maximum Gross Weight...not the actual weight. So will be considerably heavier than the empty vehicle.

stevieturbo

I think you're right, but also think laws on that changed to appease caravaners. As long as the trailer weighs less than the tow vehicle. Not sure.

Comment from here

http://www.campingandcaravanningclub...s/whatcanitow/

The governments site doesnt even mention brakes....wankers

https://www.gov.uk/towing-with-car/d...at-you-can-tow

Although I think it is 99.99% certain that 750kgs upwards must have a braking system.

Although technically a 2 wheeled dolly isnt a fully braked trailer as all wheels in contact with the ground are not braked, as the rear wheels of the towed vehicle are part of that trailer combination.

jonny s2

iTrader: (12)

i was under the impression the vehicle had to be taxed and motd if the wheels vehicle wheels touched the floor??
i too would like to know for when i tow the escort to a track or the pod

stevieturbo

Yes, but once it is hooked up to the dolly, it is supposed to be deemed a trailer.

Once you unhook it, it's a car again.

But as ll the above sites and links agree. It would not be legal to use it to transport the vehicle to/from shows.

Only for breakdown recovery if it complies with all correct weights and licensing.

BLU

iTrader: (1)

Most car manufacturers have max towing weights, both braked and unbraked. I've yet to see one that allows a trailer over 750kgs unbraked.
Its a minefield towing, very much a grey area. The law needs cleaning up and made simpler imho!

One thing is for sure - a dolly is for recovery purposes ONLY.