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Before you set
off
Carry out a final maintenance check before
you set off.
Is the load correctly distributed and firmly
secured?
Are all the lights undamaged and working
correctly?
Are the tyre pressures correct and all tyres
in good condition?
Is the trailer correctly coupled to the
tow ball or pin?
Is the coupling height correct? It should
be level.
On
the Road
Driving with a loaded trailer will inevitably
affect the vehicle's performance: Moving
off needs more effort.
It will take longer to slow down and stop.
You need to take extra care when negotiating
sharp bends.
You need to check:
That the vehicle and trailer are loaded
securely and correctly distributed in accordance
with the manufacturers' specifications.
Are you adequately covered
for recovery and breakdown?
Most recovery agents won't cover a trailer
unless it's specified in your contract.
Make sure you have specialist breakdown
cover.
Standard trailer insurance does not automatically
include breakdown cover.
Reversing with a Trailer
Make sure the area behind you is clear before
reversing.
Be especially aware of children and pedestrians.
Try to get somebody to observe for you.
Practice makes perfect! Try reversing before
setting off.
Have you got the Right
Licence?
An ordinary category B licence allows
you to drive a vehicle up to 3.5 tonnes
Maximum Gross Weight and to tow a trailer
that weighs up to 750 kilograms Maximum
Gross Weight, giving a Maximum Combination
Weight of up to 4250 kilograms.
Drivers who have got a B category licence
are entitled to tow a trailer over 750 kilograms
Maximum Gross Weight provided that the gross
weight of the trailer does not exceed the
unladen or kerb weight of the towing vehicle,
and the maximum combination weight does
not exceed a total of 3.5 tonnes.
If you want to drive a larger vehicle or
pull a heavier trailer you will need to
take a category B + E driving test.
For more information visit: www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/DriverLicensing
Speed Restrictions
Always keep within the legal speed limit.
30mph limit applies on all roads with street
lighting unless signs show otherwise. 50mph
applies on single carriageways unless signs
show otherwise. 60mph applies on dual carriageways
and motorways.
NOTE: You must not travel in the right-hand
lane of a motorway with three lanes or more.
Avoid problems before
they happen
Following these 4 simple rules could help
you to avoid unnecessary repairs. Avoid
parking your trailer on long grass - moisture
could damage it.
When you park up, you must not leave a detached
trailer on a public road.
If it is hitched up it must always be parked
with lights on at night on any public road.
On a level surface if it is safe to do so,
avoid parking with the handbrake on. Grease
all the greasing points with a grease gun,
plus the brake cables or rods, and handbrake.
What if you break down
on a motorway?
Remember it is illegal to stop on a hard
shoulder except in an emergency. If an emergency
forces you to stop, then follow these top
5 personal safety tips from the Highways
Agency:
Pull onto the hard shoulder and park as
far to the left as you can.
Turn on your vehicle's hazard warning lights.
Leave the vehicle via the doors furthest
away from traffic and stand as far away
from traffic as is safe.
Contact the Highways Agency using the emergency
roadside telephone. Follow the instructions
from Highways Agency staff.
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