Legal Towbar question

Chorlton · Post by **Chorlton** » Sun Jan 16, 2011 3:27 pm

Ive got a Cobra replica with an RV8 fitted and Ive just finished and fitted a Towbar/Towball unit. Its for towing a small Teardrop van to Le Mans and various others shows as well as for camping.

Now I note the law states:

"European Law now states that all light passenger vehicles registered on or after 1st August 1998 require a type approved towbar tested to EC94/20 and towball with suitable D&S value. "

My V5 states
Date of first registration 1989
Date of first registration in the UK 2009

So the question is, Is my towbar legal or not??
HMMMMMMMMMMM

ged · Post by **ged** » Sun Jan 16, 2011 5:06 pm

Hi,

The way I read it. Sorry but No.

Unless the tow bar was produced for & passed all the tests for your particular vehicle.

It may also make your insurance void.

I had a look at Q & A and copied a couple of paragraphs.

Why does EC94/20 mean peace of mind for me?
In order for a towbar design to be granted approval status, it must meet rigorous design and testing criteria. The towbar must attach to the vehicle at the specified mounting points nominated by the manufacturer. Once the design has been accepted by the VCA (Vehicle Certification Agency), it must pass a push/ pull test. The push/pull test simulates the stopping and starting of a vehicle towing a caravan or trailer. The towbar must be tested for 2,000,000 cycles. At the end of the test, the towbar must show no signs at all of deformation or cracking. The test is very thorough and very harsh ensuring that all approved towbars are safe (when used correctly).

Can all cars tow?
Some vehicles are not deemed fit for towing, these vehicles tend to be small or sports cars. After design, some vehicles are deemed unsuitable for towing by the manufacturer. These vehicles have no specified towing capacity or mounting points. Check with the manufacturer if you are unsure.

Regards Ged

Chorlton · Post by **Chorlton** » Sun Jan 16, 2011 7:58 pm

HMMM
As the V5 states First registered in 1989 I see it as legal

kev_the_mole · Post by **kev_the_mole** » Sun Jan 16, 2011 8:09 pm

Hmmmmm

As I see it the French Traffic Police will make their own interpretation whatever the paperwork says

ged · Post by **ged** » Sun Jan 16, 2011 8:36 pm

Chorlton wrote:HMMM
As the V5 states First registered in 1989 I see it as legal

Looks like I need new glasses

I read your post as saying first registered in 1999.

Is it registered in the UK as a 1989 car?

Regards Ged

Chorlton · Post by **Chorlton** » Sun Jan 16, 2011 9:14 pm

The V5 States
Registered in 1989
First registered in the UK 2009

ged · Post by **ged** » Mon Jan 17, 2011 6:41 am

If it was me mate I'd still make a few phone calls to the relevant authorities & make sure.

Even if it's only for peace of mind regarding insurance.

Regards Ged.

Ian Anderson · Post by **Ian Anderson** » Mon Jan 17, 2011 8:29 am

I'm finding this very interesting
As I've considered doing the exact same behind the GT40. There is no storage in a GT40 - at least in a cobra you get a boot of some sorts!
My chassis was built and sold in 1990 but the car first registered in 2006. - again it straddles the dates.

Perhaps I should dump that idea and go for a "roof box"

Ian

mgbv8 · Post by **mgbv8** » Mon Jan 17, 2011 4:51 pm

Perhaps I should dump that idea and go for a "roof box"

So how are you going to get out with a roof box on top Mike ??

Ian Anderson · Post by **Ian Anderson** » Mon Jan 17, 2011 5:01 pm

mgbv8 wrote:Perhaps I should dump that idea and go for a "roof box"

So how are you going to get out with a roof box on top Mike ??

Simple Mike can drive his own car without the roofbox!
Ian will have to slide out sideways and battle to get back in with a roofbox fitted!

Ian

Chorlton · Post by **Chorlton** » Mon Jan 17, 2011 7:18 pm

Spoke to several Towbar companies today. Was told that a Legal custom towbar can be made up for any car, but one company chappie said, "You dont think all those blokes towing trailers with their Motorbikes have EU registered towbars do you".
Another said, "just take your V5 with you and show them the 1989 date"
Problem is, when I check the car on the DVLA database it shows up as 'First registered 2009'

Its also only the physical towbar that has to be approved not the towball !!

Ive just got a neat little teardrop caravan that I want to take to Le Mans and Ferte Alais and other weird places. I hate tents.

mgbv8 · Post by **mgbv8** » Mon Jan 17, 2011 8:11 pm

Ian Anderson wrote:
mgbv8 wrote:Perhaps I should dump that idea and go for a "roof box"

So how are you going to get out with a roof box on top Mike ??
Simple Mike can drive his own car without the roofbox!
Ian will have to slide out sideways and battle to get back in with a roofbox fitted!

Ian

DOH!!
IAN .......

stevieturbo · Post by **stevieturbo** » Tue Jan 18, 2011 10:11 pm

First registered, not first registered in the UK.

Drive away and worry about fuel prices instead.