Towing a trailer?!?

Suarez

I have a trailer that has a maximum capacity of 1300kgs.

Can anyone put this into plain terms for me and tell me whether I can tow it on a standard category B driving licence?

Category B vehicles may be coupled with a trailer up to 750kgs MAM (allowing a combined weight up to 4.25 tonnes MAM) or a trailer over 750kgs MAM provided the MAM of the trailer does not exceed the unladen weight of the towing vehicle, and the combination does not exceed 3.5 tonnes MAM.

mikey72

We need to know your age, when you passed your test, and what the tow car is?

Suarez

Im 24, passed my test 3 years ago and I haven't looked for a towing vehicle yet because I want something that will enable me to tow without having to take the trailer test.

paddedjohn

If the MAM of your trailer is 1300kg then the towing car can have a maximum MAM of 2200kg. The MAM of the trailer cant be heavier than the unladen weight of the towing vehicle.

Joe_Horner

paddedjohn wrote: »

If the MAM of your trailer is 1300kg then the towing car can have a maximum MAM of 2200kg.

AND must also be at least 1300kg kerb weight.

Rover_Driver

To tow with a B licence
The MAM (maximum authorised weight) of the vehicle plus the MAM of the trailer must not exceed 3500kg, and the MAM of the trailer must not exceed the unladen weight of the vehicle.

So you would need a vehicle with an unladen weight over 1300kg and a MAM of under 2200kg. Also consider the manufacturers maximum towing weight.

paddedjohn

Joe_Horner wrote: »

AND must also be at least 1300kg kerb weight.

Correct, i missed that important bit but have now edited my post;)

Suarez

Is the maximum MAM the Gross Vehicle weight?

mikey72

Suarez wrote: »

Is the maximum MAM the Gross Vehicle weight?

Yes.

To give you an idea of car type, my Zafira is about 1100kg unladen weight, with a gross weight of 2200kg, and a manufacturers towing limit of 1000kg. So wrong on all counts, apart from just hitting your 3500kg maxiumum overall weight.
Other varient come in at 1300kg unladen weight, with a 1400kg tow limit, but 2400 gross weight, so out of your top weight at 3700kg.

Suarez

I cant seem to find a website that will search for vehicles based on their gross weight and un-laden weight.

I think a small 4wd would probably be my best bet.

marlot

Joe_Horner wrote: »

AND must also be at least 1300kg kerb weight.

Just to make life even more complicated, the kerb weight can be different to the unladen weight. The definition of the kerb weight will be in the vehicle handbook, but often includes 75Kg for the driver.