4 wheel drawbar caravan

badgerbutton
badgerbutton Forum Participant Posts: 6
edited March 2021 in Caravans #1

Just a thought,  would it be legal to tow a drawbar caravan in the UK? 

ie  4 wheels, one in each corner, front turntable, over run brakes, turntable damping, same length, width and weight parameters as normal twin wheeled vans?

Anyone know for certain??

Comments

  • Lutz
    Lutz Forum Participant Posts: 1,564 ✭✭✭✭
    edited March 2021 #2

    Regulations state that the brakes have to operate on all wheels. It would be relatively difficult to operate the brakes on the rear axle by an overrun system attached to the turntable drawbar. I can't think of a workable solution other than having an electrical or hydraulic braking system.

  • Tinwheeler
    Tinwheeler Forum Participant Posts: 23,142 ✭✭✭
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    edited March 2021 #3

    "...would it be legal to tow a drawbar caravan in the UK?"

    Yes, with the appropriate driving licence and towing vehicle and with a speed limit of 30mph. Showmen do it all the time.

  • Lutz
    Lutz Forum Participant Posts: 1,564 ✭✭✭✭
    edited March 2021 #4

    Driving licence entitlement doesn't have any special provisions for drawbar trailers. They are treated just like any other.

    The speed limit is only applicable if the trailer doesn't have braking on all wheels.

  • Tinwheeler
    Tinwheeler Forum Participant Posts: 23,142 ✭✭✭
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    edited March 2021 #5

    The term "appropriate driving licence" was used because of the weight limitations of some licences. I would have said the same to someone contemplating towing any hefty trailer.

  • badgerbutton
    badgerbutton Forum Participant Posts: 6
    edited March 2021 #6

    Thanks both of you, braking system will need some thought........thinking linear potentiometer servo discs with balance control.  Power off, brake on system like trucks, with manual over ride for long time parking!

    laughing

  • rjb
    rjb Forum Participant Posts: 118
    edited March 2021 #7

    Have you thought about reversing a draw bar trailer very difficult I drove a hgv with draw bar trailer for many years and it is not easy

  • EmilysDad
    EmilysDad Forum Participant Posts: 8,973
    1000 Comments
    edited March 2021 #8

    I could reverse one fairly easily at one time, but that was over 40 years ago also with the added advantage of using a tractor,  high-ish up & you can see what's happening. 😉😉 Not tried since.

  • lornalou1
    lornalou1 Forum Participant Posts: 2,169
    1000 Comments
    edited March 2021 #9

    could have a tow bar fitted to front of vehicle to make it easier. 

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