28-05-2019, 08:19 PM
Hi
Trailers are a nightmare! Well the legislation is. Briefly.....
With an unbraked trailer the maximum you can tow is 750 kg. A Ruby approaches this and possibly more with the weight of the trailer itself included. Even your Speedex may be close once the weight of the trailer is taken into account.
Also check what your car can tow. Unbraked tow capacities can be very low. It may seem easier and cheaper to buy an unbraked trailer but they can be a bit difficult to manoeuvre off the hitch and can sometimes be the tail wagging the dog if the tow car is not quite heavy.
With a braked trailer you can tow much more and you should have no problem finding a trailer car combo that works. My Audi A1 can tow 1200 kg braked! Holding the loaded trailer on its brake means that you can unhitch and move the loaded trailer around easily.
Now to more legality. Theoretically home made trailers are increasingly difficult to make legal. Especially if you tow abroad. Trailers should have a vin plate, just like cars and, I believe, be made by a registered fabricator.
Personally I would go for a two wheel braked trailer. One for a Smart car is ideal and there are lots about as the Motor caravan fraternity use them. I started with an unbraked trailer, towing my special with a Mazda Bongo. I soon changed to a braked version for the reasons above.
On the other hand there are many home made jobs out there that seem to be used with impunity but I wouldn't like to argue the toss with an insurance company with one! Check out the DVLA web site for confirmation on all I have said above.
Cheers
Howard
PS Check your licence to ensure that you are legally allowed to tow!
Trailers are a nightmare! Well the legislation is. Briefly.....
With an unbraked trailer the maximum you can tow is 750 kg. A Ruby approaches this and possibly more with the weight of the trailer itself included. Even your Speedex may be close once the weight of the trailer is taken into account.
Also check what your car can tow. Unbraked tow capacities can be very low. It may seem easier and cheaper to buy an unbraked trailer but they can be a bit difficult to manoeuvre off the hitch and can sometimes be the tail wagging the dog if the tow car is not quite heavy.
With a braked trailer you can tow much more and you should have no problem finding a trailer car combo that works. My Audi A1 can tow 1200 kg braked! Holding the loaded trailer on its brake means that you can unhitch and move the loaded trailer around easily.
Now to more legality. Theoretically home made trailers are increasingly difficult to make legal. Especially if you tow abroad. Trailers should have a vin plate, just like cars and, I believe, be made by a registered fabricator.
Personally I would go for a two wheel braked trailer. One for a Smart car is ideal and there are lots about as the Motor caravan fraternity use them. I started with an unbraked trailer, towing my special with a Mazda Bongo. I soon changed to a braked version for the reasons above.
On the other hand there are many home made jobs out there that seem to be used with impunity but I wouldn't like to argue the toss with an insurance company with one! Check out the DVLA web site for confirmation on all I have said above.
Cheers
Howard
PS Check your licence to ensure that you are legally allowed to tow!