Towing a car behind a camper

[bigegg]

Too many incorrect hits to just google it, so I thought I'd ask on here.

If I tow a small car behind a camper:
does it come under normal trailer laws?
how do the steering/brakes work?
Is the car adapted in some way?
Does the car need to be taxed? (Specifically whilst being towed)
Or is it covered under the towing vehicle's number plate?
Is there a maximum weight/size? (beyond towing vehicle limits).

 

[bert]

If it's got brakes they need to work regardless of weight.

When I did this there was a cable that pulled on the brake pedal.

Steering sorted itself out on the a frame just had to make sure the steering lock was off.

 

[colnerov]

Yes, if it weighs more than 750kgs, and it will, it needs brakes and they should operate on all wheels. As said usually operated by cable between the hitch and the brake pedal. One thing to research is not all cars co-operate in regards to steering on an 'A' frame. Use a trailer board for lighting and identity.

Colin

 

[bert]

The weight of the car your towing isn't taken into consideration. If it has brakes fitted then they have to work.

The car I used to tow on an a frame was only 650kgs.

Also used a trailer board for the lights

 

[bricol]

Yes, if it weighs more than 750kgs, and it will,

Caterham 7 . . . official kerb weight 550kg

I gave up and use a trailer. There's a grey area - with an A-frame the car is treated as a trailer, needing a light board with the correct reflectors and tow vehicle plates. However, as a trailer, it needs working brakes if they are fitted, and auto-reverse inertia braking - which a car doesn't have. No test case before the courts yet - and I don't like wasting time and money - so trailer it is.

Towing with a Motorhome - The Camping and Caravanning Club

This guide looks at all factors involved in towing with a motorhome. For many campers a significant choice is whether to tow a caravan or drive a motorhome.

www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk

A-frames

www.gov.uk

 

[CompoSimmonite]

. One thing to research is not all cars co-operate in regards to steering on an 'A' frame.

Colin

I use an A frame and can agree with this. Personally found some Mazda diesel models and older Citroens with hydromatic suspension simply can't towed.

 

[Erie Fred]

Over here that's called "turtle Towing".

Would it make things easier with a tow dolly ?
They have a single axle, and you drive the front wheels up onto it.
Sort of a half trailer, with surge brakes.

 

[Bobtail4x4]

Over here that's called "turtle Towing".

Would it make things easier with a tow dolly ?
They have a single axle, and you drive the front wheels up onto it.
Sort of a half trailer, with surge brakes.

not legal over here, as the rear wheels need to be braked.

 

[Shiny Steve]

What do the aa and rac get away with as they use a dolly from the tow vehicle.

 

[m_c]

What do the aa and rac get away with as they use a dolly from the tow vehicle.

There are exemptions (and limitations) for recovery use.

 

[minimutly]

It's not illegal, but there are no rules to make it legal, is my take on it. EU, or at least France sees things differently apparently. Enough people do it in this country and not have issues to make it ok. Does that make sense?

 

[not done it yet]

Does the car need to be taxed? (Specifically whilst being towed)

I believe so - if it has the engine fitted.

 

[octo0072000]

illegal in Spain you will be told to remove the towed vehicle by plod and instant fine

 

[premmington]

There are exemptions (and limitations) for recovery use.

The mayor recovery services - really push the "towing to a place of safety" clause.

I have used the same Intertrade stuff they do - it works OK.

 

[bricol]

Over here that's called "turtle Towing".

Would it make things easier with a tow dolly ?
They have a single axle, and you drive the front wheels up onto it.
Sort of a half trailer, with surge brakes.

They seemed to be really popular over here late 80's early 90's. Used to see them everywhere, being used, being towed empty, stood, folded up waiting to used.

I can't remember the last time I saw one. I assume they fell out of favour due to the legality - I read somewhere they are a trailer - and the car hanging off the back is another trailer - and for most of us, towing two trailers is not allowed.

 

[colnerov]

It's people doing this that got them a bad reputation.

 

[Erie Fred]

not legal over here, as the rear wheels need to be braked.

Interesting as the dolly has surge brakes, which are on the front of the car.
I wonder the law works over here, as I've never inquired about renting one (FWIW U-haul rents them all the time)

 

[CompoSimmonite]

illegal in Spain you will be told to remove the towed vehicle by plod and instant fine

Same in France

 

[Cobbler]

Same in France

There was a Frenchman on the same site as us in Spain last year, he had an A frame towing a car, bought it in Britain. I said I thought they were illegal in France & he laughed & said “but I’m French with a French vehicle” says it all really!

 

[Barking Mat]

I'd stick a car on a trailer to tow it personally.