Towing weights etc.

[Pasty]

Looks like my Hilux may be ill so I'm considering either leasing a new truck or alternatively getting hold of an older Xtrail / CRV for 12 months while I get sorted. This will mean I'll need a trailer which I do anyway. Might have a chance at a smallish Bateson stock trailer which would be ideal for my needs.

How do I suss the braked towing weight? Will it be on a plate on the trailer or something? I think CRV is 1500 and Xtrail is 2000kg.

 

[GTB]

The max gross weight is usually on the plate that's on the trailer. It may also show the unladen weight but this is rare.

To be sure you were legal you would have to weigh your loaded trailer to check its below the towing vehicles limit. Nobody actually does this and it's rarely an issue as long as the outfit looks tidy, the load isn't obviously overweight etc.

Strictly speaking your trailers max gross weight shouldn't exceed your towing vehicles max towing weight limit, even if it's empty and actually weighing less than the towing weight limit for your vehicle. Again, nobody takes much notice of this either.

 

[Exfarmer]

It will be on the plate, if there is no plate it is probably knicked.
You can still tow a larger trailer, provided the gross trailer weight does not exceed the allowed weight for the vehicle.
Be wary of too big a trailer though as they can pull some of these smaller vehicles about.

 

[badger nadgers]

Yes - for Bateson you'll be okay upto about a 9ft (http://www.batesontrailers.com/product-category/livestock-trailers/) for the Xtrail.

 

[multi power]

Looks like my Hilux may be ill so I'm considering either leasing a new truck or alternatively getting hold of an older Xtrail / CRV for 12 months while I get sorted. This will mean I'll need a trailer which I do anyway. Might have a chance at a smallish Bateson stock trailer which would be ideal for my needs.

How do I suss the braked towing weight? Will it be on a plate on the trailer or something? I think CRV is 1500 and Xtrail is 2000kg.

The max towing weight will be on the vehicle

 

[Exfarmer]

The max gross weight is usually on the plate that's on the trailer. It may also show the unladen weight but this is rare.

To be sure you were legal you would have to weigh your loaded trailer to check its below the towing vehicles limit. Nobody actually does this and it's rarely an issue as long as the outfit looks tidy, the load isn't obviously overweight etc.

Strictly speaking your trailers max gross weight shouldn't exceed your towing vehicles max towing weight limit, even if it's empty and actually weighing less than the towing weight limit for your vehicle. Again, nobody takes much notice of this either.

No it has been proven in law that the max gross weight of the trailer is irrelevant , provided max tow weight is observed.

 

[agrimax]

The maximum permissible towing weight may not be on the VIN plate on the vehicle but can be worked out from the weights that are stamped on it. The gross train weight minus the gross vehicle weight(MAM) gives the max allowed towing capacity of the towing vehicle.

 

[Campbell]

Find this plate on the vehicle [in a door shut usually] Subtract top line from second line to give your trailer load capacity. Example 4200kg - 2505kg = 1695kg Trailer Load.

 

[Pasty]

Thanks for all the answer folks.

 

[Nearly]

or buy a blank plate?

 

[slackjawedyokel]

On a side issue, does VOSA or whoever ever set up temporary weighbridges at marts (I assume it would be easy to do so these days with weighbars) as that's the only time I'd be in danger of being overweight. I assume they'd not want to cart you off to a proper weigh bridge when live animals are onboard.

 

[betweenthelines]

Don't be so sure Slackie.

I've known VOSA weigh holidaymakers 4 x 4 + trailer or caravan combos at motorway Services, this includes all passengers as they are part of the "load"

 

[Pasty]

Just had a look at the Hilux and the vin plate is all scratched and obscured. Bought the trailer this morning so will have to suss it all out.

 

[Oat]

Don't be so sure Slackie.

I've known VOSA weigh holidaymakers 4 x 4 + trailer or caravan combos at motorway Services, this includes all passengers as they are part of the "load"

When I was once stopped by VOSA (at an official testing station), they had stopped a Luton van full of coffins. The van was overweight, so the owner had to arrange for several smaller vans to come and take some of them. It was quite funny standing watching all these coffins getting unloaded.

I suppose it could have been worse, the vehicle could have been a hearse, or the coffins could have been occupied (assuming they weren't)