Trailer regs

[SirDick Diodenob esquire]

I have a two axle trailer under 750kg unbraked, I have looked at the RSA regs for republic of Ireland and they look clear to me that trailer does not need brakes or handbrake but I have had a discussion with a friend in NI who tells me that all twin axle trailers have to be fitted with a handbrake when driving in the north. When I go on the UK gov web sites it looks to me like mine is an O1 trailer not an O2 ? or is this something to do with the number of axles ? The regs for O2 are clear they need brakes and handbrake but anyone any idea what the O1 and O2 means , is it the number of axles in addition to the weight category ?

 

[Justme]

Your friend is wrong.

O1 trailers plates to 750kg or less. These can have brakes if you want but dont legally need them. If fitted must be on all axles & all must work.

O1 trailers 751kg to 3500kg. These must have brakes to all wheels in contact with ground.

 

[Justme]

Personally a two axle 750kg unbraked trailer is a con.

They all seem to be advertised with 2 x 750kg axles implying that can legally hold more.

They actually hold less payload than a similar build single axle.

With just 750kg balance & stability should not be an issue that needs a second axle to fix.

 

[SirDick Diodenob esquire]

Personally a two axle 750kg unbraked trailer is a con.

They all seem to be advertised with 2 x 750kg axles implying that can legally hold more.

They actually hold less payload than a similar build single axle.

With just 750kg balance & stability should not be an issue that needs a second axle to fix.

Mine is an 8x4 builders trailer with large wheels, 3x3inch angle iron frame made pre 2012, I reckon it weighs near on 400kg so legally can probably only carry around 350kg which I agree negates the supposed advantage in having 2 axles and I am not going to risk going over the 750kg gross allowable weight on an unbraked trailer. I will take it that you are probably likely to be better informed than my friend but the only reason I had some doubt was I seem to remember a few years ago some discussion on the news about legislation being proposed that all 2 axle trailers having to have a handbrake which is why I was giving some credibility to my friend telling me its a legal requirement , looks like it did not go ahead then ?