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FREQUENTLY ASKED
QUESTIONS

  • What is GVW?

    GVW is also known as gross vehicle weight (GVW) or maximum weight allowed. It will be listed in your vehicle’s owner’s manual and also should be shown on a plate or sticker fitted to your vehicle. This plate or sticker may also show a gross train weight (GTW).

  • What is a plant trailer?

    A plant trailer is built to endure the harsh environments that are associated with the construction and building industries. These trailers are most commonly used in the construction industry but can also be used for transporting other machinery around as well such as lawnmowers, tractors and of course, diggers.

  • What is a general duty trailer?

    A general duty trailer, otherwise known as a goods trailer or a utility trailer, is for transporting large quantities of materials usually in landscaping, agricultural, or construction environments. They can also be used to transport machinery such as lawn mowers and tractors, golf buggies, and more.

  • What is the correct ratio for weight distribution on a trailer?

    While the majority of the weight should be as close to the front of your trailer as possible, this can put unnecessary strain on the front axle of your trailer. This affects your manoeuvring ability (and could lead to more severe issues). Ideally, you want a distribution of weight that follows as close to the 60/40 rule as possible, although you will also need to check the recommendations of your trailer manufacturer.

  • What is the 60/40 rule and how does it affect me?

    The 60/40 rule means that 60% of the weight on your trailer is positioned at the front, and 40% is at the rear. This means that your weight distribution should be at maximum efficiency and will guarantee that the tongue weight is correct in order to prevent trailer sway.

  • What can my car tow?

    The first step is to determine what your vehicle can legally tow and what kind of trailer you are looking at buying. If you want a plant trailer, you will need to know its weight and deduct that amount from your towing capacity. If you are unsure what your towing capacity is, check your vehicle’s manual or search for your make and model online.

  • Why should I check my trailer?

    Failing to properly maintain your vehicle can have implications on your insurance, lead to fines, job loss and more if an accident occurs. When doing these checks, you should make sure they are recorded. Even if there are no issues with the vehicle, record this until the vehicle has its next service.

    When issues arise, reports should be made in case claims are to be made on the insurance. The report must include the registration, details of the issue, the reporter’s name, who it has been reported to and the date the issue was found. To help you check off each part of the trailer as you go, we’ve created visual checklists that can be found on our Downloads page.

  • What is a rolling chassis trailer?

    Proven, robust, European Type-approved rolling chassis kits are designed to suit a range of compressors, pumps, generators, bowsers, and more. Made from tough galvanised steel these trailers are ideal for mounting equipment and machinery to improve efficiency.

  • What changed with the towing laws in 2021?

    If you passed your driving test after 1st January 1997, you are now allowed to tow trailers up to 3,500kg MAM (maximum authorised mass). The DVLA updated driving license records to show that you’re allowed to tow trailers and will add the BE category to your driving license when you get a new photocard driving license. This was done automatically so you don’t need to contact the DVLA for this to happen.

  • Do I need a tachograph?

    The DVSA says that if you are using a vehicle in connection with any trade or business, or are carrying goods for hire and reward, you may need to fit and use a tachograph. Tachograph equipment is required in vehicles or vehicle and trailer combinations where the maximum permitted weight (MPW) exceeds 3500kg and are being used in connection with trade or business.

    If the vehicle and trailer combination has a MPW that does not exceed 3500kg, then a tachograph is not required. When you add the maximum permitted gross weights of the towing vehicle and the trailer together, if this amount exceeds 3500kg and the towing vehicle has a maximum permitted gross train weight over 3500kg, then a tachograph will be required.

  • Where can I find my maximum permitted weight?

    The maximum permitted weights are found on the vehicle or trailer manufacturer’s plate. The weights shown include any load that is carried. The vehicle plate will show the individual maximum permitted axle weights, the gross weight (GW) or gross vehicle weight (GVW) and the gross train weight (GTW) or gross combination weight (GCW) when a trailer is towed. The trailer plate will similarly show the maximum permitted individual axle weights and the gross weight.

  • Why has the galvanise on my trailer gone dull and got grey/white marks on it?

    During exposure to the elements, galvanised surfaces form a layer of oxide over time. This helps to protect the zinc and steel underneath from further corrosion. This can affect the appearance of the galvanised surface, changing the colour from a bright silver to a dull grey and sometimes even black. Road salt can also change the look of newly galvanised steel to a dull grey or black with white and/or grey deposits.

    This colour change will not affect the protective properties of the galv. In order to reduce the amount of colour change / oxidation on your trailer, you should regularly wash your trailer to remove any road salt and other dirt that has been picked up through use. As you use your trailer more often, this will become less important as the protective layer forms on the surface. We do however recommend that you get your trailers washed regularly.

CAN’T FIND WHAT YOU’RE LOOKING FOR?

We understand that sometimes your requirements can’t be satisfied with an off-the-shelf product. That’s why we thrive on producing custom, bespoke trailers that are purpose-built to provide you with the perfect solution. You can read more about our special builds here.

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WHATEVER YOU'RE TOWING, WE HAVE THE TRAILER FOR YOU