Trailer question?

[scubadude]

Hi All,

Hope this is in the best section, I have used the search tool with no success and searched online outside PH with no joy.

My question is rather specific I'm afraid...

I know I can tow on my lisence, how much, train weights/lengths etc and do it often with my dive clubs boat (on a large braked trailer) now we have bought a second boat on a small unbraked trailer.

The question is about breakaway cables, clearly I've always used on the braked trailer (that is the point afterall) while hooking up the unbraked one for the first time some bright spark over my shoulder said- "theres no breakaway cable" and I thought- well of course.... but should there be some kind of secondary connection?

Sadly since then I have been looking and not seen another unbraked trailer being towed! I see the occasional road crews air compressor behind the crew van often hitched with a chain backup but I think this has more to do with stopping it getting stolen :-)

So- is any form of breakaway cable/secondary connection required for Unbraked trailers?

Cheers,
BEN

[shovelheadrob]

The break away cable operates the brakes on a braked trailer in the event of the trailer becoming detached, it is not a secondary means of coupling. The chains you refer to on plant trailers are/can be a secondary coupling as plant trailers generally use a pin & eye coupling & although they have a higher weight capacity there is possibly a greater risk of the pin coming out.

[scubadude]

Yes, I know what the breakaway does :-)

I think what you're saying is- No.

The regulations surrounding this sem abit mysterious though, anyone got any good URL's I'm struggling to find any hard evidence.

[Fume troll]

Seems to be reccomended: http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/DriverLicensi...

Fit a breakaway cable
A breakaway cable is a thin cable that will pull on the brakes of a braked trailer. On an unbraked trailer, use a short strong cable or chain to keep the trailer attached to your car. The cable will prevent the nose of the trailer from touching the ground if it’s separated from the car.

Certainly the smaller of my trailers came with such a cable loop.

Cheers,

FT.

[Rockape]

Trailers with a maximum axle weight not exceeding 750kg manufactured from 01/01/1997 must be fitted with a secondary coupling. The trailer must also be stamped with the year of manufacture on the chassis visable form the nearside.

[scubadude]

Fume troll said:

Seems to be reccomended: http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/DriverLicensi...

Fit a breakaway cable
A breakaway cable is a thin cable that will pull on the brakes of a braked trailer. On an unbraked trailer, use a short strong cable or chain to keep the trailer attached to your car. The cable will prevent the nose of the trailer from touching the ground if it’s separated from the car.

Certainly the smaller of my trailers came with such a cable loop.

Cheers,

FT.

Cheers, thats more like it, although as you say its "reccomended" rather than regulation.

Interesting suggestion lower down that page too (something I've never heard)-
"If you park a trailer - whether hitched or not - on a public road at night, you must leave the lights on"
I was under the impression trailers had to carry the same reflector set as cars, can't see the point of this suggestion frankly.