There is a lot to consider when you are towing, from the driving itself to loading the trailer and more. If you make a mistake though, not only can it be unsafe for you and other road users but you could actually be breaking the law. 

Trailer Towing Weights Explained 

All cars have a maximum weight they can tow. If you overload your vehicle you can affect the handling and braking of your car and can cause additional damage to your engine since it has to work harder. 

The maximum trailer width for any vehicle is 2.55 metres and the maximum length for a trailer towed by a vehicle weighing up to 3,500kg is 7 metres. 

What Weight of Trailer Can You Tow? 

As we mentioned, the weight of the trailer you can tow is entirely dependent on the vehicle you drive. When considering if your car can tow your trailer you need to think about:

• the weight of items you plan to tow,
• the empty weight of your trailer, 
• and your vehicle’s maximum towing capacity.

The combined weight of the contents you plan to tow and the empty weight of your trailer cannot be more than the car’s maximum towing capacity. 

Check the National Trailer and Towing Association website for more information on the towing capacity of your vehicle. 

Tips For When Loading Your Trailer

Loading your trailer properly is paramount no matter if it’s a trailer for moving house or one of our eco-trailers. Once you’ve checked that your vehicle can tow everything it’s time to load up, the bulk of your weight should be at the front of your trailer to avoid a snaking situation. If you are loading a traditional front-engine car you can just drive straight in but a mid or rear-engined car will need to be reversed on. 

You should aim for a 60:40 weight split from the front to the rear of the trailer. Keeping your weight at the front minimises the risk of the trailer swaying or jack-knifing. Your load should be secured to the trailer so it doesn’t move around. With a car securing it with ratchet straps properly is key. 

Put the tie straps around the vehicle’s tyres and tighten them up to keep it secure. Attach the ratchet strap to the trailer hooks and tighten that too. Periodically through your journey stop to check over the straps and make sure the vehicle is still secure. 

Driving With a Trailer

When you are driving with your trailer keep in mind the speed limits. On a national single carriageway, you are limited to 50mph and on dual carriageways and motorways, you are limited to 60mph.

To keep other drivers safe, bear in mind that when you are towing the nose of your vehicle will be slightly higher than normal so adjust your headlight level so you don’t dazzle other drivers. Also, remember that when you are towing you’ll need to take a wider turn for corners and roundabouts. 

If you end up in a situation where the trailer begins to snake gently, let off of the accelerator and try to keep the vehicle as in control as possible, as you slow down it should become more controllable. 

If you are in the market for a vehicle trailer check out our trailer range, Here at Eco-trailer we build our trailers to the highest standards to keep your vehicle safe. If you want to find out more, get in touch today.

So you want to spruce up your trailer? You’re not alone. Many people are adding personal touches to their trailers and there are plenty of great ideas going around. If you’re stuck for ideas, don’t worry. We’ve rounded up some great decal ideas and more to make your trailer unique to you. 

Add Some Decals

Adding some decals to your enclosed trailer is a great way to make it individual. People add all kinds of decals to their trailers. Horse trailers always have a design on the outside, so why not have one on your Eco-Trailer? You can find a whole bunch of decals on various websites or make your own design using some materials you can buy online. If you’re stuck for trailer decal ideas, take a look on relevant sites and social media pages for some inspiration. 

Add Some Lighting

Add some interior or exterior lighting to your trailer. Adding some LED lights can not only improve your visibility, but also make your trailer stand out from the crowd. If you are adding exterior lighting, it’s going to be worth double-checking the laws surrounding trailer lights or just having them on a switch so you can turn them on or off as convenient.

Change Your Wheels

How do you make your car stand out? You might add a body kit, add a loud exhaust or change the wheels. You can change the wheels on your trailer, too. You might not be able to get a set of BBS wheels that match your car but you can find some nice alloy wheels made for trailers. Just make sure they are the right size and fitment and that they can support the load of your trailer when it’s loaded.

Number Plate

A lot of cars these days have private number plates. According to this post, there are over 45 million private number plates issued in the UK. If you haven’t already, maybe look into getting one. A private number plate is a great way to make your vehicle more personal and recognisable. You can get one for your towing vehicle and throw your awesome new number plate on your trailer to match.

Get In Touch

If you are ordering your very own Eco-Trailer, get in touch with us. We are happy to work with our clients to make their trailer just as special as the vehicles they are transporting. If there is any aspect of your Eco-Trailer you would like personalised or if you would like any bespoke additions, we are happy to work with you and help.

There you go! Five great ideas to make your trailer your own. Like we said above, we are happy to work with any of our clients to make their trailer personal to them. If you are interested in any of our products or services, please do not hesitate to get in touch. Now go out there and make your trailer your very own!

Towing a trailer isn’t something that most people do often, but there may be a point where it is necessary to. The facts around who can tow a trailer, where they can drive and more can get a bit foggy so we’re here to clear everything up. Here at Eco-Trailer, we’re experts in trailers so rest assured you’re in good hands. 

Can You Tow a Trailer on a Car Licence? 

So can you tow a trailer with a normal car licence? Yes and no. It all depends on the weight you are looking to tow. Anyone who had their drivers licence issued from the 1st of January 1997 can drive a car or van up to 3.5 tons with a maximum authorised mass (also called MAM) towing a trailer of up to 750kg MAM. You can also tow a trailer over 750kg as long as the combined MAM of the trailer and towing vehicle is no more than 3.5 tons. 

For drivers licences issued before the 1st of January 1997, you can drive a vehicle and trailer with a MAM of up to 8.25 tons. You can also drive a minibus with an attached trailer over 750kg MAM. 

What Is the Maximum Authorised Mass

To put it simply the maximum authorised mass is the limit on how much a vehicle can weigh when it is loaded. To tow anything above the limit you have to pass the car and trailer driving test. 

What if I want to Tow More?

If you need to tow anything more you’ll have to complete your C1+E driving test and theory. You’ll need to apply for a provisional licence and complete both the theory and practical test just like if you were doing your driving test again. After this, you can drive vehicles and trailers with a combined weight of up to 12 Tons MAM. 

Where Can I Drive With a Trailer? 

If you can drive a car where you want to go you can drive with a trailer too. Just remember that when you’re driving with a trailer that you’ll have to take wider corners to adjust for the trailer behind you. Also, remember the maximum trailer width is 2.55 metres and the maximum trailer length is 7 metres. 

You might have to compensate for the width and length of the trailer around corners and roundabouts, some roads like country lanes might be too narrow to accommodate your trailer so remember to plan your journey ahead of time to avoid any stress or damage you might cause to your trailer or vehicle. 

You can drive on motorways and dual carriageways just fine but remember speed limits for vehicles with trailers and caravans differ: 

• 60 mph on motorways and dual carriageways
• 50 mph on single carriageways
• 30 mph in built-up areas 

Also, remember a vehicle with a caravan or trailer is not allowed to use the right-hand lane on a road with three or more lanes. 
Hopefully, this clears up any of the questions you had regarding driving with a trailer. If you are looking to buy an enclosed car trailer why not take a look at our trailer range. Alternatively, if you want to speak to us or have any more questions feel free to get in touch.

Protecting a car all-year-round is vital, but especially so during the winter when icy roads can cause great injury. What’s more is that if you have a towbar fitted during these months can cause much more substantial damage and not informing your insurance company can cause policies to become invalidated.

Should I let my insurer know about my towbar being fitted?

It’s imperative that insurance companies know you’re fitting a towbar as it counts as a modification to a vehicle. By informing your insurance company, you’re able to adjust your policy accordingly so as to keep within the law. 

Why should an insurance company know about a towbar?

Since a towbar is considered a car modification, this can affect your insurance premium and can be assessed in terms of accidents and risk of theft. A benefit of this is that having a towbar fitted means you can tow other vehicles such as caravans and boats (although this can increase the risk of accidents on a policy). 

The price of insurance depends on the place you are insured at. The towbar shouldn’t increase insurance, however vehicle owners can be charged a service fee if it is being added to the vehicle they currently drive. Some other companies could decide to increase your policy premium so if you’re on a budget, it may be ideal to look for alternative quotes.

Am I covered for damage to my towbar?

This again, depends on the insurance company. If a towbar is added to the policy, it could be covered for damages, however it’s quite important that you have this clarified before you have chosen the right quote for your new modification. 

Whilst there are many things to consider when it comes to towbars, it’s vital to take them into account to ensure you’re getting the best quote and are covered for theft or damage to your vehicle if you’re using it away from home. There are many companies that offer towbar insurance, so be sure to take your time sifting through them and finding the right one. 

It is important to know how to safely load a car onto a trailer, be it an enclosed trailer or a flat trailer. While we pride ourselves on how safe our trailers are, it is still important to load them correctly to avoid any problems.

Preparation

Before doing anything it is important to check how much your vehicle weighs and how big it is and compare this to your trailer. It is obviously vital the trailer can support your vehicle in both its weight and size. It is also worth noting that if you are planning to transport a very low sports car with minimal ground clearance, you would need to consider how to get it on the trailer without damaging the car or trailer. 

You would also need to check your towing vehicle to ensure it can tow the trailer and the loaded vehicle. You may need a larger towing vehicle such as a 4×4 or motorhome if your trailer and load weigh a lot. Also worth mentioning, if you are using your own ratchet straps remember to check for any tearing or fraying in the fabric and any wear and tear on the ratchet and hooks.

Loading

Before loading, attach the trailer to the tow vehicle to prevent any movement when loading the vehicle being towed. The most critical part of towing a vehicle is weight distribution. The bulk weight needs to be at the front, so the engine should be at the front. Most cars are front-engined so this is just a case of driving on, in a mid or rear-engined car, however, this will mean reversing onto the trailer. 

The aim for weight distribution is to have around 60% of the weight at the front of the trailer and 40% at the rear. When the weight is closer to the front of the trailer, it’s much more stable and the risk of jack-knifing in strong winds is minimised. If the weight of the car is too far forward on the trailer you could risk lifting the front of the towing vehicle, meaning steering will be light and vague. On the other hand, if the weight is too much toward the rear of the trailer the rear of the towing vehicle could be raised and you may face handling issues.

Securing

All four wheels need to be secured to the trailer to ensure the car has minimal chance of moving around on the trailer if there is sudden movement during transport. Wheel chocks are also highly recommended as a further precaution. Many car trailers have these as full-width chocks. If required, these wheel chocks can be used and may need an additional small strap to keep them in place. If the vehicle needs to be winched onto the trailer, keep the winch cable attached to the car. Likewise, make sure any excess straps are tied up and out of the way so they don’t flap about in transport. The last thing you want is to cause potential damage to the vehicle or other vehicles around. You should always have the parking brake or hand-brake on once the car is in position on the trailer.

During Transport

It is worth pulling over and checking the trailer every so often to ensure the straps are correct and the car is secure. It needs to be kept in mind whilst towing that the trailer has a high centre of gravity. With a vehicle loaded on, it will be more prone to moving side to side so take corners and roundabouts carefully. If the trailer starts snaking, gently let off the accelerator and try to keep the vehicle as stable as possible, as you slow down the snaking should become more controllable.

At Eco-Trailer we believe that your safety is paramount, that is why we use only the best components on our trailers. To find out which of our trailers is best for you then get in touch today!

Whether you have a collection of expensive vintage cars or you have a racecar that is too powerful for the public roads, you’ll want to find the perfect way to get your vehicle from A to B. Heavy duty trailers are made for this task. Protecting your vehicle on your journey from your home to the race track or car show will be vital in ensuring the maintenance of your car. Allowing for the safe and protected transport of your car collection can be increased by finding the perfect trailer for the job, as well as how to correctly use it is vital.

What Trailer Should I Purchase?

When looking at commercial car trailers you will have to think about your particular needs and that of your vehicles. Are you looking to transport multiple cars at once? Will you be judged on appearance as soon as you arrive? Are there legal requirements preventing you from driving the towed vehicle on the roads? There are many types of heavy duty trailers that will aid you for any of these issues.

For anyone looking to take classic cars to exhibits and car shows, car trailers are a great choice. Transporting a rare car can be stressful and older models can be more vulnerable to possible damage, and repairs can be expensive or non existent in some cases. Having your car completely enclosed in a solid trailer will grant you peace of mind that your vehicle will make it to your destination in pristine condition.

When looking to transport multiple vehicles you will be able to find modern vehicle transporters that are equipped to carry up to six vehicles at once. But keep in mind that you will need insurance when carrying a load like this. A lot of providers of this service will be insured for millions of pounds and will offer additional services to increase the insurance if you wish.

How to Safely Load and Unload a Classic Car

Having the equipment is one thing however knowing how to correctly use it is another. Heavy handed attempts of loading and unloading your vehicles onto car trailers can cause a lot of damage to the bespoke vehicle they carry, leading to costly fixes.

Be aware of the weight of your load and how much the towing vehicle can handle. The first, most important step, you will need a powerful car to pull your trailer. As well as the weight, make sure that the trailer you choose is sized well in proportion to the car which is going to be towing it.

It is also best to consider the size of your trailer in comparison to the vehicles it will be carrying. Enclosed car trailers will be limited in width and height and giving the car some space either side will allow for smoother transport. Before you start loading the car onto the trailer assess the car itself. If you are transporting a sports car with a minimal ground space underneath, then you may need additional equipment to help this onto the trailer without damage. 

Unloading a vehicle will need plenty of time and a keen eye. When backing your vehicle off a trailer, have someone guiding you, but most importantly take your time. Rushing the unloading process will make any little bumps become serious issues and could cause knock on damage.

Car trailers will provide safety and protection to the majority of classic cars and super vehicles. When traveling around the country to different shows and races you may come across different things to compromise your cargo. Choosing a car trailer will be an investment in your classic car collection. The care you give your cars shouldn’t stop when it comes to the transport and handling of your on the way to exhibits.
If you’re still after some advice on the best trailer for your prized vehicles, then get in touch with our expert team here at Eco Trailer, we’d love to help!

Here at Eco Trailer, we love a bright trailer design with all the features, driving safely whilst towing your car trailer is vital. Whether you’ve been driving with a trailer for years or you’re about to set off for the first time, it isn’t something you should take lightly.

Getting Ready to Tow

Check how much weight your vehicle can tow. Towing too much weight can overload your vehicle and make it much more difficult to control. Before driving anywhere, check your vehicle to make sure how much weight is safe to tow and don’t forget to load your trailer correctly, with the weight mostly over the front. 

Check how much weight your vehicle can tow. Towing too much weight can overload your vehicle and make it much more difficult to control. Before driving anywhere, check your vehicle to make sure how much weight is safe to tow and don’t forget to load your trailer correctly, with the weight mostly over the front. 

Check your tow ball and connections.

Make sure that the trailer is coupled to the tow ball or pin and that the coupling height is correct. You should also check the breakaway cable is not worn or damaged. The breakaway cable engages the trailer’s brakes or brings it to a stop if it becomes detached from the car.

Check Your Trailer Tyres

On top of checking your vehicle’s tyres, you should also check your trailer tyres for any cuts or damage as well as checking the tread is not below 1.6mm. It is also important to check all of your wheel nuts and bolts are safely secure. No one wants a tyre to burst while driving with a trailer but in case this happens, make sure you have a spare and the equipment to change it if you can, or the ability to phone a recovery company. 

Driving Safely

Now you know your trailer is securely attached, what do you need to know about driving safely with a trailer?

It is much more important to arrive in one piece than to arrive on time. All trailers have a speed at which they become unsafe, that’s why it’s vital you don’t speed when driving with an attached trailer. Your trailer can start to snake or swerve when driving excessively fast, if this happens ease off your accelerator and reduce speed slowly. 

Driving with a trailer means your stopping distance is increased regardless of it being a small car trailer or a large trailer. To stay safe, maintain a good distance between you and other drivers to allow yourself plenty of time to stop. It is better to give yourself too much distance than too little. 

Take Wide Turns

When driving with a trailer you should take wide turns, this is to avoid hitting kerbs and to prevent any damage caused. As a rule of thumb, the longer your trailer, the wider you should take the turn. Most roundabouts and curves shouldn’t be too much of a concern, corners greater than 90 degrees however, should be avoided when you can and if you can’t, try and take them as wide as possible. 

Reversing Safely With A Trailer

Arguably the most difficult part of trailer towing is reversing. Reversing with a trailer is far from intuitive and should be practised long before having to do it in a high-pressure environment, such as in public car parks or on the road. Take it slow and steady when reversing and you should be okay. 

Plan Your Route

One last point worth noting is to plan your route before any journey you take. The last thing you want when driving with a trailer is to be going down a tight single track road filled with sharp bends, try and stick to A-roads and motorways whenever possible. 

At Eco Trailer, we are confident that our trailers are built to last and built for safety. Our enclosed car transporters are fully customisable to suit your needs and to transport your vehicle safely and securely to its destination.

If you need some advice about a trailer that you already own, or you are in the market for a new one, then get in touch today!