Towing dolly for sale!

[chunky2772]

I have a towing dolly for sale ideal to tow your kit car to a track day events. contact me on 07968667052 mick. This is as new and was built by myself for track days but its now just sitting in my back garden it comes with two new alloy ramps. £300 0no.

[MoysieWRX]

I have a towing dolly for sale ideal to tow your kit car to a track day events. contact me on 07968667052 mick. This is as new and was built by myself for track days but its now just sitting in my back garden it comes with two new alloy ramps. £300 0no.

Any vehicle being towed is classified as a trailer.
You are only allowed to tow 750Kg unbraked. so you would have to check the weight of the Towing dolly and the finished weight of your car to keep on the good side of the law ;)
Out of curiosity do you know the full weight of the Towing dolly?

[Davey]

Towing dollys are only legal for recovery to a place of safety after a breakdown or accident. Also if brakes are fitted on a trailer they must be operational so the 750KGs limit does not count. Also towing with a dolly is restriceted in speed terms to 30MPH on single carriageway roads and 40mph on dual carriageways or motorways.

D.

[stew]

Towing dollys are only legal for recovery to a place of safety after a breakdown or accident. Also if brakes are fitted on a trailer they must be operational so the 750KGs limit does not count. Also towing with a dolly is restriceted in speed terms to 30MPH on single carriageway roads and 40mph on dual carriageways or motorways.

D.

also the towed vehicle must be taxed and tested. :(

[Cyberbeej]

This is all true but i've been using a "A" frame (same as supplied to AA and RAC) for towing for many years and never had any problems.
The police never take a second look.

Just got to watch the Braking weight. I tow with a LWB Isuzu Bighorn which is 2.2ton so don't really come into that problem.

Insidently, its rated for 2.5ton and Max 60MPH.

[MoysieWRX]

also the towed vehicle must be taxed and tested. :(

Once the coppers stop you would be kind of hard to convince them that the car had "Broken down" lol ;)

I have a towing "A frame" (solo tow) for recovery purposes. If i remember corectly only cost around £100 new and folds away easily taking up practicaly no space in the garage.
If you are genuinely looking for something for breakdowns, would recomend getting the "A frame", personally i cant see any benefit of the dolly over the A frame. Have never actually used a dolly though, anyone have any other opininions?

Better just to invest a little more cash and get a car trailer for going back and forth to tracks etc. Save your licence (after all can you put a price on that?)

[MoysieWRX]

This is all true but i've been using a "A" frame (same as supplied to AA and RAC) for towing for many years and never had any problems.
The police never take a second look.

Just got to watch the Braking weight. I tow with a LWB Isuzu Bighorn which is 2.2ton so don't really come into that problem.

Insidently, its rated for 2.5ton and Max 60MPH.

I use the "A frame" aswell, but it is only designed for recovery.
As far as im aware, if you are towing anything over 750KG regardless of towing vehicle it must be braked on all wheels. And apparenlty even anything under 750KG which is fitted with brakes must work (wasn't aware of this untill Davey commented above)
The reason i think that you get away with towing cars unbraked with the "A Frame" or dolly is that they are designed for emergency use, recovery of broken down vehicles to get them to a safe place.

Have you been towing Track cars or road legal cars, if the police noticed you towing a track car, im pretty sure they would pull you over. Not much you could say to defend yourself.

[robo]

I think your ok with this stuff locally as normal plod is not that clued up on stuff like this. The traffic boys on ther other hand know all of it and thats where it goes wrong. when your not on your patch and miles away. You are just in for a hideing of the wallet and a few points . We all know what points make.

Bob

[Cyberbeej]

Have a friend thats a traffic officer and he said its a fuzzy area and difficult to persue so as long as it doesnt look unsafe then they don't bother.

And yes i used to tow my cars to knockhill on a regular basis, the police are always about at track days and they never give a second look.

i've used a tow dolly before but didnt like it as it was the type that drove up on ramps above the towing wheels, i didn't like it, felt unstable.

Any pictures of the 1 for sale?

[MoysieWRX]

Have a friend thats a traffic officer and he said its a fuzzy area and difficult to persue so as long as it doesnt look unsafe then they don't bother.

And yes i used to tow my cars to knockhill on a regular basis, the police are always about at track days and they never give a second look.

i've used a tow dolly before but didnt like it as it was the type that drove up on ramps above the towing wheels, i didn't like it, felt unstable.

Any pictures of the 1 for sale?

I beleive there are two types of these towing dollys.
First: Fixed hitch/wheel platform. Second: swiveling hitch/wheel paltform.
Photos and better description from the seller would help people get a better idea. the fixed hitch design i imagine would be very unstable.

I agree with you that the "A" frame is a better idea than the towing dolly, also being the owner of one and would recomend one over towing dollys to anyone wanting to go down this route.

i have been guilty of using it for purposes other than recovery.
Just trying to help potential buyers be aware of what they could be letting themself in for :D

One thing that always sticks in my mind is If you goto a track day and damaged the car, then how would you get the car home? Is it still Physically able to be towed? these are some questions you have to ask yourself when making your mind up.

As you had mentioned about cops and track days, staying 5-10 minutes away from knockhill know that there are always cops hiding round the corner :( .

[Davey]

Just for the record A frames ain't legal either other than for recovery of a broken down vehicle (or accident damaged) to a place of safety. A car attached via an A frame becomes a trailer and as long as it meets trailer laws then its legal. Unfortunately part of trailer law states that the outfit must have auto release brakes for reversing and the outfit must be capable of being reversed under the sole control of the driver of the towing vehicle. I've yet to see anybody successfully reverse a car towed via an A frame for more than a foot or two.

A frames and towing dollys are only legal for recovery of a broken down or accident damaged car and then only to get it to a place of safety! This is the LAW guys, not generally considered to be optional!

D.

[chunky2772]

I,ll just give it to the scrap man then! thank,s for the info though.

[TSM Locost]

Sell on ebay, it's up to the new owner how and what they use it for.

[Cyberbeej]

A frames and towing dollys are only legal for recovery of a broken down or accident damaged car and then only to get it to a place of safety! This is the LAW guys, not generally considered to be optional!

D.[/QUOTE]

And you always obey the law to the finest detail............?
There are grey area's that most people stray into on occasion unless your Claiming to be a saint.....?

[MoysieWRX]

Just for the record A frames ain't legal either other than for recovery of a broken down vehicle (or accident damaged) to a place of safety. A car attached via an A frame becomes a trailer and as long as it meets trailer laws then its legal. Unfortunately part of trailer law states that the outfit must have auto release brakes for reversing and the outfit must be capable of being reversed under the sole control of the driver of the towing vehicle. I've yet to see anybody successfully reverse a car towed via an A frame for more than a foot or two.

A frames and towing dollys are only legal for recovery of a broken down or accident damaged car and then only to get it to a place of safety! This is the LAW guys, not generally considered to be optional!

D.

Only illegal if you get caught :D :D :D lol
Joking aside i did mention previously that "A frames" also are for recovery purposes. Have never looked into the fine details. was just looking to point out to people that there are a few issues using towing dollys or even "A frames".

So in summary: Using a towing dolly/ A Frame for example to tow back and forth from a track day you will be breaking several rules, the chances of being caught/police bothering about it may be slim. down to the individual whether they are willing to take the risk.

There are moral/legal issues that could be discussed all week



And you always obey the law to the finest detail............?
There are grey area's that most people stray into on occasion unless your Claiming to be a saint.....?

Well said :cool:

[robo]

The blurb as written

'A' frames and Dollies
Q. What is a trailer?
A. A road vehicle, usually (but not necessarily) two wheeled, towed by a motor vehicle.Given the above dictionary definition, it is fairly clear that anything attached to the towball and having wheels in contact with the ground is a trailer. This includes cars on ‘A’ frames and dollies. Bearing in mind that the unbraked towing limit of 750 kgs refers to Maximum Gross Weight (i.e. the figure on the towed cars VIN plate) and not to actual weight, it severely restricts the options. The only cars I know of with a MGW of less than 750 kgs is the Aixam range. These are around 450 to 550 kgs.

There are strict regulations on braked trailers and, whilst a braked ‘A’ frame attached to a towed car constitutes a braked trailer, it is not legal for transportation as it cannot comply with EC71/320. With car dollies, the situation is somewhat different. Under regulation 83 of the Road Vehicles (construction & Use) Regulations 1986 (SI.1986/1078) Amending Regulations, a car dolly, with a car in place, will be considered as two trailers. This is legal for recovery but, under the Road Traffic Regulations Act 1984 (Schedule 6) the combination is limited to 40 mph on motorways and dual carriageways and 20 mph elsewhere.

Note that there is a very specific difference between recovery and transportation. Recovery is the removal of a broken down vehicle to a place of safety. It does not include removing a rotor arm (for instance) and travelling the length and breadth of the country. The police are well aware of the difference due to the regulations covering Tachographs and Operators Licences. Recovery vehicles are exempt.

It is well known that some countries in the EEC tend to overlook the regulations (the UK included) but some countries don’t. The situation regarding enforcement could change at any time and, as a result, the only safe way to transport another vehicle behind a motorhome is on a car transporter trailer. Play safe! Don’t take the risk!

The regulations which cover this aspect of towing are:-
91/438/EEC covers driving licences.
71/320/EEC covers auto reverse braking systems and couplings.
S.I. 1971 No 450 Part III covers the obstruction of number plates.
94/20/EEC covers type approval of towing equipment and ‘S’ and ‘D’ values.
95/48/EEC covers Masses and Dimensions of M1 class vehicles.
E.T.R.T.O. 1991 section 13 covers wheels and tyres.
BSAU 113c covers 50mm ball and coupling dimensions.
BSAU 24a (1989) covers eye couplings and pin/jaw arrangements.
98/12/EEC covers brake linings and will be implemented in the UK from 1/4/01.And not strictly towing but applicable to motorhomes is EN1648-1 covers extra low voltage installations in Leisure Vehicles and Caravans.

Bob

[Davey]

Cheers Robo.

Cyberbeej, no I am no saint and don't claim to be but I don't go out and deliberately break laws I know about.

If someone tells you, and written proof is forwarded that doing something is against the law why would you then go ahead and do it?

I try to operate within the laws of our land, don't you?

D.

[Cyberbeej]

The blurb as written

'A' frames and Dollies
Q. What is a trailer?
A. A road vehicle, usually (but not necessarily) two wheeled, towed by a motor vehicle.Given the above dictionary definition, it is fairly clear that anything attached to the towball and having wheels in contact with the ground is a trailer. This includes cars on ‘A’ frames and dollies. Bearing in mind that the unbraked towing limit of 750 kgs refers to Maximum Gross Weight (i.e. the figure on the towed cars VIN plate) and not to actual weight, it severely restricts the options. The only cars I know of with a MGW of less than 750 kgs is the Aixam range. These are around 450 to 550 kgs.

There are strict regulations on braked trailers and, whilst a braked ‘A’ frame attached to a towed car constitutes a braked trailer, it is not legal for transportation as it cannot comply with EC71/320. With car dollies, the situation is somewhat different. Under regulation 83 of the Road Vehicles (construction & Use) Regulations 1986 (SI.1986/1078) Amending Regulations, a car dolly, with a car in place, will be considered as two trailers. This is legal for recovery but, under the Road Traffic Regulations Act 1984 (Schedule 6) the combination is limited to 40 mph on motorways and dual carriageways and 20 mph elsewhere.

Note that there is a very specific difference between recovery and transportation. Recovery is the removal of a broken down vehicle to a place of safety. It does not include removing a rotor arm (for instance) and travelling the length and breadth of the country. The police are well aware of the difference due to the regulations covering Tachographs and Operators Licences. Recovery vehicles are exempt.

It is well known that some countries in the EEC tend to overlook the regulations (the UK included) but some countries don’t. The situation regarding enforcement could change at any time and, as a result, the only safe way to transport another vehicle behind a motorhome is on a car transporter trailer. Play safe! Don’t take the risk!

The regulations which cover this aspect of towing are:-
91/438/EEC covers driving licences.
71/320/EEC covers auto reverse braking systems and couplings.
S.I. 1971 No 450 Part III covers the obstruction of number plates.
94/20/EEC covers type approval of towing equipment and ‘S’ and ‘D’ values.
95/48/EEC covers Masses and Dimensions of M1 class vehicles.
E.T.R.T.O. 1991 section 13 covers wheels and tyres.
BSAU 113c covers 50mm ball and coupling dimensions.
BSAU 24a (1989) covers eye couplings and pin/jaw arrangements.
98/12/EEC covers brake linings and will be implemented in the UK from 1/4/01.And not strictly towing but applicable to motorhomes is EN1648-1 covers extra low voltage installations in Leisure Vehicles and Caravans.

Bob

I've never looked up the details of the law and its not like i use my "A" frame on a regular basis, only when the trailer isn't available.
Its not as if i'm gonna turn up for my IVA with my car on the "A" Frame.

I had considered fitting a braking mechanism like to type fitted to small vehicles towed behind big Campers, How do they get away with complying if its limited to 40mph and usually over the trailer weights?

[Davey]

I've never looked up the details of the law and its not like i use my "A" frame on a regular basis, only when the trailer isn't available.
Its not as if i'm gonna turn up for my IVA with my car on the "A" Frame.

So its ok to break laws you are aware of as long as its only occasional?

I had considered fitting a braking mechanism like to type fitted to small vehicles towed behind big Campers, How do they get away with complying if its limited to 40mph and usually over the trailer weights?

They do what you propose and ignore the law basically. As it stands no one has been prosecuted for towing via an A frame (although in Spain it is expressly forbidden and plenty have been made to decouple and fined) in the UK, this does not make it legal.

Look, I'm not after an argument, if you want to tow a car on an A frame or a dolly go ahead, the points won't end up on my licence. I simply wish to give information to anyone who might have been tempted to buy the dolly not realising the legal issues.

D.

[Deanno]

I questioned a bloke when he bought an old car of mine as he towed it away with a "Dolly" as i thought it was purely for recovery??

personally i would use something like that for local use but I would not like to use it as a permanent means of transport.

If in doubt contact the DVLA or local transoprt authority?

Regards
Dean

[robo]

A half page on this subject in classic car buyers spelled out the rules on towing.
What had happened was a guy was towing an mga on an A frame device when it became detached and shot off down a busy street and crashed into a lamp post. No one was injured but from what I can gather plod were dischuffed. Anyway the rules. Vehicle being towed must be a registered,taxed,tested and insured vehicle, it also must not be towed for more than ten miles which was a figure decided on because that was considered ample to get a stricken vehicle to a place of repair.They are not permitted for delivery, any vehicle thats wheels touch the highway have to be as roadworthy as any other. So its trailers really chaps or chance your arm.

You`ve been framed

Bob