Unladen twin axle trailer, can you remove a pair of wheels?

rustic · 13-07-2010, 13:38

I have asked the question of my trailer supplier, but not heard anything yet.

Does anyone know the possibility of removing a pair of wheels from one axle when towing an empty twin axle trailer?

The rear wheels on my twin axle boat trailer hardly contact the road when the trailer is being towed empty, thus while being towed the rear wheels will be damaged as they leave and contact the road.
I wish to tow the empty trailer with a car with a lower hitch height than the Mav I currently use when towing the boat.

Which are the best pair to remove, the front which will put a greater load on the tow bar, or the rear?
Are there any legal issues? I would still carry the wheels in the car in case.
The trailer unladen weight is 630 kg and holds a boat 7 metres long.

Note: When I remove the wheels, the brake hubs are retained so there is no risk of loosing braking.
I could cover the unused hubs in bin liners to make it clear I haven't lost the wheels, in case the police are looking for an excuse to stop me.
Any advice please..

Best regards,
Rustic

Smegg · 13-07-2010, 20:19

hi, was the trailer originaly built for the boat, it sounds like you have ample brakes with two. but having four wheels gives more stability why not try an adjustable tow ball.

Thomas-the-Terrano2 · 13-07-2010, 20:20

good question, bit like empty articles lift an axle suppose. think I would always lift leading axle, but is wear really such an issue to make it worth removing wheels, surely better to adjust hitch height so both axles wheels grip road evenly also then if have blow out can continue. thinking these tri axle articles trailers only lift one leaving two axles worth on road.

The Patrolman · 13-07-2010, 21:21

1)If the trailer was made with 4 wheels they must be fitted otherwise Plod will do you under "construction and use" ..

2)Also check the plated weight of the trailer if this is more than the max towing weight of your car Plod will do you!!

3)Even if the empty trailer is within the cars limit Plod will do you!!

4)Even if the trailer is empty Plod will want to know why you have an empty trailer - what have you just dropped off OR what are you going to pick up?? and assuming either Plod will do you!!

To avoid bringing 2,3 & 4 to the attention of Plod don't have 2 wheels missing to start with!!

Best fit adjustable tow hitch's so that the trailer sits level as it was designed to!!

Hope this helps

zippy656 · 13-07-2010, 21:27

so really, plod will do you for just having the trailer lol

The Patrolman · 13-07-2010, 21:35

Yip!!!

Specially if it's a boat trailer cos he will be jealous he hasn't got a boat!!

That's Plod for ya!!

zippy656 · 13-07-2010, 21:38

i used to get stoped every week when lived in london with my kitcar...

plod loved that...

The Patrolman · 13-07-2010, 21:43

My cousin 19yrs old had a 1.3 Escort Cozzy look-a-likee, a very good one!!
Plod was also jealous, he was pulled over for driving slowly over speed bumps!!!

zippy656 · 13-07-2010, 21:48

yep.. they hate any one having a good car, fun car or just a funny one...

(RIP) PLANK · 13-07-2010, 22:10

if it were my trailer i would leave the wheels on, if nothing else it just sounds wrong to me

tezzer · 13-07-2010, 22:51

take 2 wheels off, carry a 12v compressor and let the 2 tyres down, they cant do a thing about it, tell them kids let them down, to leave them on would be dangerous.

(RIP) PLANK · 13-07-2010, 23:01

that just sounds worse to me, surley if they needed to be on there the police would just say 'you should have go them reinflated' just like any other tyre on any other road going vehicle and i'm confident that if a trailer was designed to have 4 wheels then it should have them on.

I htink the truth woudl sound better than that, ie - the trailer is under no load and the two wheels and tryes are adequate to carry it's unladen weight - though even this might not stop and eager bobby from pressing charges.

what does everyoine else think

The Patrolman · 13-07-2010, 23:31

Darwins theory of evolution and the process of natural selection!!!

If you are stupid enough to take two wheels of something that is supposed to have four for a reason then you will die!! taking the stupid gene with you... assuming that you have not already passed it on!!

Unfortunatley the HSE and Plod keep interfearing with this natural process and stupid people are breeding, because thats all they can do. In continuing acts of stupidity they are putting the rest of the normal folks at risk!!

I drive about 800miles a week and take my life in my hands every time i get in my van doing my very best to avoid all the stupids so that I can get home safe to family and friends!!

Leave the wheels on thats why they are there!!

I don't care if you die through your own stupidity but please don't put the rest of us at risk because you can't tow a trailer properly!!

Or Plod will do you!!!

Thomas-the-Terrano2 · 14-07-2010, 06:55

well as for wheels skimming ground so what.

if you look at tractor units that can lift an axle
and do sometimes these wheels are spinning
where they have caught say a speed ramp.

still cant see point of going to trouble of
removing, unless you can fit a hydralic lift
big truck style, and why lose advantage of
having spare grip ready should another fail,

and why attract interest og vosa etc, just
get rig running nearer level. finally dont forget
that a coupling can be lower than it normal
position it cant be higher, ie cant use a drop
plate to raise hitch on a low slung car.

rustic · 14-07-2010, 08:28

Thanks for the replies, the main issue is ride height, the car we could use to tow the unladen trailer, cannot have the hitch raised, as you pointed out.

Each axle is plated at 1300kg, so can adequately carry the unladen weight. (650kg).
What concerns me is the trailer gross capacity, the fact it can carry a heavy weight even though at the time it wasn't, is this really an issue.

Will plod stop every car that is capable of going over the speed limit even though at the time they weren't?
I know there are legal loop holes, but I have never put other road users or myself and the family at risk, that is why I posted this question.

I thought I would check my emails, just had this come in from my trailer manufacturer, but he stresses it is his opinion..

As long as the remaining axle/tyre combo is sufficient to take the weight of the trailer then there should be no problem.
As to which ones to remove just remember you only want around 75 - 100kgs max nose weight so that might indicate which ones you remove for towing empty.
With regard to legality - the above is just my opinion but it is only the same as trailing a large single axle unit so I would doubt there could be any issues.

I might also contact the legal department of the AA I have paid my subs for many years, and never claimed. After all they might be representing me in court !

When I find a satisfactory answer I will post it.
Thanks again for all your responses.
Rustic

13-07-2010, 13:38	#1
rustic Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Staffordshire Vehicle: Maverick Mk I 2.7 TD LWB Posts: 7,825	Unladen twin axle trailer, can you remove a pair of wheels? I have asked the question of my trailer supplier, but not heard anything yet. Does anyone know the possibility of removing a pair of wheels from one axle when towing an empty twin axle trailer? The rear wheels on my twin axle boat trailer hardly contact the road when the trailer is being towed empty, thus while being towed the rear wheels will be damaged as they leave and contact the road. I wish to tow the empty trailer with a car with a lower hitch height than the Mav I currently use when towing the boat. Which are the best pair to remove, the front which will put a greater load on the tow bar, or the rear? Are there any legal issues? I would still carry the wheels in the car in case. The trailer unladen weight is 630 kg and holds a boat 7 metres long. Note: When I remove the wheels, the brake hubs are retained so there is no risk of loosing braking. I could cover the unused hubs in bin liners to make it clear I haven't lost the wheels, in case the police are looking for an excuse to stop me. Any advice please.. Best regards, Rustic __________________ Ford Maverick GLX 1995 2.7TD LWB in illusion silver, 98k miles. Owned since new, for 22 years. Best car I have ever owned. Just wish I could drive it more.

13-07-2010, 20:20	#3
Thomas-the-Terrano2 Moderator Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Hackenthorpe Sheffield Vehicle: Terrano2 R20 lwb 2.7TDi Posts: 5,234	good question, bit like empty articles lift an axle suppose. think I would always lift leading axle, but is wear really such an issue to make it worth removing wheels, surely better to adjust hitch height so both axles wheels grip road evenly also then if have blow out can continue. thinking these tri axle articles trailers only lift one leaving two axles worth on road. __________________ M6YTB / 20YTB '60' 2010 Ford C Max Zetec 1.6i, black '56' 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee 3.0TD, silver 2021 Bailey Pegasus Grade SE Turin caravan Smile, its more likely to confuse. One Life, Don't Just Live It, Drive a Nissan, or ...... a Jeep. Owner of Nissan 4x4s 2005 to 2019, and maybe in the future too!

14-07-2010, 06:55	#14
Thomas-the-Terrano2 Moderator Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Hackenthorpe Sheffield Vehicle: Terrano2 R20 lwb 2.7TDi Posts: 5,234	well as for wheels skimming ground so what. if you look at tractor units that can lift an axle and do sometimes these wheels are spinning where they have caught say a speed ramp. still cant see point of going to trouble of removing, unless you can fit a hydralic lift big truck style, and why lose advantage of having spare grip ready should another fail, and why attract interest og vosa etc, just get rig running nearer level. finally dont forget that a coupling can be lower than it normal position it cant be higher, ie cant use a drop plate to raise hitch on a low slung car. __________________ M6YTB / 20YTB '60' 2010 Ford C Max Zetec 1.6i, black '56' 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee 3.0TD, silver 2021 Bailey Pegasus Grade SE Turin caravan Smile, its more likely to confuse. One Life, Don't Just Live It, Drive a Nissan, or ...... a Jeep. Owner of Nissan 4x4s 2005 to 2019, and maybe in the future too!

14-07-2010, 08:28	#15
rustic Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Staffordshire Vehicle: Maverick Mk I 2.7 TD LWB Posts: 7,825	Thanks for the replies, the main issue is ride height, the car we could use to tow the unladen trailer, cannot have the hitch raised, as you pointed out. Each axle is plated at 1300kg, so can adequately carry the unladen weight. (650kg). What concerns me is the trailer gross capacity, the fact it can carry a heavy weight even though at the time it wasn't, is this really an issue. Will plod stop every car that is capable of going over the speed limit even though at the time they weren't? I know there are legal loop holes, but I have never put other road users or myself and the family at risk, that is why I posted this question. I thought I would check my emails, just had this come in from my trailer manufacturer, but he stresses it is his opinion.. As long as the remaining axle/tyre combo is sufficient to take the weight of the trailer then there should be no problem. As to which ones to remove just remember you only want around 75 - 100kgs max nose weight so that might indicate which ones you remove for towing empty. With regard to legality - the above is just my opinion but it is only the same as trailing a large single axle unit so I would doubt there could be any issues. I might also contact the legal department of the AA I have paid my subs for many years, and never claimed. After all they might be representing me in court ! When I find a satisfactory answer I will post it. Thanks again for all your responses. Rustic __________________ Ford Maverick GLX 1995 2.7TD LWB in illusion silver, 98k miles. Owned since new, for 22 years. Best car I have ever owned. Just wish I could drive it more.

13-07-2010, 20:19	#2
Smegg Senior Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: North West liverpool Vehicle: nissan terrano se lwb Posts: 126	hi, was the trailer originaly built for the boat, it sounds like you have ample brakes with two. but having four wheels gives more stability why not try an adjustable tow ball.

13-07-2010, 21:21	#4
The Patrolman Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Redcar, Teesside Vehicle: Y60 Patrol 4.2 PeTroll Posts: 2,122	1)If the trailer was made with 4 wheels they must be fitted otherwise Plod will do you under "construction and use" .. 2)Also check the plated weight of the trailer if this is more than the max towing weight of your car Plod will do you!! 3)Even if the empty trailer is within the cars limit Plod will do you!! 4)Even if the trailer is empty Plod will want to know why you have an empty trailer - what have you just dropped off OR what are you going to pick up?? and assuming either Plod will do you!! To avoid bringing 2,3 & 4 to the attention of Plod don't have 2 wheels missing to start with!! Best fit adjustable tow hitch's so that the trailer sits level as it was designed to!! Hope this helps

13-07-2010, 21:27	#5
zippy656 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Devizes Wiltshire Vehicle: Nissan Note Ntec 1.5 Posts: 14,137	so really, plod will do you for just having the trailer lol

13-07-2010, 21:35	#6
The Patrolman Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Redcar, Teesside Vehicle: Y60 Patrol 4.2 PeTroll Posts: 2,122	Yip!!! Specially if it's a boat trailer cos he will be jealous he hasn't got a boat!! That's Plod for ya!!

13-07-2010, 21:38	#7
zippy656 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Devizes Wiltshire Vehicle: Nissan Note Ntec 1.5 Posts: 14,137	i used to get stoped every week when lived in london with my kitcar... plod loved that...

13-07-2010, 21:43	#8
The Patrolman Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Redcar, Teesside Vehicle: Y60 Patrol 4.2 PeTroll Posts: 2,122	My cousin 19yrs old had a 1.3 Escort Cozzy look-a-likee, a very good one!! Plod was also jealous, he was pulled over for driving slowly over speed bumps!!!

13-07-2010, 21:48	#9
zippy656 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Devizes Wiltshire Vehicle: Nissan Note Ntec 1.5 Posts: 14,137	yep.. they hate any one having a good car, fun car or just a funny one...

13-07-2010, 22:10	#10
(RIP) PLANK Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Central England, in the Heart of the Black Country Vehicle: T2 2004 TDI SE LWB Posts: 7,740	if it were my trailer i would leave the wheels on, if nothing else it just sounds wrong to me

13-07-2010, 22:51	#11
tezzer Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: basildon essex Vehicle: transit camper van 1987 Posts: 2,829	take 2 wheels off, carry a 12v compressor and let the 2 tyres down, they cant do a thing about it, tell them kids let them down, to leave them on would be dangerous.

13-07-2010, 23:01	#12
(RIP) PLANK Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Central England, in the Heart of the Black Country Vehicle: T2 2004 TDI SE LWB Posts: 7,740	that just sounds worse to me, surley if they needed to be on there the police would just say 'you should have go them reinflated' just like any other tyre on any other road going vehicle and i'm confident that if a trailer was designed to have 4 wheels then it should have them on. I htink the truth woudl sound better than that, ie - the trailer is under no load and the two wheels and tryes are adequate to carry it's unladen weight - though even this might not stop and eager bobby from pressing charges. what does everyoine else think

13-07-2010, 23:31	#13
The Patrolman Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Redcar, Teesside Vehicle: Y60 Patrol 4.2 PeTroll Posts: 2,122	Darwins theory of evolution and the process of natural selection!!! If you are stupid enough to take two wheels of something that is supposed to have four for a reason then you will die!! taking the stupid gene with you... assuming that you have not already passed it on!! Unfortunatley the HSE and Plod keep interfearing with this natural process and stupid people are breeding, because thats all they can do. In continuing acts of stupidity they are putting the rest of the normal folks at risk!! I drive about 800miles a week and take my life in my hands every time i get in my van doing my very best to avoid all the stupids so that I can get home safe to family and friends!! Leave the wheels on thats why they are there!! I don't care if you die through your own stupidity but please don't put the rest of us at risk because you can't tow a trailer properly!! Or Plod will do you!!!