towing a terano

[drumbum1]

was hoping someone can help me i am hoping to pick up a terano over the weekend unfortunately it hasnt got any mot, i can borow an a frame but can i tow it home or will it damage the 4x4 system

[Lazy-Ferret]

You can put the transfer box into neutral, which then disconnects everything.

Depending on the age, and mods, you may also have manual front hubs, which to can switch off, so then it will only be the rear wheels driving the prop shaft up to the transfer box, but it is fine to tow even if you have fixed or auto hubs.

[jims-terrano]

Might be easier to higher a trailer, i towed a terrano lwb on a trailer with another terrano lwb. Might be easier and safer but up to you.

[solarman216]

Correct me if I am wrong peeps, but I thought that if it has any wheels on the ground then it has to be insured, taxed and tested, even if being towed, Rick

[macabethiel]

Correct me if I am wrong peeps, but I thought that if it has any wheels on the ground then it has to be insured, taxed and tested, even if being towed, Rick

You are right Rick as it is still classed as a mechanically propelled vehicle even if the engine is a non runner.

Trailer is the only legal way, there are quite a few firms who transport vehicles some are quite reasonable depending on the distance involved. A lot of motor traders use such firms.

[Lazy-Ferret]

Not sure this includes an A frame though...

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/a-frames-and-dollies/a-frames-and-dollies

It says vehicle and A frame are treated as a trailer, and the only thing I can see that might cause a problem is the A frame must operate the towed cars brakes on all wheels, to a set level.

[solarman216]

Mmmm over run piston on A frame via hose to piston fixed to brake pedal and some bracketry, sounds complicated also ignition would need to be on for brake lights then we have indicators, Mmmmm again Rick

[Lazy-Ferret]

Mmmm over run piston on A frame via hose to piston fixed to brake pedal and some bracketry, sounds complicated also ignition would need to be on for brake lights then we have indicators, Mmmmm again Rick

You need a trailer board, because being a trailer, it has to have triangular reflectors.

[solarman216]

Just had a quick look through that and it is more complicated, upon reversing the trailer brakes must disengage automatically, if the trailer separates then the brakes must activate automatically as well, think a trailer is easier, Rick

[macabethiel]

Not sure this includes an A frame though...

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/a-frames-and-dollies/a-frames-and-dollies

It says vehicle and A frame are treated as a trailer, and the only thing I can see that might cause a problem is the A frame must operate the towed cars brakes on all wheels, to a set level.

I was never a traffic officer but my understanding is that the towed vehicle will always need to be insured etc if all four wheels are in contact with the ground as it is still a Mechanically Propelled Vehicle being used on a road. (Using includes when it is parked on a public road)

Yes when the vehicle is attached by an A frame towing device it then becomes a trailer as far as towing regulations are concerned but at the same time it does not cease to be a Motor Vehicle.

Many scrap yards will use a recovery truck that has a hoist with two wheels lifted off the ground. There are some recovery devices that have the front wheels on a sort of ramp with separate front wheels forming part of the towing device. Either way most of the regulations refer to the recovery of a broken down vehicle from the roadside.

A proper trailer is also much safer.

Back in 1968 I was towed from Grimsby to Derby on the end of a rope - bad old days eh!
The towing vehicle was an Opel Commodore Automatic - my car then was a Mini.

[Banshee]

Agree with all of the above regarding the vehicle having to be insured. Also Clive, if you put the transfer box in neutral you'll get no drive at all, it needs to be in 2WD :thumb2

Get a trailer for it mate, if you look around online you can find companies that will hire you an Ifor Williams etc for £50-£80 a day from past experience. This then raises the question of when you passed your test too as if it was after 2001 you will need to take an additional driving test first :doh

[Blocky10]

Also Jim, if you put the transfer box in neutral you'll get no drive at all, it needs to be in 2WD :thumb2


I think Jim is suggesting put it into neutral to cut all drive, for towing :thumbs

[solarman216]

And it was not Jim but Clive who suggested neutral, Rick

[Blocky10]

And it was not Jim but Clive who suggested neutral, Rick

So it was :lol:lol

[solarman216]

So it was :lol:lol

Zac started it, Rick

[macabethiel]

Zac started it, Rick

Is this the right place for an argument ?

Sorry you have told me once. lol

[solarman216]

Is this the right place for an argument ?

Sorry you have told me once. lol

Nah just banter, Rick

[macabethiel]

Nah just banter, Rick

Banter ---- but I paid for a full 5 minute argument. Ted

[Lazy-Ferret]

Well I'm not sure if it is Jim or me that should be complimented... lol


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[jims-terrano]

Definitely you Clive but the unfortunate thing is that I’m not sure if the original posting member has been back but certainly hasn’t replied. Hope he hasn’t taken offence at our advice.

[Lazy-Ferret]

Hope not, I must admit as an SE4x4R responder, I had never given it thought about the whole tax/insurance part of towing. Mind you, we are only asked to move road vehicles, which by default should be, but worth bearing in mind. Especially as I will need to put an MOT on my one before I sell it.

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[solarman216]

Original poster has not been back but for future reference, transfer box neutral saves drag but also means rear mainshaft bearing will run dry after a while, so would not recommend towing for more than 50 miles without putting transfer box into gear for a couple of miles to re lube the rear mainshaft, if say towing on a dolly (front wheels off the ground) for many miles I would recommend unbolting the prop and securing it out of the way, you cannot remove it without oil loss on to the road, Rick

[kitchenman]

Don't forget, you may need to take a test to tow a trailer, unless you passed your test decades ago, I passed my test via MT during National service