As a fleet or transport manager, it is crucial to know the towing capacity of your vehicles when selecting a trailer for your operational needs. Whether you need to transport plant and machinery to worksites or increase the load space capacity of your vehicles, understanding the capabilities of your existing vehicles or those you plan to acquire is essential. This will ensure that they are suitable for the intended purpose and are operated safely and in compliance with regulations.
Essential Fleet Magazine has put together a concise guide to towing to help fleet and transport managers navigate this area and comply with legal guidelines. The guide includes information on driving a LCV, pick-up, or car with a hitched trailer.
It’s important to remember that disregarding your vehicle’s towing capacity can cause damage to the engine, tyres, and A-frame, resulting in extensive and costly repairs. Additionally, unsafe towing can lead to transporting unstable loads, posing risks to the vehicle’s stability, the driver’s safety, and that of other road users. Overloading a vehicle beyond its maximum permissible weight limit is also illegal.
All drivers and operatives working for your organisation should be adequately trained to use trailers and drive while towing them for work purposes. This is part of your duty of care requirements and aligns with health and safety guidelines.
Staying compliant and ensuring your drivers have the correct licence
In recent years, the regulations surrounding driver licencing have been updated. Most notably, drivers with a standard car licence are now permitted to tow trailers, but it is vital to verify the date the driver obtained their licence to ensure compliance.
According to the regulations, if a driver acquired their licence before 1st January 1997, they are authorised to operate a vehicle and trailer with a combined weight of up to 8,250kg Maximum Authorized Mass (MAM). Additionally, they can drive a minibus with a trailer exceeding 750kg MAM.
Individuals who obtained their licence from 1st January 1997 can tow a trailer weighing up to 3,500kg MAM.
It is advisable to conduct a licence check for any employees who may be required to drive a vehicle with a trailer and ensure that they receive appropriate training.
Types of Trailers used for Towing
Two conventional types of trailers can be used for towing purposes. An open trailer which doesn’t have sides, and a box or enclosed trailer which is fully covered with four sides and a roof.
Operators may have many different types of trailers, but all must be utilised according to the same guidelines.
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