Could this be the end of Teardrops and home builds ???

[Two Showers]

I no longer produce Teardrops. In the following thread is reference to a failed chassis. I wish to state this is NOT one of my builds. I have never used cut pieces as part of a chassis. All my chassis were produced for me by a Chassis Manufacturer. I have to assume the chassis failure is from one of the NEW owners design and build.

 

[Oasis Maker]

This doesn't sound good at all for teardrop companies and I hope you interpreted the new law too strictly for commercial resale builds... but private "home builds" for personal use too? How in the world can they have a law that forbidding? Sure hope it's not true for you.

Scott G.

 

[Two Showers]

I don't see how it can apply to home builds, but it doesn't differentaite between any type of builder !!!

Anyone out there with a different or more accurate understanding of this new EU directive???

 

[mikeschn]

That doesn't sound good for you guys... Sounds like someone is trying to clamp down...

Mike...

 

[Two Showers]

There is a 'slight' glimmer of hope.
Part of the info put out states for MASS produced. It refers to small number producers sending each trailer made for a test similar to the people who make Trikes on an occasional basis. Similar to the SVA (I think its called that) test.
So it may be when we make sense of all this that ALL trailer prices will go up, but we can still bat on and send each one made for a type approval test.

Watch this space as they say.

 

[jackdaw]

How much does it cost for a sva Martin.?

I know Heikki was having to jump various hoops to get his trailer registered in Finland.

We seem to be moving to a society thats looking to tie everything up in red tape.

Martin who checks what is approved ???

 

[len19070]

So I see the UK has some Bureaucratic idiots too! (meaning no offense)

I'm a small manufactured here in the states, more specific Pennsylvania.

It is like Blood letting to get a title in this state.

I have often said " I have never tried so hard to give somebody money for nothing in my life"

But that's my problem.

One of the ways I got around it was to find a commercial trailer frame Manufacturer, who's willing to put up with all that Bull $hi#@.

And I just build a "Box" that will fit there frame.

When a customer contacts me for a build I tell them to go and buy an "XYZ" frame Item number XXXXXXX From the ABC company. Get it registered/titled on there own, and in there name, then bring it to me and I will mount the "Box" to the frame.

And away they go.

If its a complex build I have them drop it off early.

At that point my "Box" is just a Load that is placed on somebody Else's trailer. Same as bolting racks to it for a Landscaper, or for hauling lumber or what ever.

In the long run it saves the customer and me a lot of money and time by not having to do the L o n g, expensive registration process twice.

I figure I can knock $500 off of the final price...and that doesn't include the cost of the frame.

$500's worth of BS.

$175 title

$35 tags

$30 transfer tax X 2

1 1/2 days of my time (which I have to pass on to the customer)

Only to have to have the customer do/pay it all over again when he/she takes possession.

Good Luck, and remember "They Can't stop us, there's always a back door to get in"

Happy Trails

Len

I use the trailers original lights, Fenders and hook ups

 

[Shadow Catcher]

That might be a way around the nonsense. Submit only the frame for testing and have the body as an add on. that is what Microlite does with the Wazat, the trailer is functional with out the pod.
I found one source of information www.icomia.org/technical-info/docs/ICOMIA Technical Note EC approval for Boat Trailers.pdf
You do have until 2012 to get this figured out and trying to read the original EU documents made my head hurt. I think you will need the asistance of a lawyer or trade group.
GOOD LUCK

 

[Juneaudave]

This was the last post i remember on EU trailer chassis by Heikki. http://www.tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?t=28923&highlight=trailer

He would be worth talking to...

 

[Two Showers]

That appears to be the way round it. The Chassis is the only bit they are really interested in and the 'box' can be anything.

I had this glimmer of hope through from one of our suppliers.

Vehicle type approval for trailers became voluntary in April 2009 and will become mandatory in October 2012.
You can check details on www.vca.gov.uk/vehicle-type-approval
We will be working toward approval on a progressive basis and at the moment are assessing the administrative implications which in reality are greater than the practical ones. There will be no destruction testing!
Mostly bought in components like brakes, wheels and lights will carry documented approval which will form part of the whole vehicle approval system which we compile and each trailer will come with a type approval V.I. No..
In practical terms for us it means we may have to rationalize our model range within three categories:
1. Single axle unbraked
2. Single axle braked
3. Twin axle braked

Body construction does not form part of the approval system.

But as all things 'red tape', just sit and wait and by the time it's all sorted, we'll need a letter from our mum, a blood sample, eye of a newt, wing of a bat...... and somewhere along the line they'll be asking for a lump sum of cash.

Now what else can they tax us for or charge us for.

Walking, now thats a good one, tax us for walking !!!!!!!!!!
OR BREATHING !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Two Showers]

Further to my post, I have been somewhat calmed by the following info sent through:

You may have been mis informed, my understanding is that under 750kg will not be tested and there is an exemption for kit and small manufacturers. It will work like SVA with individual tests so that should not be a problem. The October 2010 date is not hard and fast yet like the regulations. This is similar to the last scare about cars and 3 wheelers, it turned out nothing like the doom mongers said. If you can build a complete car with no test or just an SVA a trailer is hardly likely to be a problem. This kind of rumour has been around for years, no one to my knowledge could quote figures or facts accurately.

And from the VCA web site:

The table below includes VOSA’s estimated inspection fees only. A cost of the inspection is
made up of two components, inspection of the vehicle and validation of approval documentation.
There may be additional fees, see below.
Category Estima ted IV A fee range
M1/N1 production vehicles £250 - £300
M1/N1 amateur built vehicles £500 - £550
M2 bus / coach £300 - £350
M3 2-axle bus and coach £350 - £400
M3 3-axle bus and coach £400 - £450
N2/N3 goods vehicle £150 - £200
O1/O2 light trailer £75 - £150
O3/O4 heavy trailer £100 - £150


Hope this sheds a bit more light on the issue

 

[angib]

It's worth pointing out that the only component that Heikki had to have certification for in Finland was the 'drawbar' (ie, tongue) and that had to be type-approved for the weight of the trailer - in other words, exactly the same situation that has applied for decades on trailer rear lights, which have had to be 'e' marked.

Requiring trailer builders to use type-approved drawbars does not strike me as particularly onerous - indeed it is the one bit that can and does fail, so it's pretty reasonable.

But then folks do love to think they're oppressed, so these horror tales about them banning breathing and such do get passed around.

Andrew

 

[Two Showers]

If you don't ask, you don't find out

 

[NathanL]

I build wooden boats and from reading the boat building forums regulations have nearly killed the non professional boat builders in Europe in the last few years. We're talking about some serious boats up to 50'+.

 

[Anonymous]

Hello,


This is really very good information. this information will help many people's.now if i want anything then i will tell you contact you or ask from here.so, thanks for sharing thsi information.


thanks!!

 

[eamarquardt]

I would bet that there aren't too many accidents caused by defective home built trailers. Even if there were a few, I bet poor maintenance of "certified" trailers would be responsible for more accidents.

It sounds to me like it is simply another case of government(s) solving a problem that isn't really a problem and stripping us of our right to "pursue happiness".

Angry no. Dissatisfied, yes.

Cheers,

Gus

 

[Miriam C.]

I am not sure the English have the right to "the Pursuit of Happiness." Certainly we do not if it involves anything the Gov. Wants to control.........

 

[Classic Finn]

The latest scoop of poop here in Finland is this.

As of 2010 January. In order to get the teardrop or mini caravan fully inspected there is an additional lighting & electrical inspection and certification. This must be done by a trained & appointed EU lighting inspector..cost of 60 Euro. (One Time Requirement). They check and measure the location of the lighting, circuitry, and that its all Eu Approved and Marked lighting.

Also for 220 - 230 volt elctrical must be done by a certified electrician. As well as any gas lines, must be done again by a licensed or certified tech.

All lighting must be seperately inspected in addition to the normal Model Type Inspection which now costs a luscious 300 Euro. If any accessories are to be sold or used it must be mentioned at the same time. Such as possible different style, size of tires, wheels, air condtioning, stoves and the poop goes on. If its not mentioned then these accessories cannot be used or sold with this unit afterwards. So have to get all possibly to be used goodies and extras mentioned upon inspection.

This now is on the 1st tear Model or Unit. After this if you build the same style or model after this inspected one then the normal fee of 60 Euro + Electrical Inspection.

Now as far as the chassis goes. Since I dont weld much. My colleague who has been making utility trailers of all kinds as a business for over 30 years is really up to date with this crapola here.

He is welding all of our frames, installing the approved axles, towbar and whatever else I want on it. Inspects it and Registers it. Comes to us as a pre inspected and licensed.

We build the so called body or box.. take it back to my colleague and he runs it over to the beauracrats once more. Its final inspection is done and On the Road Ya Go. Less BS and Beauracratic headache.

Also since my colleague is licensed to do all of this its a whole lot easier.

The 1st Type or Model that you build is the most costly. And if no changes are made on the 2nd or 3rd up to the 100th unit the fees arent as bad.
So here you have to try to keep the lighting the same, and as well as the positions of to keep the inspectors happy.

The towbar cannot be bent or welded anywhere. If you have a special towbar that you want to have tested & approved. And certified. The cost is at 6000 Euro. Plus different fees.

The towbar thing is a Monopoly here. And a money making loop only.
The fully welded ones such as I had before it was cut of and a Brussels Towbar fitted was in my opinion better made, higher quality and safer versus 4 bolts that holds it in place.

Do I agree with this crapola - Its the Officials here that run these laws thru Parliament that dont know poop about trailers, caravans or teardrops. Bunch of airheads in a huge class room trying to act smart.

 

[Shadow Catcher]

Bureaucracy literally management by desk. So what efforts have been made to bring to the attention of those misinformed fools what it is ultimately costing in lost jobs etc.
And who is behind the effort to restrict trade?

 

[Vindi_andy]

Having been involved in Kitcars for some time and having put a car through what was SVA and is now IVA and having seen some of the horrors that were on the road before the introduction of them I think that some sort of test can only be a good thing.

Within the Kitcar world the kits are generally designed to a good level now and unless the builder has made some howling mistakes the cars pass 1st or 2nd time at worst. It is the builder that gets the vehicle tested and although it does cost it does give peace of mind that the vehicle has been inspected by a mechanically competent person regarding its roadworthiness, although some aspects of the test do seem a little over the top

Testing the mechanical underpinnings of the teardrop to me is a good thing as it gives the builder the same peace of mind. Having seen the photo on the design page with the broken tongue and having seen the state of commercial full size caravans when things go wrong I believe it to be a good thing. As long as the test isnt destructive or overly complicated or over priced it would work. I cant imagine how I would feel if I had built the chassis and the tongue broke when towing on the road and it caused an accident.

In heikki's case that is probably over the top however the testing is doen by mechnically compentent and trained examiner in the case of IVA and I dont see why something like this cannot be doen for teardrops.

This is all my personal opinion so now I stand back and prepare to receive the flaming