MOT's for trailers?

aliasojo

We're looking to buy a car trailer and OH got into conversation with the bloke who was working at the local council owned dump about the various makes/models etc. He warned OH that there was a new test being brought in, kinda like an MOT for trailers, to ensure the trailer is roadworthy etc.

We can't find anything about this and dont know if it involves all trailers or just commercial trailers or what.

Anyone know anything about this please?

anewman

I remember reading that the test was to include a test of the integrity of a car's towbar if fitted.

Not sure I know anything of a trailer needing an MOT but it should be roadworthy of course and meet the towing weight and braking requirements of the car and have working lights etc etc.

jeannieblue

Please don't quote me as I am not really sure on this. I think that they certainly have to be serviced annually and I could assume that they would require an MOT. But one should never 'assume'...

We got a trailer from a company called Indespension and had it serviced with them. Try googling them and emailing them this question, I am sure they would know.

aliasojo

I've just found this...

http://www.towing-solutions.co.uk/workshop_courses/towbar-mot.htm

which talks about the towbar being checked (as mentioned by anewman) and comments on the lack of trailer regulation so I'm thinking perhaps the council bloke was getting a little mixed up maybe.

goldspanners

jeannieblue wrote: »

Please don't quote me as I am not really sure on this. I think that they certainly have to be serviced annually and I could assume that they would require an MOT. But one should never 'assume'...

We got a trailer from a company called Indespension and had it serviced with them. Try googling them and emailing them this question, I am sure they would know.

too late,im quoting you, you dont need to have any kind of mot or service done on a trailer,but if you use it on the road then it must be roadworthy,ie tyres must be legal and in a roadworthy condition,no loose sharp edges and lights must work and if needed be fitted with a number plate to the rear and the vehicle towing it must be capable of doing so to the vehicle manufacturers recomendations.

epninety

goldspanners wrote: »

... and the vehicle towing it must be capable of doing so to the vehicle manufacturers recomendations.

And also the trailer manufacturers recommendations. ie you can't tow a 3.5T plated trailer legally behind a vehicle rated to tow 2T, even if it's empty and weighs only 0.5T.

Rolandtheroadie

epninety wrote: »

And also the trailer manufacturers recommendations. ie you can't tow a 3.5T plated trailer legally behind a vehicle rated to tow 2T, even if it's empty and weighs only 0.5T.

So I could place a 3.5 ton rated trailer into a 1.5 ton rated trailer and then tow it with my 1.8 ton rated car?

I think I'd take a chance (towing the empty 3.5 ton trailer) due to the amount of Hobby caravans being towed by discoveries, rangerovers, other 4 by 4's and transits. The police dont know any better.

ariba10

If they introduce a MOT for trailers it will include caravans.

asbokid

ariba10 wrote: »

If they introduce a MOT for trailers it will include caravans.

good! and we need a special driving test for those who want to tow them...that should clear the roads of them.. last week, i watched a caravan jack-knife as the driver skidded to slow down in time for a roundabout on a busy A trunk road.

buxtonrabbitgreen

I haven't got my trailer tent any more so it is a bit late to ask. But should I have had insurance for it, like the car? I never considered it at the time.

asbokid

jeannieblue wrote: »

We got a trailer from a company called Indispensian and had it serviced with them. Try googling them and emailing them this question, I am sure they would know.

It's pretty below the belt to use this thread to plug your mates in the trailer industry... And a pretty transparent plug it was too!

Every MOT station in Britain could tell you that trailers do not need an MOT certificate. And there are loads of web sites about the MOT test, including the DOT's own and the AA's, RAC's and many more, that would also have that info.

But, nope, you want everyone to call your buddies to ask them instead!