Can I tow with an A frame on a motorway?

[StreetSleeper]

StreetSleeper hasn't supplied any further details, but it appears to me that they want to use a breakdown A Frame.

I would like to thank everyone for their input. The vehicle in question is a Reverse Trike, 528.0 kg unladen, based on a 2CV: it looks like I will have to get it brought up on the back of a flat bed. I was hoping to use a breakdown A Frame but I don't think that is possible now.

 

[guerdeval]

I would like to thank everyone for their input. The vehicle in question is a Reverse Trike, 528.0 kg unladen, based on a 2CV: it looks like I will have to get it brought up on the back of a flat bed. I was hoping to use a breakdown A Frame but I don't think that is possible now.

Is there a ‘trailer hire’ place nearby ?

 

[r4dent]

Sounds like if it’s a kit car it will be lite enough not to need a braked System.

What ever the trailer weight, if it has a braking system it must function!

 

[colinm]

I would be careful when taking advice from company's that sell A-frames and the like. We were looking at buying one and the guy insisted that it was legal to tow on an A-frame in Europe. When I challenged that, knowing it is not legal everywhere, he just said that the UK is in Europe and it is legal here. When challenged on that, it is a grey area and no law or case has been tried to confirm, he said that lots do it, are they going to arrest everyone?

They will say anything to get a sale. Oh and we didn't bother because most of our time is spent in continental Europe. But having said that, we have only ever seen one motorhome with a car in tow, stopped by French police. Whether it was because of the two car or not, I have no idea.

A certain A-Frame company that said it was legal in Europe had emailed DVSA, the reply said that UK turning a blind eye didn't make it legal in other countries.

 

[StreetSleeper]

Problem solved, have organised a flat bed to bring it up.

 

[Wully]

Good that your sorted Rae nothing like an A frame thread to draw the worms out any photos of this motor sounds whacky.

 

[Neckender]

Is it a Lomax Rae?

 

[StreetSleeper]

Is it a Lomax Rae?

No........ but very warm

 

[Neckender]

A Falcon perhaps?

 

[StreetSleeper]

A Falcon perhaps?

Nope........................ PM sent

 

[Nabsim]

Is it handlebar and twist grip, that's the question

 

[StreetSleeper]

Is it handlebar and twist grip, that's the question

It was featured on Bangers and Cash and if you are interested you can search YouTube BRA CV3 to see it

 

[Nabsim]

Ah, when you said reverse trike I was thinking more like Can-Am Spyder style

 

[StreetSleeper]

Ah, when you said reverse trike I was thinking more like Can-Am Spyder style

After the 1800 Goldwing trike I fanced something a little bit different, I may go down the Can -AM Spyder route next

.

 

[Nabsim]

I always disregard 'car' type trikes and think of them as cars. Only because they use foot pedals so I cant legally drive them having only ever had an 'Automatic car license'. You probably can get something that's automatic but all the ones I have seen have been manual. I do appreciate this is a 'me' point of view though and different for normal folks

 

[StreetSleeper]

I always disregard 'car' type trikes and think of them as cars.

Like Reliants that have been converted, I might be wrong here, but I think you might find a lot of people would disagree with you. I think they're ok...... well some of them. I looked for a long time to find the right one but never found it.

 

[Nabsim]

Like Reliants that have been converted, I might be wrong here, but I think you might find a lot of people would disagree with you. I think they're ok...... well some of them. I looked for a long time to find the right one but never found it.

100% a lot would disagree, that why I said its a me' point of view. Its purely when they use car type controls which I cant use. I can appreciate the look and engineering right enough. I should have worded it better I think, what I mean is disregard for my own use

 

[StreetSleeper]

If I don't get on with this I shall sell it and put a sidecar on the plunger..... now that has to work and it's TAX and MOT exempt

 

[Thistle]

Am I right in thinking a towed vehicle with any of its wheels on the ground still needs valid mot, ved and insurance?

 

[mistericeman]

Am I right in thinking a towed vehicle with any of its wheels on the ground still needs valid mot, ved and insurance?

Not IF it's a proper A frame

as the A frame and Vehicle become classed as a trailer

"When an A-frame is attached to a vehicle (eg a motor car) we consider the A-frame and car temporarily become a single unit. When towed by another motor vehicle (eg motorhome) we believe that this single unit is, for the purposes of its construction, treated in GB legislation as a trailer.

As a consequence, the car and A-frame are required to meet the technical requirements for trailers when used on the road in GB. These requirements are contained within the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986 (SI 1986/1078) as amended (C&U) and the Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations 1989 (SI 1989/1796) as amended (RVLR).

It is important that the towed vehicle (car and A-frame assembly) braking system complies with the legal requirements. Regulations 15 of C&U set out the technical requirements for the braking systems of motor vehicles, first used on or after 1 April 1983 and for trailers manufactured on or after 1 October 1982. The minimum braking efficiencies, including those applying to the combination of the towing vehicle and the trailer, are set out in Regulation 18."