Sketchy towing

[Trackdayer]

Witnessed this a couple of days ago. Around 60mph. Tow rope not even taut the whole time.

[Trackdayer]

monthou said:

Keeping a tow rope taut the whole time would be a neat trick.

Not really, just a very gentle application of the brakes on the vehicle being towed does it.

[Trackdayer]

anonymous said:

[redacted]

Not that I could see

[Trackdayer]

monthou said:

If you say so.

Towing vehicle providing motive power + Towed vehicle has slight rolling resistance = Rope taut = Smooth tow.

Not rocket science is it

[Trackdayer]

I know with an A-frame the towed vehicle doesn't have to be taxed, MOT'd or insured.

For the purposes of A-framing it's classed as a trailer. So the only relevant legality is tread on the tyres.

[Trackdayer]

geeks said:

Are you sure about that?

Yep, see link above ^

I wouldn't have posted it if it were wrong.

[Trackdayer]

gazza285 said:

You didn’t mention the legality of the brakes…

A-frames don't use brakes.

[Trackdayer]

paulrockliffe said:

But a trailer the weight of a car would require brakes wouldn't it?

AFAIK if you are moving a broken down car to a place of safety that doesn't apply.

That's the legal theory I believe.

The reality is I've a-framed for 15 years and probably 100,000 miles. Been stopped a few times by police and never had an issue beyond some rather dense officers in Norfolk querying why nobody was sat in the drivers seat of the tow car!

Just keep your tyres legal and you're good to go.

[Trackdayer]

gazza285 said:

Try reading the link I posted, it is quite clear that an A-frame attached to a car being towed is classed as a trailer, and trailer laws then apply, including braking systems.

Try reading what I said regarding moving immobile vehicles.

[Trackdayer]

bigothunter said:

But you are still taking a risk which you will probably get away with, until something nasty happens and you can't stop. Then the law will be all over you like a rash

Okay if you say so.

[Trackdayer]

bigothunter said:

Go safely dear chap. Hope to see you at future track days. I'll be towing a Brian James RT4 behind a great big white van. All wheels braked and legal

Oh really? I thought you'd be in something a bit safer than that.

[Trackdayer]

bigothunter said:

Back in the 70's, I borrowed a car trailer without any brakes. Had no money so we made do with old crap. Tow car was a Cortina. When loaded, this lethal combination provoked the tow car to lock all wheels even under moderate braking. Frightened the st out of me.

Doubt whether your unbraked towing dolly with car onboard, will exceed 4m/s2 even on a high mu dry surface. That's asking for trouble especially for long fast journeys to race circuits, made worse when the driver is tired after a long day.

Please take a step back and consider the risk. Currently it doesn't make sense.

I don't have a towing dolly.

I have an A-frame and a braked trailer (PRG Sport). You also have no idea of the weights involved, the specification of my brakes, tyres etc or the speed that I tow at. So you're not really in any state to make a judgement on it's safety. Especially not when you tow with a transit