Bailey 2004 Information Plate

[Martin_E]

Hi all,

I looked at the information plate on my van the other day and to my surprise all writing had disappeared, I know it was there in the summer because I used the tyre pressure info off of it and the weights the plate was very clear back then but now nothing. The supplier is going to replace it but is this a common problem?

Martin "E"

 

[RogerL]

My '01 Pageant's VIN plate became unreadable after about 18 months and now you'd think that it was a blank VIN plate, before stamping.

I have a separate record of the data so I've not bothered to get it changed. I'll enjoy see the faces of examiners if I get stopped at a roadside check.

The speed of this weather fading makes me wonder whether caravan manufacturers expect us to keep caravans indoors and never take them out!

 

[Martin_E]

Only trouble is that I think I am right in saying (and I feel sure someone will correct me if I am wrong)that it is illegal to tow with a missing or unreadable plate.

 

[RogerL]

There's no legal requirement for an information plate on a trailer or car. There's a requirement on goods vehicle to have weights plated but not private cars. Cars and goods vehicles have to have the VIN number indelibly stamped on the chassis but this doesn't apply to trailers.

The provisions of EN1645 are voluntary.

Regulations regarding the showing of gross weight of a trailer, related to the 50mph concession when the trailer speed limit was 40. This regulation was withdrawn when the trailer limit was increased to 60.

Having said all that, Bailey caravans have the VIN number stamped on the right-hand side of the A-frame. Weight limits can be determined by inspectors as the axle, brake back plates, tyres and hitch all have their own limits stamped or moulded on.

 

[Martin_E]

When I spoke to Bailey about it yesterday pm I asked if it was a legal requirement to have the plate and they said yes it was. So now I don't know who is right {:-(

 

[RogerL]

If there were such requirements, which I can't find in UK Construction & Use regulations, any information plate would have to be INDELIBLY MARKED. As Bailey information stickers aren't indelible they clearly don't conform with alleged requirements.

What do Bailey expect us to do, get replacement stickers every year?

 

[Martin_E]

Hi RogerL

http://www.ntta.co.uk/law/law/identification_plates.htm
I assume I come under the type 02 on the above page.

Martin "E"

 

[RogerL]

Yes, we're type 2.

It's possible that the VIN number stamped into the right hand chassis member is entirely adequate (it includes year of manufacture) when taken together with the stamped maximum axle load.

In any case, the Bailey sticker doesn't meet any legal interpretation as the information isn't INDELIBLY marked.

I personally cannot, nor will not, accept a situation where I need a new identification sticker every year or two, just to keep my caravan legal.

 

[Martin_E]

Hi RogerL

I wouldn't have a clue what Bailey mark there stickers with, I do know they are done by a third party and not by Bailey themselves for some reason.

As for the situation we find our selves in I would think that if everyone complained to Bailey then they may sort themselves out(ha ha). I agree that we should not have to fork out over

 

[RogerL]

I've been to the library and read thoroughly the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986, as amended - courtesy of Stones Justices' Manual 2006 - yes I know that's sad!

Apart from vehicles which have to be plated by MoT officials at an authorised MoT testing station (typically HGVs), the only requirement of the plate itself, is that the vehicle is "equipped with a plate which is securely fixed to the vehicle in a conspicuous and readily accessible position".

There's no requirement for the plate to be in any specific form, nor is there any requirement for the manufacturer to fix the plate.

 

[Martin_E]

Hi RogerL,

Sad no, thorough yes.

Thanks for all the info and the work you have done to come up with the answer.

 

[RogerL]

Having ignored the lack of a readable manufacturer's plate for 4 years, your question has made me realise that I might be risking prosecution if we're ever stopped. I'm happy to share my findings with you, and others, but I was being selfish really!

One reference I was given, by a motoring forum, suggested that EC Directives which aren't incorporated in the C&U regs may be involved so I'm not confident that I've got to the bottom of this.

 

[Martin_E]

Hi RogerL,

Not to worry Roger, the suppliers are going to put a new plate on the van at the end of the week. Funny thing is I know the plate had all of the info on it when I bought the van, it was very clear and not even faded, I also know it was still on it when I went away in August.

Good luck in your hunt for an answer, if you find one please post it on the site (I feel sure you will).

Thanks again

Martin "E"

 

[Val & Frank]

RogerL,

You are thanked for your effort in resolving this question, Please have a gold star for your excellent work.This is what makes this forum worthwhile.

Val & Frank

 

[Martin_E]

Hi RogerL,

Did you find a definitive answer to the information plates for caravans?

Martin "E"

 

[vauxhall2]

Martin "E"

another feather in the cap of bailey service today,our identification plate was the same as yours,all the information had vanished,or washed off.ours is a 2003 model.i emailed bailey to say that this plate should last the life of the caravan and is legal requirement therefore should be free.i have receiced a new plate in the post today.well done bailey.

 

[Martin_E]

Hi michael,

Fair play to you for asking Bailey and fair play to Bailey for coming up trumps for you.

Martin "E"

 

[Guest]

One has to pose the question as to why the manufacturers do not put the plate inside the van, or even inside the gas locker? Mine is inside the locker, and is stamped, so would take a long while to become unreadable. All cars have a plate inside the bonnet area where the ravages of weather are protected to an extent. I know some will say that inside the van could lead to removal and change by unscrupulous persons, but equally 2 rivets can be easily drilled out. Plus if the number is also stamped on the chassis then there is back up.

 

[Martin_E]

Hi Scotch Lad

I agree with you it wouldn't be rocket science for them to come up with a better idea or a similar scheme to cars.

Martin "E"