Axle weight rating....

[CJGFX]

OK well The New Years here and one of our resolutions it to finally get around to building our camper....
We bought an old chassis that seem to fit our need in size etc and I made a start last year preparing it. Originally the trailer was braked, but I'd like to get an new un-braked axle. The trailer laws in France are that anything over 500kg does not need brake. We're intending to keep it under that to. So the question is to someone in the know is do I need a 500kg axle or do I get a higher rated 750kg axle?

Sorry I work in metric..... Hope someone can help...

[Forrest747]

Vous ne devrait pas avoir de problème avec un 500 Kg axel sur votre caravane. J'irais 750 Kg si vous planifiez sur sauter de route. Cependant pour le camping simple 500 devrait être fin.

[CJGFX]

Thanks for the reply, surprise to get one back in French..

I'm thinking the same idea as you. I'm concerned the 500kg axle will be just on the limit, the 750kg will allow us to explore a few forest tracks and pass through some of the pot holes in the mountains.

If anyone has any other thoughts please let me know.

[Forrest747]

J'ai passé deux ans dans Toulouse. Traiter le 380 juste de l'université. Ma dernière femme l'a aimé, et était là triste pour voir que nous allons. Elle a apprécié passant du temps dans le mediterrian pour les vacances. Son agréable pour pouvoir utiliser le français encore.

[eamarquardt]

Why wouldn't one want brakes? You never know when someone will cut you off or some other emergency will occur. Brakes may keep you out of an accident. Even a trailer weighting 500kg is a lot of additional weight and given that the cars are smaller where you are you may be "pushing the envelope".

Cheers,

Gus

[CJGFX]

Thanks for the input Gus and I know what your saying for the brakes.
The reason I don't want to have brakes is simply that here in France you can pull an un-braked trailer up to 500kg on a normal car license, over that and you need to take a extra driving test and have a medical examination once a year... Un-braked and under 500kgs, just makes things simpler and our tow vehicle can pull up to 1400kg (braked trailer).
Unfortunalty over here electronic brakes like you guys have in the States are pretty new and aren't excepted in several European countries, apparently they are in France. Shame as I think it's a great idea

[CJGFX]

Thanks for the input Gus and I know what your saying for the brakes.
The reason I don't want to have brakes is simply that here in France you can pull an un-braked trailer up to 500kg on a normal car license, over that and you need to take a extra driving test and have a medical examination once a year... Un-braked and under 500kgs, just makes things simpler and our tow vehicle can pull up to 1400kg (braked trailer).
Unfortunalty over here electronic brakes like you guys have in the States are pretty new and aren't excepted in several European countries, apparently they are in France. Shame as I think it's a great idea

[eamarquardt]

Thanks for the input Gus and I know what your saying for the brakes.
The reason I don't want to have brakes is simply that here in France you can pull an un-braked trailer up to 500kg on a normal car license, over that and you need to take a extra driving test and have a medical examination once a year... Un-braked and under 500kgs, just makes things simpler and our tow vehicle can pull up to 1400kg (braked trailer).
Unfortunalty over here electronic brakes like you guys have in the States are pretty new and aren't excepted in several European countries, apparently they are in France. Shame as I think it's a great idea

I'm not surprised that the government makes it tougher to do the right thing. Perhaps the law would allow you to have and use brakes but not require the extra license/test/medical exam as long as your trailer is under the 500kg limit. You might look into that possibility. Brakes, IMHO, are always a good thing.

Sorry about replying in English, ha. You seem to do quite well (better than some English only speakers, ha).

Cheers,

Gus

[eamarquardt]

Thanks for the input Gus and I know what your saying for the brakes.
The reason I don't want to have brakes is simply that here in France you can pull an un-braked trailer up to 500kg on a normal car license, over that and you need to take a extra driving test and have a medical examination once a year... Un-braked and under 500kgs, just makes things simpler and our tow vehicle can pull up to 1400kg (braked trailer).
Unfortunalty over here electronic brakes like you guys have in the States are pretty new and aren't excepted in several European countries, apparently they are in France. Shame as I think it's a great idea

I'm not surprised that the government makes it tougher to do the right thing. Perhaps the law would allow you to have and use brakes but not require the extra license/test/medical exam as long as your trailer is under the 500kg limit. You might look into that possibility. Brakes, IMHO, are always a good thing.

Sorry about replying in English, ha. You seem to do quite well (better than some English only speakers, ha).

Cheers,

Gus

[eamarquardt]

Thanks for the input Gus and I know what your saying for the brakes.
The reason I don't want to have brakes is simply that here in France you can pull an un-braked trailer up to 500kg on a normal car license, over that and you need to take a extra driving test and have a medical examination once a year... Un-braked and under 500kgs, just makes things simpler and our tow vehicle can pull up to 1400kg (braked trailer).
Unfortunalty over here electronic brakes like you guys have in the States are pretty new and aren't excepted in several European countries, apparently they are in France. Shame as I think it's a great idea

I'm not surprised that the government makes it tougher to do the right thing. Perhaps the law would allow you to have and use brakes but not require the extra license/test/medical exam as long as your trailer is under the 500kg limit. You might look into that possibility. Brakes, IMHO, are always a good thing.

Sorry about replying in English, ha. You seem to do quite well (better than some English only speakers, ha).

Cheers,

Gus

[Forrest747]

Although many of the rules below have a France bias they generally apply world wide.

1.When towing a trailer you are restricted to a maximum speed of 50mph on single carriageway roads, and 60mph on dual carriageways and motorways, provided no lower limit is in force. In the France you are not allowed to use the outside lane of a three or more, lane motorway when towing, except where there are lane closures which restrict the lanes to two or less, or when instructed to do so by the Police.

2.If you tow a small trailer without brakes, the weight of the trailer is limited to 50% of the kerb weight of the car or 750kg, whichever is less.

3. When towing larger trailers that have brakes fitted, the weight of the vehicle should not (as a rule of thumb) exceed 85% of the kerb weight of the towing vehicle. If brakes are fitted they must work whether they are a legal requirement or not.

4. Most vehicle manufacturers state the maximum towing limit in their hand books, but you must bear in mind the total weight including passengers and luggage, also any items put in the caravan or trailer. The weight can soon add up.

5. You must be licensed to tow. You need C1 to drive vehicles exceeding 3.5t mam (Maximum Authorised Mass) with a trailer exceeding 750kgs mam and B+E to drive a car/car derived van or small goods vehicle not exceeding 3.5t mam pulling a trailer exceeding 750kgs mam up to the gross train weight of the vehicle concerned.

6. Whilst towing you must have third party cover for your trailer as well as for the tow car.

7. If you are towing a boat with an outboard motor you must use a reinforced plastic bag or bucket or the propeller and outboard legs. Similarly masts there must be no sharp edges which could cause injury.

8. The lightboard should be no more than 1.5m from the ground or 2.1m if the structure of the vehicle makes it impracticable. Indicators must flash in unison with those of the towcar and a dashboard warning light or buzzer must be fitted.

9. The number plate on the trailer must be identical in shape, and colour to that on the towcar.


Towing Tips


1. Make sure your trailer is regularly serviced and maintained. It is not wise to leave your trailer unused for the majority of the year before taking it out on the road without checking it for serviceability, brakes and tyres in particular.

2. If your trailer has brakes, a common problem that may occur is that brake cables and linkages could seize. This may cause the brakes to bind, over heating the wheel bearings. This may result in the wheel, complete with the hub assembly, parting company with the trailer.

3. Check all lights are working and that electrical cables do not drag on the road.

4. Many problems associated with towing a trailer are caused by incorrect loading. Try to put all heavy items over the axle and make sure they are secured to prevent movement when cornering or braking. If possible, put heavier items in the car and larger lighter items in the trailer.

5. The trailer should be level.

6. If towing in France it is recommended that a complete set of replacement light bulbs and a warning triangle is carried in the car.

7. As long as the trailer is evenly loaded, nose weight is correct and the whole outfit sits level on the road you are unlikely to experience a problem with snaking.

8.A stabiliser will reduce snaking by increasing the turning friction between towing vehicle and trailer. However a stabiliser will not compensate for bad loading, weight distribution.

[eamarquardt]

Although many of the rules below have a France bias they generally apply world wide.

1.When towing a trailer you are restricted to a maximum speed of 50mph on single carriageway roads, and 60mph on dual carriageways and motorways, provided no lower limit is in force. In the France you are not allowed to use the outside lane of a three or more, lane motorway when towing, except where there are lane closures which restrict the lanes to two or less, or when instructed to do so by the Police.

2.If you tow a small trailer without brakes, the weight of the trailer is limited to 50% of the kerb weight of the car or 750kg, whichever is less.

3. When towing larger trailers that have brakes fitted, the weight of the vehicle should not (as a rule of thumb) exceed 85% of the kerb weight of the towing vehicle. If brakes are fitted they must work whether they are a legal requirement or not.

4. Most vehicle manufacturers state the maximum towing limit in their hand books, but you must bear in mind the total weight including passengers and luggage, also any items put in the caravan or trailer. The weight can soon add up.

5. You must be licensed to tow. You need C1 to drive vehicles exceeding 3.5t mam (Maximum Authorised Mass) with a trailer exceeding 750kgs mam and B+E to drive a car/car derived van or small goods vehicle not exceeding 3.5t mam pulling a trailer exceeding 750kgs mam up to the gross train weight of the vehicle concerned.

6. Whilst towing you must have third party cover for your trailer as well as for the tow car.

7. If you are towing a boat with an outboard motor you must use a reinforced plastic bag or bucket or the propeller and outboard legs. Similarly masts there must be no sharp edges which could cause injury.

8. The lightboard should be no more than 1.5m from the ground or 2.1m if the structure of the vehicle makes it impracticable. Indicators must flash in unison with those of the towcar and a dashboard warning light or buzzer must be fitted.

9. The number plate on the trailer must be identical in shape, and colour to that on the towcar.


Towing Tips


1. Make sure your trailer is regularly serviced and maintained. It is not wise to leave your trailer unused for the majority of the year before taking it out on the road without checking it for serviceability, brakes and tyres in particular.

2. If your trailer has brakes, a common problem that may occur is that brake cables and linkages could seize. This may cause the brakes to bind, over heating the wheel bearings. This may result in the wheel, complete with the hub assembly, parting company with the trailer.

3. Check all lights are working and that electrical cables do not drag on the road.

4. Many problems associated with towing a trailer are caused by incorrect loading. Try to put all heavy items over the axle and make sure they are secured to prevent movement when cornering or braking. If possible, put heavier items in the car and larger lighter items in the trailer.

5. The trailer should be level.

6. If towing in France it is recommended that a complete set of replacement light bulbs and a warning triangle is carried in the car.

7. As long as the trailer is evenly loaded, nose weight is correct and the whole outfit sits level on the road you are unlikely to experience a problem with snaking.

8.A stabiliser will reduce snaking by increasing the turning friction between towing vehicle and trailer. However a stabiliser will not compensate for bad loading, weight distribution.

Generally good stuff. Where did you get it?

Cheers,

Gus

[CJGFX]

Really good info there, thank you, I'll print it off to got in the camper file! As you've pointed out if I go over the 500kg limit, things get very complex with driving licences, as well as that in France, after 750kgs the trailer needs it own paper work, individual licence plate and by law has to pass safety checks every 3 years.
I have to confess that I am originally from the UK, though my wife is French. We have just mailed the government driving agent tonight to ask for the legal requirments. One thing I would like to know is that you have to have a manufactures plate on showing the weight, tow speed and diamensions of the trailer no matter what size. A French Teardrop camper site has given me a website for a company who make then, but where do you go to get the trailer specified etc? Hopefully find out in the next couple of days.

I agree with you Gus about the brake and I'm sure you could have them on a 500kg trailer. The chassis I have oringinally had brakes, though the tow point was an old one that I know isn't allowed these day. As the new ones weigh so much, along with the axle wouldn't leave me enough to do the design I want. Another reason to change the old axle for an un-braked one. I will think on it though and get some sums done....

[CJGFX]

OK a little update for this week.
After over two weeks of trying to call the correct highways department for asking about French trailer legislation, we finally got through. There response was quite simple in that, if the trailer weight is no more than 500kgs and it has the correct signal light etc. It does not need to be inspected or pass any sort of testing...

So finally we can get started on the build. First thing we're getting done is a new tow hitch on the new car then we can work out the ride height of the TearDrop. After that I'll get the chassis finished with new axle and finished frame, I'm aiming for the end of the month work and weather depending.

For the new axle I was thinking of a 750kg rated one. Not to sure what lugs though, 4" or 5.5" anyone any any advice on that?

Cheers and I'll keep you up to date with any news when there's any