|
|
Nov 20, 2005 22:23:29 GMT
|
Wondering about a frames. Has anyone ever used one? how do they work? Are they safe? What speed can you go upto with out? Has anyone in the North got one that I could borrow ? Thanks ;D
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nov 20, 2005 22:48:15 GMT
|
Ive used them before but I am not that big a fan of them. I prefer them if they are purpose built for the vehicle they are towing so that they actually bolt to the car. The majority use either chains or ratchet straps around the lower suspension arms on the towed vehicle.
They are generally safe depending on type and quality of construction and also depends on the type of suspension they are going onto. The RAC/AA used to use them but don't think they do anymore. Not sure how legal they are now, as the vehicle you are towing is then classed as a trailer and any trailer over 750KG has to be braked. So you should really have someone in the towed vehicle operating the brakes.
They are handy for short distances but if its a longer journey I would recommend either a dolly or preferably a transporter trailer. don't forget if you do get one that the car you are towing has to have road legal tyres.
|
|
|
|
|
A framesarthurbrown
@GUEST
|
Nov 20, 2005 23:12:24 GMT
|
Agreed. I'd rather shift stuff these days with a proper trailer. I've spent too much time fugging about with frames / bars etc and unroadworthy heaps. Now I have access to chugga vehicles & an 18ft trailer there's no other way!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Used one to bring a Beetle across London a couple of years ago. It was ok, it really helps if you've got someone in the car being towed to help steer, it makes a big difference.
Legality of A-frames is a very grey area these days. I believe that a car must be taxed, tested and insured if you are towing it on an A-frame as all of it's wheels are on the ground (the Beetle wasn't but no-one blinked an eyelid anyway!) but I'd check out the details properly before you decide whether an A-frame's suitable.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
I don't think it needs to be taxed and tested. Insurance is a grey area though as most trailers that are on the road are not covered by insurance either. Unless you have an insurance policy that specifically covers them. I have a trade insurance policy and that covers me to tow upto two vehicles at the same time.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
hmm...well i dunno...i thought it might be easier/cheaper than renting a trailer, but if it's not totally legal then we don't want to be driving with one half way across the country, we'll see...
|
|
|
|
|
A framesarthurbrown
@GUEST
|
|
You can rent a trailer for about £35 a day. A small price to pay to take all the hassle out of it if you ask me.
Do you have a suitable chugga to drag your treasure + trailer with!?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Octavia diesel, only 90bhp but it should manage coz the skoda is something like 800kg...
|
|
|
|