What cheap tow car, for horsebox?
Discussion
Tophatron said:
Ouch! Thanks.
What a stupid system! I bet most people would have a clue how to work it out.
Sorry for the hassle, but out of interest could you tell me the figure for a 2004 Mondeo TDCi? I'm willing to bet it's more. Is there a good website that helps you work it out?
I have a sticky in the speed plod and law forum on this site which helps to explain it allWhat a stupid system! I bet most people would have a clue how to work it out.
Sorry for the hassle, but out of interest could you tell me the figure for a 2004 Mondeo TDCi? I'm willing to bet it's more. Is there a good website that helps you work it out?
Depending on which model mondeo you have the GVW is around 2200 kgs so I'll use that figure
they all have Kerbweights over 1300 so that will not be an issue nor will the towing capacities as they all seem to have a 1800 kgs
With a GVW of 2200 you can tow a trailer which has a MAX MAM of 1300 kgs
That could be a 400 kgs unladen car transporter trailer which would allow for a lightweight vehicle (900 kgs max actual weight) to be towed on it - perhaps the trailer would need downplating via a call to the trailer manufacturer
or a lightweight horse trailer weighing 700 kgs unladen with a 500 kgs horse in it and still leaving 100 kgs to spare
R0G said:
I have a sticky in the speed plod and law forum on this site which helps to explain it all
Depending on which model mondeo you have the GVW is around 2200 kgs so I'll use that figure
they all have Kerbweights over 1300 so that will not be an issue nor will the towing capacities as they all seem to have a 1800 kgs
With a GVW of 2200 you can tow a trailer which has a MAX MAM of 1300 kgs
That could be a 400 kgs unladen car transporter trailer which would allow for a lightweight vehicle (900 kgs max actual weight) to be towed on it - perhaps the trailer would need downplating via a call to the trailer manufacturer
or a lightweight horse trailer weighing 700 kgs unladen with a 500 kgs horse in it and still leaving 100 kgs to spare
Thanks again. I've heard people getting stuff like Ifor 511s downplated - is this even possible?Depending on which model mondeo you have the GVW is around 2200 kgs so I'll use that figure
they all have Kerbweights over 1300 so that will not be an issue nor will the towing capacities as they all seem to have a 1800 kgs
With a GVW of 2200 you can tow a trailer which has a MAX MAM of 1300 kgs
That could be a 400 kgs unladen car transporter trailer which would allow for a lightweight vehicle (900 kgs max actual weight) to be towed on it - perhaps the trailer would need downplating via a call to the trailer manufacturer
or a lightweight horse trailer weighing 700 kgs unladen with a 500 kgs horse in it and still leaving 100 kgs to spare
It seems a bit mad that it's legal to tow this stuff on a B licence with something like a RAV4 but not a GC when I'd say the GC would make for a much safer/more stable outfit.
FlashBastd said:
Thanks, interesting about being able to take the test using a lighter setup; I have a bar on the back of my Focus, only fitted for a bike rack, could you potentially take the B&E using say the Focus and a small trailer?
This isn't just about wanting to make it easy, it is also because if we get a bigger 4x4 it may well be an auto. If the OH is going to take a B&E test then we don't want to be restricted to her towing with autos.
http://www.cuddles.abelgratis.net/ford.htm#focus302This isn't just about wanting to make it easy, it is also because if we get a bigger 4x4 it may well be an auto. If the OH is going to take a B&E test then we don't want to be restricted to her towing with autos.
which focus is it in that link?
A B+E test taken in an auto will only give B+E auto in the UK except for NI where it gives a full B+E if the original B test was passed in a manual
Lets say the focus you have has a kerbweight of 1150 and a GVW of 1700 with a towing capacity of 700 and the box type trailer is 500 unladen with a PLATED MAM of 1100
That would not only be legal for B licence towing but also for taking the B+E test with
You would have to have extra side mirrors fitted for the examiner to see down each side with but they can be bought easily from motor spares places
The trailer must be at least as high as the towing vehicle and almost as wide so that the driver cannot see behind them via the internal mirror or looking back through the rear of the towing vehicle
Tophatron said:
Thanks again. I've heard people getting stuff like Ifor 511s downplated - is this even possible?
It seems a bit mad that it's legal to tow this stuff on a B licence with something like a RAV4 but not a GC when I'd say the GC would make for a much safer/more stable outfit.
You can get a 511 downplated BUT would it be worth it ???It seems a bit mad that it's legal to tow this stuff on a B licence with something like a RAV4 but not a GC when I'd say the GC would make for a much safer/more stable outfit.
http://www.horsetrailersales.co.uk/NewIforHB511.ht...
with an unladen weight of 1000 and getting it downplated to say 1400 would only leave 400 for the horse and most horses are nearer to the 500 kg mark so it aint gonna work
Vehicle manufacturers state a max towing capacity based on many things such as power, stability, rear axle load etc so if they state 2000 then that is what they determine the ACTUAL weight is that their vehicle will safely pull
Although there is nothing in law which specifically states this figure to be a legal maximum there are laws which can be brought in should a COURT determine the set up is unsafe
Cheers R0G,
It is this Focus;
Focus 4-door In production Kerb Weight KG 85% Weight KG Max Towing Weight KG
1.6 Zetec 2002 1175 998 1200
actually a 2000, but there was no change between 1998 and 2004 so it's this one.
So in principle a light weight but tall trailer would meet both criteria?
It is this Focus;
Focus 4-door In production Kerb Weight KG 85% Weight KG Max Towing Weight KG
1.6 Zetec 2002 1175 998 1200
actually a 2000, but there was no change between 1998 and 2004 so it's this one.
So in principle a light weight but tall trailer would meet both criteria?
FlashBastd said:
Cheers R0G,
It is this Focus;
Focus 4-door In production Kerb Weight KG 85% Weight KG Max Towing Weight KG
1.6 Zetec 2002 1175 998 1200
actually a 2000, but there was no change between 1998 and 2004 so it's this one.
So in principle a light weight but tall trailer would meet both criteria?
You really wouldn't want to tow a horse with a 1.6 Focus. It wouldn't be a pleasurable experience...It is this Focus;
Focus 4-door In production Kerb Weight KG 85% Weight KG Max Towing Weight KG
1.6 Zetec 2002 1175 998 1200
actually a 2000, but there was no change between 1998 and 2004 so it's this one.
So in principle a light weight but tall trailer would meet both criteria?
For those thinking about using a B licence towing set up and using that for the B+E test as a DIY then providing all the vehicle and trailer requirements for the DSA are met, you can still drive to the same DSA style as when you did your car test, the un/couple is done as the DSA want it done, and you can get to practice the DSA test reverse then it is possible to do as a DIY
The biggest problem is likely to be setting up the reverse area for practise which must be 11 metres wide and 4 times the length of the vehicle + trailer combination
You will need some cones for this ...
cone A is placed in the far right corner of the area
cone A1 is placed 1.5 times the vehicle width to the left of cone A
cone B is placed 2 vehicle lengths behind cone A1 and in line with it (1.5 vehicle width from the left edge of the area)
In the back left of the area the 'garage' is set up with cone C on the far left and about (not exactly) the vehicle length form the base line
cone C1 is then place to the right of cane C and at 1.5 times the vehicle width
Other cones (usually 4) are then placed to make the garage area stand out
At the back of the garage area and in front of the base line there needs to be a marked area extending 1 metre from the base line where the rearmost part of the trailer must end up in at the end of the reverising test
A barrier of some sort is placed on the base line and that must not be MOVED but can be touched
Many use a part of the trailer they can see from the O/S mirror to line up on a part of the marked area to determine when the rearmost part of the trailer is in the correct finish position
NOW THEN ..... who wants to do a DIY B+E test ??!!!!!
VIDEOs of the B+E reverse http://www.drivesafedriving.co.uk/b_e_rev_movie.ht...
The biggest problem is likely to be setting up the reverse area for practise which must be 11 metres wide and 4 times the length of the vehicle + trailer combination
You will need some cones for this ...
cone A is placed in the far right corner of the area
cone A1 is placed 1.5 times the vehicle width to the left of cone A
cone B is placed 2 vehicle lengths behind cone A1 and in line with it (1.5 vehicle width from the left edge of the area)
In the back left of the area the 'garage' is set up with cone C on the far left and about (not exactly) the vehicle length form the base line
cone C1 is then place to the right of cane C and at 1.5 times the vehicle width
Other cones (usually 4) are then placed to make the garage area stand out
At the back of the garage area and in front of the base line there needs to be a marked area extending 1 metre from the base line where the rearmost part of the trailer must end up in at the end of the reverising test
A barrier of some sort is placed on the base line and that must not be MOVED but can be touched
Many use a part of the trailer they can see from the O/S mirror to line up on a part of the marked area to determine when the rearmost part of the trailer is in the correct finish position
NOW THEN ..... who wants to do a DIY B+E test ??!!!!!
VIDEOs of the B+E reverse http://www.drivesafedriving.co.uk/b_e_rev_movie.ht...
Edited by R0G on Tuesday 31st July 11:25
Edited by R0G on Tuesday 31st July 13:15
FlashBastd said:
Cheers R0G,
It is this Focus;
Focus 4-door In production Kerb Weight KG 85% Weight KG Max Towing Weight KG
1.6 Zetec 2002 1175 998 1200
actually a 2000, but there was no change between 1998 and 2004 so it's this one.
So in principle a light weight but tall trailer would meet both criteria?
If the trailer plated MAM is over 1000 kgs and not over 1175 kgs (B licence towing rule where trailer MAM must not be more than kerbweight) and it is wide enough not to see when looking behind it then yes okIt is this Focus;
Focus 4-door In production Kerb Weight KG 85% Weight KG Max Towing Weight KG
1.6 Zetec 2002 1175 998 1200
actually a 2000, but there was no change between 1998 and 2004 so it's this one.
So in principle a light weight but tall trailer would meet both criteria?
There is no way that you will be over the 3500 total MAM/GVW limit unless the focus has a GVW of over 2325 kgs and I am certain that is not the case!!
Only empty trailers can be used on test
FlashBastd said:
LOL, no, you misunderstand, just talking about the Focus for the purposes of the B&E test as it is a manual and the 4x4 might be an auto.
Haha, sorry! Yes that sounds like a good idea. As I mentioned in a previous post I did my test in a Fabia - pretty much everything about it was the minimum required for a B+E test, which was ideal.If you meet the criteria for B+E licence supervising and your other half is the one with the B+E provisional then with you in with her she can drive a B+E set up now and you could take her to test if that is your intention
PS - as ADI payment rules do not apply to B+E then you can demand payment from your other half ....
..... what form that payment takes is up to you !!!!!!!!!!!!
PS - as ADI payment rules do not apply to B+E then you can demand payment from your other half ....
..... what form that payment takes is up to you !!!!!!!!!!!!
Edited by R0G on Tuesday 31st July 11:22
We bought a 2000 (x) terrano for caravan pulling nearly 4 years ago when redundancy lost me my tow car. Not everyone's cup of tea but its been great. No problems or nasty shocks at mot time either. It's 2.7 turbo diesel, apart from servicing and a re gas to the air con its given trouble free service.
FlashBastd said:
Thanks, Terrano II seems like the most economical option, saw a tidy looking Explorer though. Explorer seems to have a relatively low tow limit though @ 2,500kg, should be plenty though.
I may be wrong but I think the explorer is only available with a thirsty petrol engine? An ex's father had one many years ago and sold it because of its fuel and repair bills.I reckon £2500 is doable, just. But maybe allow a slush fund for the unexpected.
My missus has gone from paying for horse riding lessons 1-2 times a week, call it 6 lessons a month at £30 a time, to owning her own, Joe, a 5yr old throughbred ex racehorse and being able to ride him and school him whenever she wants is fantastic for her. To own and look after him, I'd say it costs her probably another £50 more than her riding lessons monthly budget, but the enjoyment she gets is far more worth it. He is going to be a 3 day eventer for her.
Do shop around for farriers as prices do vary alot. She pays £60 for an ex military farrier who's excellent to do all four shoes, but the horse may not need new shoes every 6-8weeks, so sometimes a trim is all that's required and thats only £20. But do allow for if they throw a shoe off. Dentist, we pay £40 every 7-8months as he's only 5yrs old, sedation is more but only needed for minor ops tbh. Food, £30-40 a month depending on what hard feed they are on if any. Insurance is only £25 a month for rider and horse. Hay, dependant. Then DIY livery is anywhere from £15 a week upto £35, dependant on field only, stable etc. we pay, £25 a week for field grass fed including a stable and access to ménage, hacking out etc.
Vets, well we just had a emergency call out to him for an eye Infection and still waiting for the bill but reckon it'll be £100 and we've ran out and bought a fly rig and fly mask for him. Keep an eye on mud fever also!
Tack, saddle, exercise boots, turnout boots, rugs, helmets, body protectors etc, all cost and at least once you've got them it's done- until you see better stuff. Helmet and body protector buy the best you can!!!!
Pony stuff is generally cheaper than con/ horse stuff.
We have access to trailer transport, but we are looking in a year or two for a 7.5t horse box rather than a trailer. Good luck in your adventures.
My missus has gone from paying for horse riding lessons 1-2 times a week, call it 6 lessons a month at £30 a time, to owning her own, Joe, a 5yr old throughbred ex racehorse and being able to ride him and school him whenever she wants is fantastic for her. To own and look after him, I'd say it costs her probably another £50 more than her riding lessons monthly budget, but the enjoyment she gets is far more worth it. He is going to be a 3 day eventer for her.
Do shop around for farriers as prices do vary alot. She pays £60 for an ex military farrier who's excellent to do all four shoes, but the horse may not need new shoes every 6-8weeks, so sometimes a trim is all that's required and thats only £20. But do allow for if they throw a shoe off. Dentist, we pay £40 every 7-8months as he's only 5yrs old, sedation is more but only needed for minor ops tbh. Food, £30-40 a month depending on what hard feed they are on if any. Insurance is only £25 a month for rider and horse. Hay, dependant. Then DIY livery is anywhere from £15 a week upto £35, dependant on field only, stable etc. we pay, £25 a week for field grass fed including a stable and access to ménage, hacking out etc.
Vets, well we just had a emergency call out to him for an eye Infection and still waiting for the bill but reckon it'll be £100 and we've ran out and bought a fly rig and fly mask for him. Keep an eye on mud fever also!
Tack, saddle, exercise boots, turnout boots, rugs, helmets, body protectors etc, all cost and at least once you've got them it's done- until you see better stuff. Helmet and body protector buy the best you can!!!!
Pony stuff is generally cheaper than con/ horse stuff.
We have access to trailer transport, but we are looking in a year or two for a 7.5t horse box rather than a trailer. Good luck in your adventures.
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