[The info here is correct (or our understanding is) at the time of writing but like all legalisation is subject to change so if you know of any changes or errors please let a moderator know and we will update accordingly.]

The info here is correct (or our understanding is) at the time of writing but like all legalisation is subject to change so if you know of any changes or errors please let a moderator know and we will update accordingly.

OK so the idea of an A-frame to tow the buggy a long distance to a show/meet is very tempting. The a-frames are relatively cheap and very easy to fit and of course stored away. Certainly easier than the messing around at the show with a trailer.

Firstly is your driving licence covered for towing? If you passed your UK driving test before 1st Jan 1997 you should be OK (subject to weights, but as we are talking buggies, not an issue). If after Jan 1997, then you will need to take an additional test to allow you to tow anything

Speed: When towing you are automatically restricted to a maximum speed of 50mph on single carriageways and 60mph on dual carriageways and motorways, except where a lower general speed limit applies. Also you are not permitted in the outside lane of a motorway where there are three lanes or more.

A-frame + buggy = a Trailer. The Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations limits you to towing an unbraked trailer with a MAM not exceeding 750kg or half the kerbweight of the towing vehicle, whichever is less. Where a trailer is fitted with brakes, even if the trailer does not exceed 750kg those brakes must be operative.

NB typically Buggies (SWB) are under the 750kg. So you might think that you don't have to worry about the brakes on the rear wheels of the buggy not operating when towed BUT as it states if brakes are fitted to the trailer, regardless of weight then they must operate when being towed. Your buggy has brakes and so the law says you must find a way of them operating when being towed. That might be easier said than done and there some owners currently working on ways of getting this to work (at the time of writing though, they haven't be proven yet). Of course you can get one of the systems that you see Motorhomes use to tow the little Smart car and the like BUT these cost upwards of £1,000.

In the past department of Transport also state that they regard A-Frames/dollies are only used for the recovery of broken down vehicles. Now they do accept their general use providing the standard rules on braking lighting (Dont forget your red reflective triangles by the trailer board lights) are met. OK so you could argue to the police that yes its just a quick temporary solution to collect a broken down buggy, but now that is less likely to wash. Firstly, they probably just caught you coming from a show with a load of other buggies/VWs and if you are a motor trade recovery then you would have motor traders insurance policy - chances are you don't. May be the copper isn't familiar with the exact rules (braking) on trailers under750kg but chances are they will!
However some countries in Europe don't like A-frames at all - but thats a whole new discussion)

There is a side subject about inertia braking systems but this is ruled out because the buggy rear wheel do not have the required "inertia braking system" that some trailers have.

Are you likely to be pulled by the police? Well, many have driven with A-frames to shows and the like with no issues BUT recently there have been increased reports of being stopped by the police. Firstly, depending on the age of the driver they like to make sure the driver is qualified to tow at all. And yes some traffic police are aware of the laws with regards to weight and/or braked trailers and A-frames and so will know straight away that you are being naughty. So its entirely your call but the odds of being stopped are a little more likely these days than just a couple of years ago.

Just to add,

There are many companies out there that produce a bolt on A-Frame that can operate the brakes of your Buggy, and this is via a small cable that attatches to your brake pedal and the A-Frame mechanism.

This is one company that I have found, and they are very helpfull

http://www.armitagetrailers.com/Beachbuggy.htm



http://www.armitagetrailers.com

[whatever]

This sentance does clarify it it very well:

If whatever you are towing has brakes fitted, then they have to operate from the towing vehicle.

Dont forget the breakaway cable (I use a chain) ,got done for it in Bristol heading for the west country with the buggy behind the MotorHome ,the two policemen did know about the brake law and 750 kg ,but did not do anything about it ,more interested in the cable.

Dont forget the breakaway cable (I use a chain) ,got done for it in Bristol heading for the west country with the buggy behind the MotorHome ,the two policemen did know about the brake law and 750 kg ,but did not do anything about it ,more interested in the cable.

Out of interest what was the penalty/fine?

I fitted my A frame with a cable a couple of years back when I replaced the rather pathetic stamped steel tow hitch with a proper forged one. I've got some ideas about brakes (solenoid operated cable to the brake pedal worked from the brake lights?) but not sorted them yet.

Dont forget the breakaway cable (I use a chain) ,got done for it in Bristol heading for the west country with the buggy behind the MotorHome ,the two policemen did know about the brake law and 750 kg ,but did not do anything about it ,more interested in the cable.

Out of interest what was the penalty/fine?

I fitted my A frame with a cable a couple of years back when I replaced the rather pathetic stamped steel tow hitch with a proper forged one. I've got some ideas about brakes (solenoid operated cable to the brake pedal worked from the brake lights?) but not sorted them yet.

£30 I seem to remember ,no points ,I did go to halfords for a proper cable but it was useless ,like a push bike cable ,so I went to B&Q and got a large chain that can be used for other things .

I like the idea of a soleoid ,maybe to the handbrake ,i.e. slip over the handbrake so the button is pressed ,then pushes up from the tunnel ,to be honest it does not have to work well just look like it is.

[My Youtube channel]

Thinking of using a Dolly instead....?


https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/vehicle-safety-standards-information-sheets

September 2011
The use of "dollies" is intended for the recovery of broken down vehicles, not for the transportation of a vehicle from "A" to "B". Under Regulation 83 of C&U a motor car is permitted to tow two trailers when one of them is a towing implement and the other is secured to and either rests on or is suspended from the implement. When used for recovering broken down vehicles "dollies" are exempt from having an operational braking system fitted, provided that the towing vehicle is capable of meeting the minimum prescribed braking requirements for the combination. However, if "dollies" are used for the transportation of perfectly functioning vehicles they will need to fitted with an operational braking system. Additionally the brakes on the wheels of the towed car which are in contact with the road must work and meet the specified 50% braking efficiency required for a trailer. The dolly would also be required by Regulation 22 of C&U to be fitted with suspension. Regulations 19 and 22 in C&U permit a broken down vehicle to be recovered without complying with these requirements. However, there is further legislation under the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 that introduces a limitation on the maximum speed that the combination can be driven; this is 40mph on motorways and 20mph on other roads.

What do you think about using an unbraked A frame to tow a bare rolling chassis?

What do you think about using an unbraked A frame to tow a bare rolling chassis?

Not the answer I would give if you asked me in private . . . . .  However . . . .

Technically speaking, if you were towing a "CAR" then any wheels rolling along the floor would have to have their brakes operated in accordance with the law. Now if you were to try and convert that car into a trailer (actually, you still need a test for a new build trailer) so lets say your were now towing a previously fabricated trailer of many years ago, then if it had brakes, they would still need to operate, and if it was under a certain weight, then brakes would not be required and they could be removed (not sure about articulated trailers though - you may still need brakes) and "Therotically" it could be dragged behind a car as a trailer. However, in order to comply as a trailer, then you also need mud guards, reflective warning triangles etc etc.

I think you would be really unlikely to be hauled over the coals for that one - but in this day and age - who knows?   

How far are you going?
How Lucky do you feel?
Have you bought a Lottery ticket?

Manchester to Kent. Probably not worth the risk!

[driving licence]

Firstly is your driving licence covered for towing? If you passed your UK driving test before 1st Jan 1997 you should be OK (subject to weights, but as we are talking buggies, not an issue). If after Jan 1997, then you will need to take an additional test to allow you to tow anything

is this correct? I passed my licence in 2008 and have just checked it on https://www.viewdrivingrecord.service.gov.uk/

[B]

Looks about right to me   

Two different vehicle classes indicated there B & BE, and whilst you may have both on your license, not everybody else does   

 is this correct? I passed my licence in 2008 [/quote]
unless you have taken an additional trailor course and test you will not have a trailor licence (BE) and will need to get this before legaly towing anything, if the jolly rogers pull you over its heavy points as you would technically not be legal to drive, your insurance would be void etc etc
Had to redo my trailor licence for work purposes around 2008/9
Rich.

I read that as you HAVE the BE entitlement awarded to your license already - it could be that a driving test passed in 2008 gave you this category, whereas nowadays you have to take the separate test. Does it also show this category on the back of your photocard license?

My license for instance allows me to drive a Lorry with a Trailer, (and there is no way I ever took that one) - but it was something that was awarded at the time I took my test, whereas nowadays you have to pass a separate exam to get that entitlement.

Worth getting checked out to be sure though   

[B]

Looks about right to me   

Two different vehicle classes indicated there B & BE, and whilst you may have both on your license, not everybody else does   

Whats strange is it was well after 1997 that I took my test. I just did the standard theory+practical test. Nothing else.