Drop plates

[Migmac]

Just read a discussion on another forum about the use of drop plates being illegal to use. Never heard this before, I’ve used them on several vehicles. Pictures just so as people know what I’m blathering about

 

[Ashley Burton]

@Migmac Why are they saying they're illegal?

 

[Robotstar5]

Still being sold link specs state they are type approved.

 

[Robotstar5]

@Migmac Why are they saying they're illegal?

Maybe Sharon on Faceache has told them?

 

[Ashley Burton]

@Robotstar5 They're probably making their own with tin foil is the problem

 

[colnerov]

Are you sure they're not referring to these?


Colin

 

[Justme]

Still being sold link specs state they are type approved.

Whilst they might be type approved the towbar they are used with wont be in most cases.

Virtually no car is approved for use with one & only some 4x4 are.

 

[mtt.tr]

These used to cost a fortune

 

[Justme]

Still being sold link specs state they are type approved.

I see on that link they say this
Approved to Regulation 55 (new towbar approval) Making it suitable for use on any Vehicle.

Not actually sure about this so need to re read reg 55 but from memory I cant recall any option to over ride the existing bars type approval by the addition of an adapter.

 

[MoreWellie]

I remember investigating and found that on a 97 and earlier vehicle you didn't need a type approved tow bar but I am sure it was your responsibility if you used something that failed during use

I think the @Migmac type would be called an adjustable height tow bar and the @colnerov type is what I would call a drop plate

I can understand a drop plate not being usable with a modern car type approved towbar installation as it wouldn't have been approved with the drop plate

 

[colnerov]

Not like this then?





Colin

 

[Rannsachair]

News to me, I have a Dixon Bate on the back of my Landy, no mention of it on MOT.

I have 2" lifted suspension, so keeps the towbar at a reasonable height.

 

[MoreWellie]

@colnerov I think the first one should more correctly be called a plough

the second picture looks like something used for moving caravans or small trailers round a yard

 

[Migmac]

Are you sure they're not referring to these?

View attachment 240782
Colin

No, it’s what I have in the picture

 

[Migmac]

@Migmac Why are they saying they're illegal?

somebody asked where to get one, a guy posted they were illegal as they won’t have been tested by tow bar manufacturers.

 

[Migmac]

News to me, I have a Dixon Bate on the back of my Landy, no mention of it on MOT.

I have 2" lifted suspension, so keeps the towbar at a reasonable height.

I’ve had them on trucks and jeeps and never once got any comments at MOT time either.

 

[Migmac]

Still being sold link specs state they are type approved.

Didn’t think they were that sort of money

 

[premmington]

I got an adjustable drop plate on the back of my Mitsubishi canter recovery truck.

How can they be against the law?

I don't get this? (or am I being thick?)

 

[Migmac]

I got an adjustable drop plate on the back of my Mitsubishi canter recovery truck.

How can they be against the law?

I don't get this? (or am I being thick?)

I think that if the tow bar manufacturers haven’t tested them on their tow bar, it’s deemed they are illegal
I could have misunderstood what I’ve read though so don’t hold me to that

 

[Welderpaul]

A tenner for a bit of flat bar sheared off and six holes punched in it