We have provided this information in order to help our customers understand their main considerations and responsibilities when towing trailers. It is based on our experience and understanding of towing regulations. However, prior to towing it is the drivers responsibility to validate (with the relevant government agencies, vehicle manufacturers etc) any information provided, as we can accept no liability for loss, damage or injury caused by errors or omissions.
Most people find that towing a trailer comes fairly naturally. This can be confirmed by the number you see on the road every time you make a journey.
Trailers are available in various designs and sizes to suit a vast range of needs that meet almost every conceivable transportation requirement. At Thomas Trailer Hire we offer the most commonly used trailers (see Trailers & Hire Rates) which are ideal for most domestic, light commercial, light agricultural and sporting need.
If you have never towed before, we will ensure you have the best equipment and are given guidance, so you are totally confident prior to leaving with your trailer. If required, we have access to a 5 acre area where you can safely practice manouvering your vehicle and trailer prior to setting off on your journey.
Prior to towing a trailer you should check :
that you have an appropriate driving licence
that your vehicle is capable of towing the required trailer
whether any other regulations may apply to your situation
The following should help you to answer these or direct you to the relevant agency web-site for further guidance.
If you are still not certain about any aspect, please Contact Usand we will be pleased to help you determine which may apply.
Most towing related regulations are summarised in a single publication, the SMMT's booklet 'Towing And The Law'. This is available to buy at a cost of £5.00 from their website.
With every trailer we hire, we loan a copy of this booklet together with the Ifor Williams operating guide, to assist you in the correct use of the specific trailer you hire.
Driving Licence - Vehicle categories are shown on your driving licence which confirm the types of vehicle you are authorised to drive and the size of trailer you are permitted to tow whilst driving such a vehicle. The categories that most commonly apply to individuals are :
'B' - permits towing a trailer not exceeding 750kg MAM or a trailer with a MAM not exceeding the vehicles kerb weight and where the combined MAM (vehicle + trailer) does not exceed 3,500kg
'BE' - permits towing a trailer not exceeding 3,500kg MAM
If your driving licence was first issued prior to 1st January 1997, you should find that you are licensed to tow either of the above categories. Licences issued after this date will only allow the holder to drive category 'B' unless an additional towing test is successfully completed. For more information on towing tests and training centres visit the DirectGov site.
Note that you are not allowed to tow any trailer if driving on a provisional driving licence.
Tow Vehicle Capacities - Your vehicle's manufacturer handbook will confirm the maximum trailer MAM (maximum authorised mass) your vehicle is capable of towing. MAM is new European terminology. In older documentation, this may be referred to as GW (gross weight), MGW (maximum gross weight) or GVW (gross vehicle weight).
Trailer Capacities - Our Trailers & Hire Rates page shows each trailer on our hire fleet with an individual 'IWT Link'. Clicking this will open a new window where you will find the trailer Gross Weight together with all other specification details for that trailer. Closing this window will then return you to our site.
In brief, all our 'leisure & domestic' trailers are less than 750 kg so can be towed by a driver licensed for category 'B' or 'BE'.
All our 'commercial' and 'specialist' trailers are greater than 750 kg but do not exceed 3,500 kg and therefore can be towed by drivers licensed for category 'BE' only.
The Welfare Of Animals In Transport - If you are transporting livestock you may be subject to The Welfare Of Animals (Transport) Order 1997 and other regulations. These cover various aspects such as loading, restraining, as well as prevention of distress or injury.
Further information on these regulations can be found at the Defraweb-site.
Reversing - Considered by many as the most difficult element to master, reversing a trailer takes a bit of practice and understanding some basic theory. The basic principle when reversing is that first of all you need to get the trailer to point in the direction you want it to go. You achieve this by reversing your vehicle to push the front of the trailer left to make the rear of the trailer go right and vice versa. Once you have the trailer pointing in the right direction gently steer the vehicle to follow the trailer.
It is easier to reverse a flatbed trailer as you can see over the top. When reversing a horse box, box van or stock trailer, you are limited to visability through your side mirrors only.
We always recommend that when reversing, travel as slowly as possible to give yourself time to think about the steering. Also use an assistant to watch your reversing progress and pass instructions to you on direction, distance and obstructions.
Maintenance - Unfortunately there is no MOT required for trailers currently. The Government has implied that this will change within the next few years to bring us in-line with other EEC countries.
Currently, before any trailer is taken onto a public road the law requires that the braking and lighting systems must be working correctly and that it must be in good structural condition.
This may sound obvious but many trailers we see on the road are not maintained in such condition, risking the safety of the user, other road users and sometimes horses or livestock being transported. If you have any doubt about the condition of a trailer, please do not use it.
Speed & Lane Restrictions - When towing you are restricted to 60 mph on motorways and dual carriage ways and 50 mph on other roads provided that lower limits are not in operation. Use of the outside (fast) lane of a 3 lane motorway is prohibited whilst towing, unless specifically directed to do so to avoid a road traffic accident or temporary roadworks.
Safe & Secure Loading - Loads should be positioned on the trailer so the weight is positioned centrally over the axle(s) to maintain approx. 75-125 kg of nose weight on the coupling / towball. Once in position the load should be securely restrained so it cannot move during your journey. We hold a range of ratchet straps, wheel straps, shoring poles, breast and breech bars etc. These are provided as required with each hire at no additional charge.
Loads Over-Hanging Rear - The law allows loads to over-hang the rear of a trailer by up to 1m without using a marker. Over-hangs between 1-2m require a marker such as a bright cloth being attached. Over-hangs of 2-3m require a regulation marker board to be correctly fitted. Over-hangs greater than 3m require police notification prior to starting your journey.
Note : We recommend using a marker to indicate any over-hang to other road users.
Loads Over-Hanging Sides - The law allows loads to overhand the side of a trailer by up to 305mm without using a marker as long as the overall width does not exceed 2.9m. Over-hangs greater than this require regulation marker boards to be correctly fitted and police notification prior to starting your journey.
Note : We recommend using a marker to indicate any over-hang to other road users.
Loads Over-Hanging Front - A load over-hanging the front of the trailer needs to be positioned to ensure it does not connect with the rear of the tow vehicle when turning on full lock.
