Road towable tools

[Kram]

If I wanted to mount an engine on a frame or trailer to be towed, are there off the shelf parts I can use - axle, hitch etc.. or do I need to start with an existing road worthy trailer?

 

[skotl]

If I wanted to mount an engine on a frame or trailer to be towed, are there off the shelf parts I can use - axle, hitch etc.. or do I need to start with an existing road worthy trailer?

Not an expert, but I can't see how you would get round certificate of conformity / IVA without either starting with an approved trailer or putting the result through IVA

 

[Jack_K]

Easier to start with a complete legal trailer. These days everywhere requires the design to comply with so many standards and that's if you can even legally build one yourself. They recently made it extremely difficult to do so over here.

 

[Nomad]

Hi, I'm sure I've seen trailers discussed here in the past so search might help.
Newer trailers need an ID plate or details stamped into the chassis. I think you have 3 legal options :

Start with an old trailer and restore anything not 100% (no ID plate needed due to grandfather rights), buy a newer trailer with legal ID plate (weights, manufacturers, etc) or build your own and get it certified (you need to see what is required if you go this route).

Is it for personal use or for business use? That might limit your options...

All info provided in good faith, check the details yourself to make sure, I'm sure somebody will correct me if things have changed

 

[zzr1200]

It really depends on when ( ) the main frame was built, l have refurbed a couple of frames that were welded up at sometime (), then nicely sand blasted just before painted.

I'm sure it would be impossible to tell when they were built originally.....

You can still buy service/repair parts to refurb/overhaul old trialers.

 

[skotl]

It really depends on when ( ) the main frame was built, l have refurbed a couple of frames that were welded up at sometime (), then nicely sand blasted just before painted.

I'm sure it would be impossible to tell when they were built originally.....

You can still buy service/repair parts to refurb/overhaul old trialers.

All new trailers since 2012 have needed type approval. I suspect you’re going to have a job persuading VOSA that anything that doesn’t already look tatty is now 13 years old.
Couple that with your insurers almost certainly abandoning you if you had an accident while towing an illegal trailer, and why would you even bother (with or without all the winky emojis)?

 

[zzr1200]

If I wanted to mount an engine on a frame or trailer to be towed, are there off the shelf parts I can use - axle, hitch etc.. or do I need to start with an existing road worthy trailer?

https://indespension.co.uk/media/technical/INDESPENSION_Parts_Brochure_2021.pdf

 

[zzr1200]

All new trailers since 2012 have needed type approval. I suspect you’re going to have a job persuading VOSA that anything that doesn’t already look tatty is now 13 years old.

I have an Indespension 2600Kg goods trailer that is at least 20+ years old and apart from a couple of new floors, overhauled brakes soon after I purchase, and a light unit now and then, it it's never given any problems.

Also in the past I built a car transporting trailer for my off-road racing vehicle, Land Rover based. As far as I know it's still being used to haul off-roads and show tractors by a L/R club member.

The main reason they brought out the trailer building regs were due to the converted caravan chassis type car transporters, that were death traps.

I also have a mate who still uses his 40+ year old home built trailer with no problems, building a trailer isn't rocket science, just use the right parts.

 

[Agroshield]

How do you intend to store the trailer when not in use?

Maybe a possible starting point might be a motorcycle trailer (e.g. http://www.davecooper.co.uk/trailers/trailers-for-bikes). They come in collapsable/dismantlable versions for easier storage. Also, if the engine is on a skid, it would make putting it on and off easy and the channels intended for the bike wheels make securing the item easy (drill through and bolt). The base trailer also gives a nice low flatbed that is convertable for carrying machine tools, wardrobes, etc. Having no brakes means you can take the wheels off and rest on the hubs for real low loading.

Some larger engine-driven welders are road-towable so maybe the wheels and frame of one whose engine has exploded could also be a starting point.