Just washed he van off for the first time this year and managed to knock of a marker light lens which broke and the MTPLM/MIRO plate. Light lens replaced as a matching clear pair, but I do have to re-attach the plate. Does said plate have to be mounted outside by the door or can I stick it on the inside near door ? I ask this because as I finished cleaning the van in brilliant sunshine and then arriving home to a hale storm I get the feeling its going to be wet until next w/end so glue might not stick. If plate has to go back out side what sort of glue should I use ?
One for the legal specialists.
- Thread starter GrahamE
- Start date
The MTPLM plate is not a legal; requirement as it is not a mandatory plate for caravans.GrahamE said:
Thank you Surfer, Just seen the following weeks weather forecast so it will get stuck inside for now.
Hello Graham,
The National Trailer and Towing Association (NTTA) website
http://www.ntta.co.uk/law/law/identification_plates.aspx
States
"1982 regulations demand that all trailers, including unbraked ones, must be clearly marked with their maximum gross weight in kg".
It goes on to show where the plate should be located.
It has been pointed out that the MTPLM of some caravans is less than the caravan chassis capability, BUT it is the case that caravan manufacturers can and do construct the body of the caravan with a weight capacity less than the chassis. So whilst the chassis may technically be capable of carrying more the body can't, so for the load to be with in specification it must be no greater than the MTPLM.
If you exceed the MTPLM you may be classed as having an unsafe load, yet it may still be within the chassis capacity.
I recommend you re attach the plate.
The National Trailer and Towing Association (NTTA) website
http://www.ntta.co.uk/law/law/identification_plates.aspx
States
"1982 regulations demand that all trailers, including unbraked ones, must be clearly marked with their maximum gross weight in kg".
It goes on to show where the plate should be located.
It has been pointed out that the MTPLM of some caravans is less than the caravan chassis capability, BUT it is the case that caravan manufacturers can and do construct the body of the caravan with a weight capacity less than the chassis. So whilst the chassis may technically be capable of carrying more the body can't, so for the load to be with in specification it must be no greater than the MTPLM.
If you exceed the MTPLM you may be classed as having an unsafe load, yet it may still be within the chassis capacity.
I recommend you re attach the plate.
ProfJohnL said:
John very unusual for you to pass on information without checking the facts. The NTTA is a self appointed organisation which carries no weight in any court as the law over rides anything they may advise or state.
Please look up the regulations yourself or even better ask VOSA. VOSA will tell you that an MTPLM plate is not a requirement on any caravan.
The law which states a trailer has to have a mandatory plate and registered was only introduced in October 2012. Please feel feel to disprove any of the above statements I have made backing it up with reference to the regulations or law and if I am wrong, I will apologise to passing on misleading information.
The picture I see has the plate on the chassis of a small trailer, caravans have a fibreglass moulding over the A frame. and I my case the plate was located on the body at the bottom next to the door. I think double sided foam tape of the super sticky no more nails type may be in order 'weather permitting' ................if not then I will go down our HGV workshops route - 6 inch nails ,cable ties and silicon sealant.
Hello Surfer.
I am satisfied my posting encouraged good, responsible and safe practice. The absence of the MTPLM plate may cause difficulties if your outfit is pulled over for an inspection. Why make trouble for yourself when its no loss to have the information properly displayed.
I did not make any claims about the authority of the NTTA, nor do I write for or manage their web site. If you have a problem with thier site please take it up with them, not me.
However I am certain caravan manufacturers are obliged to affix the data plate including the MTPLM, because if they weren't I am also certain they wouldn't bother fitting one. I am not going to waste my time looking for evidence of that because it has no value to me. I'm sure if you are genuinely interested you have the resources to find it for yourself.
Every sensible/responsible person will look for load limits on a piece of equipment and if they find two limits that interact they will choose the lower of the two to maintain the safe operation of the equipment. We see in on nose weight limits, Cars towing capacities, Craneage SWL's, Boats plimsol lines, So why not for caravans?
My advice is to refit the the plate as the manufacturer intended.
I am satisfied my posting encouraged good, responsible and safe practice. The absence of the MTPLM plate may cause difficulties if your outfit is pulled over for an inspection. Why make trouble for yourself when its no loss to have the information properly displayed.
I did not make any claims about the authority of the NTTA, nor do I write for or manage their web site. If you have a problem with thier site please take it up with them, not me.
However I am certain caravan manufacturers are obliged to affix the data plate including the MTPLM, because if they weren't I am also certain they wouldn't bother fitting one. I am not going to waste my time looking for evidence of that because it has no value to me. I'm sure if you are genuinely interested you have the resources to find it for yourself.
Every sensible/responsible person will look for load limits on a piece of equipment and if they find two limits that interact they will choose the lower of the two to maintain the safe operation of the equipment. We see in on nose weight limits, Cars towing capacities, Craneage SWL's, Boats plimsol lines, So why not for caravans?
My advice is to refit the the plate as the manufacturer intended.
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