Towing a car behind a motor home

Nigel J Hall
Nigel J Hall Forum Participant Posts: 3
edited January 2018 in Overseas Campsites & Touring #1

Hi.  I am new to motorhomes and am looking for some information regarding using A-Frame to tow a Smart car.  There is what seems a lack of clarity on the use of such equipment.  I gather it is OK to use them in the UK but perhaps not the case in other European countries.  Can any one offer their experiences of using A-Frames generally, and what their understanding is of using them in say France, Germany, Austria, Spain , Portugal, Holland, Norway Sweden etc.  Are they legal there?

Comments

  • Unknown
    Unknown Forum Participant
    edited January 2018 #2
    The user and all related content has been Deleted User
  • peedee
    peedee Club Member Posts: 9,389 ✭✭✭
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    edited January 2018 #3

    Its fine in UK but risky to use a frame across the Channel. especially in Spain where you have a high chance of being fined on the spot..

    peedee

  • JollyKernow
    JollyKernow Forum Participant Posts: 2,629
    1000 Comments
    edited January 2018 #4

    Hi I've been stopped, fined and had to separate vehicles on two separate occasions in Spain. Not worth it unless you are fluent in the language. Several people seem to do it so I guess it's wrong place wrong time syndrome.

    A frame for UK, trailer everywhere else

    Cheers

  • Navigateur
    Navigateur Club Member Posts: 3,880 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    edited January 2018 #5

    I understand that its not legal anywhere in Europe including the UK, but here the authorities do not pursue it.

  • Lutz
    Lutz Forum Participant Posts: 1,564 ✭✭✭✭
    edited January 2018 #6

    To say they are illegal is an oversimplification. They would be illegal if all conditions are fulfilled. Assuming all technical conditions according to Construction and Use Regulations as they apply to trailers are met, the main stumbling block is that because car plus A-frame is treated as a trailer, since introduction of whole vehicle type approval for all trailers in 2014 the combination must be type approved as a trailer. This involves a process that no A-frame manufacturer has gone through, maybe because it is quite expensive and hardly worthwhile for the small volumes involved. There is, however, a scheme in place for low volume approval, but this is only applicable on a national basis and it is not recognised abroad.

    There are no provisions in any legislation anywhere, neither in Europe nor in the UK, referring to A-frames as such and the position taken on the Continent is that anything that is not specifically allowed is forbidden.

  • Tammygirl
    Tammygirl Club Member Posts: 7,957 ✭✭✭
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    edited January 2018 #7

    Smart cars are better carried on a trailer rather than on an A frame, with the engine being at the back of the car it can cause the' tail to wag'  ie the car can bounce around behind the MH, this information was given to us by an A frame manufacturer who advised a trailer for these cars.

    All the above information is correct, as we have also been stopped twice once in Belgium and also Germany.

  • H B Watson
    H B Watson Forum Participant Posts: 183
    edited January 2018 #8

    It would be better to use a small trailer designed for a Smart IMO, no legal issues anywhere.

  • MichaelT
    MichaelT Forum Participant Posts: 1,874
    1000 Comments
    edited January 2018 #9

    Or buy a car and tow a caravan insteadtongue-out

  • Nigel J Hall
    Nigel J Hall Forum Participant Posts: 3
    edited January 2018 #10

    To all.  Thanks for your honest and frank responses.  I think you have helped me decide. 

    After cost research, the cost of a conversion to the Smart at about £2400/£2500 against a Smart trailer unit at about £1750, there is advantage.  Disadvantage more storage cost when not in use, and speed limitation, plus insurance.  We also play golf and can't get two adults and two sets of clubs in the Smar - but we hasve that issue anyway!

     Ho Hum. It is a learning curve for us newbies!  Thanks again.

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