Trailer regs

[bigbadbugga]

If I wanted to build a box trailer from scratch, would I need to have it inspected and plated to make it road legal?

I'm planning on a twin axle capable of carrying a standard 8' x 4' sheet of ply, with 4' sides and removable lid.

As it will likely be capable of reaching over 750kg when fully loaded I assume I will need it to be braked on at least one axle, but will it need anything else?

Also, I'm considering using a pair of rear axles from a Peugeot 306 as they are neatly self contained, can anyone see any problems with this setup?

 

[john224]

If i was you just make it don't tell anybody and if questioned just say that its an old trailer been re built !! its all red tape to stop people bogging up trailers that are not road leagle,,

 

[madkayaker]

both axles would need to be braked with one having machinical handbrake.

and you did it before 29th Oct 2010

http://www.ntta.co.uk/law/trailers/brakes.aspx

 

[philsmin]

As there's no way to prove when the trailer was built I don't really think you have much to worry about

The only ones who'd need to comply would be those who sell trailers new

 

[rtbcomp]

Check your insurance policy, mine won't me tow a trailer that isn't type approved.

 

[cumbriasteve]

Check your insurance policy, mine won't me tow a trailer that isn't type approved.

I agree, it's becoming a minefield towing a home made or similar trailer.

I read of an accident where even though the guy technically had insurance cover, they backed out, it was something stupid to do with the construction of the ladder rack bracing.

The actual accident was caused by a cheap imported suspension unit coming adrift, the ladder rack played no part and the trailer was empty.

 

[stuvy]

as mentioned above if you do get tugged by VOSA just say youv only recently bought it from a car boot sale, no reciept, and i wouldnt even say iv stuck a new floor or sides on to it just mention you keep it in the garage. As long as its only one trailer i wouldnt worry too much

 

[Hitch]

Its no bad thing. We had a trailer someone bought into work, to have some ally floorpalte cut and fixed on.
We broke half the welds fitting it, no to mention it must have been 20mm+ out of square.

Fit for the bin, but whom ever made it, must have been so proud of their handywork, it was all painted nicely, must have cost a bit for the ally, and for us to mess about with it. When in reality, it was fit for the scrap bin.

 

[rtbcomp]

A friend of mine bolted indespension units directly onto the chipboard floor of his trailer. Didn't last very long!

I have a homemade trailer from Freecycle, already broke one of the welds and the others look set to follow.

 

[stuvy]

chipboard!?!? was it made by the local YTS center lol

 

[brightspark]

tjhe local coppers have it sussed round our way sit outside the councill waste disposal site or the local car boot sale and wait for all the punters to turn up with dodgy trailers and no tax on vehicles