towing longer,wider and heavier, maybe?

[Thomas-the-Terrano2]

you may be aware that the law changed this spring to allow wider (full width) caravans and trailers to be towed by vehicles <3500kg , though length remains at 23 feet or 7 meters body length (so excludes A frame).

useful to some in that some of the previously illegal Hobby and similiar 'vans along with classic UK showmen's trailers are now legit behind our trucks.

BUT I was thinking, how much longer than the current length trailers would you be happy to tow given a chance, I'm thinking that there are Hobbys around 8 meters body I'm sure the troll would be happy with, though the shunt I have to do with it to get in my yard could be iffy!


ALSO wondering any truck and bus drivers, given your usual work routes and loading bays/yards/bus stations how much more wagon / bus could you handle, aware that current max train length is 18.75m of which trailer can be 13.6m? for now, I believe, and buses, though mainly coaches have recently gone up to 15m/50 feet. Feel free to factor in extra axles to keep weights sensible....

[zippy656]

um, what about gliders they are longer surly...

[Thomas-the-Terrano2]

good point zip, seen some of those reckon could be a good 30 foot,
though narrow, and pretty light to lol.

seen rowing boats, racing variety, again at about 30 foot on cars/suvs
so wonder what law is on them, could be down to indivisable load, ie
boat on trailer, trailer is typically less. guess doesnt apply to tin tents
unless you made out was using truck as a wrecker/equiv.

so are you up for a bit of glider tugging?

[zippy656]

nope, but brother in law did a few years back

[Deleted account DD]

We have a pageant limousin twin axle. Its a air old size and certainly one site we visited and liked with the old smaller van we cant get onto due to a turn in the track to it :(

Some site owners , particularly cls tell us about limited access then draw a sharp intake of breath or carefully say "you should be ok" when we say what we've got

Other sites need very very careful maneuvering.

I dont think we'd go bigger on a conventional van those extra inches could be a pain in the arse but i'd be reluctant to give up the space we have :nenau.

But then just to kick all of those logical thoughts into touch we have considered a fifth wheeler :doh:D:D

[Deleted account DD]

oh and I think Pauls where we were going to take up squatters rights has limited access so I wouldnt want to got bigger when we make our tactical move ;)

[(RIP) PLANK]

speaking from experience, on a pretty standard 20ft long (body) caravan, the extra foot in width on showmans/travellers caravans makes more diference in practical manuovering ways than an extra 5 or 6 feet long. So, i would have a stab at longer caravans but until you've given a go to the full legal width - don't rush into anything!

[Thomas-the-Terrano2]

I knew you'd say say that Plank, purely hypothetcial really from the outside
dimensions for manovering, and also how it impacts on the tug's capacity.

on commerical front i used to drive 12m / 40' buses round sheffield quite
easily though sometimes had to watch the rear overhang as it kicks out
on full lock, ie leaving a stop, and back tries to take shelter with you lol

when i drove a 7.5 tonner on semi multi drop, the 20' box was enough into
some of the shops' loading bays. those guys reversing their 40/45 foot
trailers make it look so easy, but i suspect some of the older shops and
firms not really built for these monsters would struggle to receive even
longer trailers.etc

[Thomas-the-Terrano2]

good point about fifth wheel caravans, as more like artics in size.

plus cant manouvere with jockey wheel/motor mover etc.

really got to perfect reversing with the old pickup, which my choice
would be a full size dodge ram, so some fair wheelbase which i
wouldnt be as flexible as when you see these swb tractor units on
max opposite lock...