Question about trailer hitch

[Heyryy]

Hey all,

I’m buying a catering trailer from overseas. The manufacturer has previous experience of dealing with customers in England.

Just a quick question:

If the trailer, which is 4m long and weighs 1000kg, can this type of system be used and pass safety tests?

I have attached a photo as a reference. I understand that AL-KO is a higher quality, but it’s not a necessity, right?

Thanks,
Ryan

 

[Buckman]

Only thing I know is that the trailer will need to be approved to tow on UK roads so will probably need something like a Certificate of Compliance. Your shipping agents will probably need to arrange this. I am not sure how it will be towed to the nearest testing ground.

 

[RogerL]

At that weight, it'll need automatic over-run brakes, a break-away cable, a parking brake and automatic reversing - from the photo that trailer doesn't appear to have any of those - it looks more like an unbraked trailer which is only permitted up to 750 kg.

 

[Heyryy]

The finished product will look similar to this. I have paid extra to make sure it has a brake system and that the trailer hookups to the car meaning the lights are synchronised.

It’ll be classed as a O2 trailer as it’s over 750kg. It will be a single braked axel too.

 

[otherclive]

This guide to IVA might help ensure that your trailer meets the legal requirements. Must say it looks really eye catching design. Good luck with your venture.

Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) for light trailers: help to get a pass

How to avoid the top 10 reasons light trailers don't pass the Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) inspection.

www.gov.uk

Light trailer compliance report

www.gov.uk

 

[Lutz]

It looks as though ir may be from North America in which case it would have a 2” hitch instead of a 50mm one. In that case it would definitely need a new hitch.

 

[Heyryy]

Appreciate all the replies!

Yeah I’ve read over the IVA inspection rules many times😅

If the braking system doesn’t meet the requirements, is it easy to find someone to install an AL-KO system?

I think they look rather cool too, but not easy starting a new business with my Dad with all the important safety rules.

Ryan

 

[Lutz]

Airstream caravans produced for the European market have Alko chassis. That may be the way to go if all else fails but to swap the chassis would be an expensive undertaking. I think it would be best to submit the trailer for IVA as is and let the type approval officer explain to you what needs to be done.

 

[Heyryy]

Yes if it fails the test, I guess the only solution would be to find someone to install the AL-KO system, which I guess isn’t cheap😅

 

[Lutz]

So long as the overrun brake works as it should and has the prescribed efficiency and the lights meet our requirements regarding colour and location you shouldn’t have any problems.

 

[Heyryy]

The rear of the trailer looks like this and the lights will be synchronised with the car, so I hope everything will be fine when it arrives at the port in around 8 weeks.

 

[Lutz]

The requirements regarding lighting, in particular their location, are quite well laid out starting on page 28 of the following link:
https://www.hella.com/hella-za/assets/media_global/673_Legal_Requirements_Brochure_HELLA_EN.pdf

 

[Heyryy]

Thanks a lot for this! I think they are missing the registration plate light, so I’ll need to enquire about this too.

 

[Heyryy]

After some research, I have found the exact type of coupling system installed on my arriving trailers. From what I know, it is a braked system however it does look different to ones seen in the U.K. which have a black coil-like rubber material just after the hitch.

 

[Heyryy]

Over-Ride Coupling 2000kg Mechanical Brake Complete

Over-ride Trailer Coupling Suits 50mm Ball Rated 2000kg Fitted with reversing lock and padlock facility Complies with Australian Standard 4177.3 Cannot be welded Comes with Mechanical Bracket

www.trekhardware.com.au

Also sold on Amazon U.K. too but unbranded.

Amazon.co.uk

Seems to be popular in Australia and it’s listed as an over-run one.

 

[otherclive]

Have a look at these two company websites. They supply towing equipment for a wide range of trailers. They also supply a range of trailer parts. It may be that they have a coupling like yours and could answer any queries and importantly give you confidence that yours can be used in UK

PF Jones
Western Towing.

 

[Heyryy]

My only issue now is that there’s no breakaway cable. I guess that chain just provides extra security.

But if the trailer was to become unhitched while the car was in motion, the brakes wouldn’t turn on, which from what I have read online is the law.

 

[RogerL]

Over-Ride Coupling 2000kg Mechanical Brake Complete

Over-ride Trailer Coupling Suits 50mm Ball Rated 2000kg Fitted with reversing lock and padlock facility Complies with Australian Standard 4177.3 Cannot be welded Comes with Mechanical Bracket

www.trekhardware.com.au

Also sold on Amazon U.K. too but unbranded.

Amazon.co.uk

Seems to be popular in Australia and it’s listed as an over-run one.

My understanding is that the reversing mechanism has to be automatic - UK caravans used to have a similar device as your link back in the '70s but the law here has changed since.

 

[Gozza2]

The requirements regarding lighting, in particular their location, are quite well laid out starting on page 28 of the following link:
https://www.hella.com/hella-za/assets/media_global/673_Legal_Requirements_Brochure_HELLA_EN.pdf

Thanks Lutz, that's a really good document

 

[Heyryy]

To my understanding and after reading the IVA inspection notes, everything is fine.

The coupler has an overrun brake. It’s got a 50mm ballpoint. It has a breakaway cable (which is not legally required as it’s under 1500kg) and has a secondary coupling device (the chains).

However, I did find another fault with the rear of the trailer. It’s missing fog lights so I need to rectify this.

Appreciate all the replies!

 

[otherclive]

You seem to be making good progress, thank you for the regular updates.

 

[Heyryy]

I feel like I can build one next time😂 Will keep you updated!

 

[otherclive]

I feel like I can build one next time😂 Will keep you updated!

Five years from now might we see a number of food vans that you have franchised ? 👍

 

[Heyryy]

Appreciate your support! I’ll be sure to let you know when they are on sale, prices will start at around £15k for the 3m ones, will be ready-to-go and perfect for all types of food businesses.