Topic: Towing a disco (Read 3512 times)

chris_harvey · « **on:** October 12, 2010, 10:58:06 »

I need to get my new disco moved around to a few places but have no tax insurance or mot! So I xm going to tow it with my old 1 just need to know if it is going to do any damage to the transfer box or anything

morson4x4 · « **Reply #1 on:** October 12, 2010, 11:54:26 »

put all into neutral and should be fine as for towing without tax i think is a nono will be taken of the road if caught i would trailer it :dance:

BeJay · « **Reply #2 on:** October 12, 2010, 12:04:52 »

as above ^^^^^ it won't do any damage to the Disco as long as it ain't in gear, but it will do serious damage to your wallet and licence if you get caught!!!, to tow it (on the end of a rope), it needs to be MOT'd taxed and insured to be legal.

Range Rover Blues · « **Reply #3 on:** October 14, 2010, 00:04:06 »

As above, if it has a wheel on the road it has to be legal.

nismo2004 · « **Reply #4 on:** October 14, 2010, 15:07:46 »

how does this stand if you towed a car using an A frame as the car then becomes a trailer, i tow my vw projects around all the time with an A frame and have never had any issues

topless matt · « **Reply #5 on:** October 14, 2010, 16:01:05 »

Well, a frames are another kettle of fish.
If you tow anything on an A frame that weighs more than 750kg then it needs some form of braking system as it is a towed object.
Also, it is still a vehicle on the road, and therefore must be taxed and insured or you can be pulled up on it.

fuzzy · « **Reply #6 on:** October 14, 2010, 18:26:15 »

Quote from: Range Rover Blues on October 14, 2010, 00:04:06

As above, if it has a wheel on the road it has to be legal.

if it is being suspended towed as in on a spec lift or towing dolly it doesnt need tax and mot etc as it becomes a trailer

discoarden · « **Reply #7 on:** October 14, 2010, 20:45:01 »

if it is being suspended towed as in on a spec lift or towing dolly it doesnt need tax and mot etc as it becomes a trailer
[/quote]
i asked a copper this a couple of years ago when i was useing a dolly and he said as long as i have working lights and breaks then it is fine i never hand any problems from anyone hope this helps

Range Rover Blues · « **Reply #8 on:** October 15, 2010, 00:19:29 »

Quote from: fuzzy on October 14, 2010, 18:26:15

Quote from: Range Rover Blues on October 14, 2010, 00:04:06
As above, if it has a wheel on the road it has to be legal.
if it is being suspended towed as in on a spec lift or towing dolly it doesnt need tax and mot etc as it becomes a trailer

That might have been true at one time but I'm pretty sure it isn't any more. If the towed car is capable of moving under it's own power it can't be classed as a trailer and by that I mean built as a car so includes a broken down vehicle.

Discotel · « **Reply #9 on:** October 15, 2010, 17:02:10 »

Im sure RRB is partly right...But I am sure if the car has two wheels up on a dolly then it does not need to be road legal...Best to just check with the local police station, dont cost nothing to ask.

Terry

topless matt · « **Reply #10 on:** October 15, 2010, 17:04:24 »

Also, towing dollys make things complicated as you are effectivly towing 2 trailers and unless you are a showman or a farmer, this is illegal too.

Range Rover Blues · « **Reply #11 on:** October 15, 2010, 19:02:23 »

Towing dollies start up the whole "unbraked trailer" debate again. As far as I'm concerned they ae not legal. They can only be used to rescue a break-down to a place of safety. The RAC ones use a braked dolly that is wider than the towed car. Again though they are recovering roadworthy brake downs.

bogie · « **Reply #12 on:** October 15, 2010, 19:59:03 »

Im going to upset someone now,cut it up and stick it in your trailer. Only joking!!!!!!!!!!!!

fuzzy · « **Reply #13 on:** October 15, 2010, 23:26:21 »

right, the easiest way to do it is to give your local recovery firm a call if they are anything like my local firm they will transport it from point to point for you for a reasonable fee

Range Rover Blues · « **Reply #14 on:** October 16, 2010, 01:16:56 »

Or one of the "we collect scrap cars" numbers in the phone book, good idea Fuzzy

Discotel · « **Reply #15 on:** October 16, 2010, 16:13:22 »

What about all the car dealers at the auctions that have dollys to take home there cars, I admit you dont see as many about these days but I could count at least 5 there last month..(Manhiem Auctions, Colchester).

topless matt · « **Reply #16 on:** October 16, 2010, 20:07:45 »

Still doesnt make it legal even if people do it ;)

Range Rover Blues · « **Reply #17 on:** October 16, 2010, 23:25:28 »

That's why a lot of coppers "stop for chips" outside the local car auctions, they like to check on insurance, trade plates etc. Most dealers I know run recovery trucks or trade plates these days.

But then a car bought at the auctions would probably be tested wouldn't it?

Big Rich · « **Reply #18 on:** October 17, 2010, 06:50:36 »

Sounds like hire a car trailer is the safe option

nismo2004 · « **Reply #19 on:** October 18, 2010, 21:27:25 »

most of the projects i tow dont have an engine fitted so unable to move themselves lol,
ive been using my A frame with no hassle for 3 years now, seems this is a grey area as far as the laws concerned,
but yes if your worried i,d hire a trailer.

Range Rover Blues · « **Reply #20 on:** October 18, 2010, 23:01:31 »

Not a grey area, the law is specific if not immediately clear.

If you remove the engine permenantly and convert to a trailer then it's a trailer. Unfortunately if it's classed as significantly modified the brakes, lights and lots else need to comply with C&U regs 1986.

A frames are for recovery only.

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AuthorTopic: Towing a disco (Read 3512 times)