A-Frames
Just come across this information from the Department of Transport which was updated 10th May 2018. Not sure if it is of any use.
David
Comments
-
At least the powers that be recognise the existence of A frames although in a grey haze of legality.
it will not be until an unfortunate accident occurs with possible deaths, that the legality of these systems will be determined requiring the legal system to pass rulings as to definitions of trailing and trailers.
A tradition British fudge until it actually happens, (something like Brexit?)
Rgds
0 -
For anyone that uses an A frame there is a 6 page discussion running on MHF about this document...
The first few pages are interesting ( well to me anyway, but we've just bought a trailer for our Toad) but then it descends into silliness, a bit like this forum.....
1 -
The information that the DfT have issued isn't conclusive. On the one hand they say that the A-frame plus car unit is to be treated as a trailer, but since 2014 trailers have been subject to whole vehicle type approval However, there's no mention of that in their blurb so it is difficult to know what to make of it.
0 -
I always look at cars that get towed by motorhomes & think that those 2 towing points & connection to its hand brake sticking out at the front would cause some nasty injuries to a pedestrian if they were to be run over. It seems amazing to me that as car designers have tried to make the front of a car safer & safer in the event of a collision with a pedestrian .... removal of bonnet badges, hiding wipers under thevrear edge of bonnets etc etc, we're allowed to poke steel work through the front grille.
0 -
I’m surprised it doesn’t immediately make for an MOT failure.
1 -
It's not only the crumple zones that are affected, but also the sensors that deploy the airbags are usually located right behind the bumper. Any bracketry that may be fitted on the car's underbody structure to attach the A-frame could affect the sensors' performance in the event of a head on crash. Remember, it's a matter of milliseconds that count to ensure timely deployment of the airbags.
0 -
I often wonder how the conversation goes when you try to get insurance for an A frame modified tow car......
I imagine the conversation goes as follows.....
"Hello, yes, some little company in an industrial unit has bolted a girder across the front and fixed a couple of towing eyes to it, right by the crumple zones & airbag sensors. They have then faffed around with the brakes to make them sort of work when I'm towing it.....Is that OK...?"
"Yes sir, thats fine, we are perfectly happy to insure you at no extra cost."
Make's you wonder if insurance companies even understand what an A frame is.....
Well, either that or they aren't being told the full story......
0 -
And you know what would probably happen in the event of a claim.
“That’s a modified vehicle, sir/madam, and you are obliged to tell us of modifications to your car. You might well have told us it was being towed on an A-frame but surely you meant it was loaded on to a type of trailer? You should have explained in detail and supplied photographs so we could triple your premium. Claim rejected.”
1 -
Or. . . .They(insurers) know if anyone alters anything that they should’ve informed the insurers about the conversation would end up with-‘no sir, I’m sorry but your insurance is null & void’, the potential enormous costs ending at the door of the supposed insured☹️
Sorry Tinny I posted without checking the next page😨. That is an excellent post btw👍🏻😊
1 -
No problem. Thanks, so good we said it twice😚.
0 -
Some of us are past caring about all the red tape and accept the personal risk as long as third parties are covered. My motorhome insurer also covers my toad on the same policy but as stated above I have wondered if they fully understand the implications when you advise them the car is fitted with a towing bracket for towing behind a motorhome.
peedee
0
