Forums Forums Enthusiast Forums A - Z Autowirral Trailer/recovery truck hire

Needing to pick up a car from Surrey, but the fuel pump has gone so it's going to need trailering!
Does anyone have a good price on hiring a trailer or a flatbed (if I can't get round to getting a tow bar for my car).
Otherwise - has anyone ever a-framed a car 250 miles?

towing anything that heavy needs to be braked under the new rules, best bet is hire a trailer from portsunlight trailers. if not let me know as i have a mate with a truck but it wont be cheap i dont think as it a hell of a long way to go

I've used my 4x4 and an A-frame over a LOT of miles, and found an A-frame to be far easier than using a non-fixed (ie tow bar attatched) spec frame (just remember to check those straps after a few miles).

Trailers are fine (and Port Sunlight trailers are recommended, but you might have to book the car trailer WELL in advance), just make sure your tow car is heavy enough and you load the trailer correctly to prevent snaking.

Be aware that the rules on trailers changed a few years ago, and if you have a recent licence you may have to take an additional test to tow a trailer (depending on if it's part of work or private use), so be aware of this, it is your responsibility to check you have entitlement.

For the costs involved (and as you have to do it anyway) would it not be easier to go down by train, take a new fuel pump with you and fit it whilst you are there ?

Think my car is OK with the weight thing (just).
The car hasn't been taxed or MOT'd yet either, plus the starter motor isn't too good. Wouldn't want to chance it on any of those.
Have a licence from 97 as well.

1st Jan 1997 is when you stopped getting a trailer automatically on your licence, you might just have missed out - double check it matey!

I passed Dec 1996 and just got it....

Watch out if you decide to A frame it, a lad on another site was pulled A-framing a car with no insurance on the towed car and no MOT, ended with a 6 points and a fine.

A lot of it depends on the copper on the day, LEGALLY you shouldn't use them anyway.

An A-frame or dolly can ONLY be used to recover a broken down vehicle to a place of safety. Transporting a car is, therefore, illegal.

A-frames may be offered with a braking system that applies the car's brakes, these do not conform to the law as the car then becomes a "braked trailer" and has to conform to European Directives contained within the Construction and Use Regulations. It does not conform to the European Directive 71/320/EEC and amendments regarding braking requirements in any way.

The use of an A-frame for transportation is therefore illegal, however it is still OK for use to recover a vehicle to a place of safety.

The regulations go on forever, and if you REALLY want to have fun use a towing dolly, as this constitutes TWO trailers.

The rules are VERY long, complex, and, I've found, as long as you don't look susss or are blatantly taking the p*ss (towing a Shogun with a Micra) you'll usually be okay. Like many things, just be aware of the risks.

I'm tempted to buy a flat-bed now and hire it out.....

Jesus, if I can't get a flatbed I don't think I'll bother. I have 9 points already from stupid non-offences (no speeding) and don't need any more. Think the insurance/MOT thing on an A-frame is ridiculous. I'll probably end up breaking some archaic law about towing a car when the moon is in the wrong position or something!!

Fix it on the spot, i`ll get the trade plates from work, insure it for you and you can drive it back
You pay for the petrol and i`ll take you

Wow, thanks Ste!
It's a Porsche 924 Turbo, I'll have to see what I can do beforehand!

Sure thing, just let me know in advance

i towed a car all over the country on a frame i towed it with my motorhome perfectly legal but you must use a light board just make sure its all secure remember the car you are towing is now like a trailer so nobody sitting in it. make sure stearing lock is unlocked and light board is working classed as trailed so 50=60 mph but slowly slowly does it . dont forget to check the tyres and then have a nice day.

Only thing with towing with an A frame is there is no braking assistance from the towed vehicle, unlike what you get with a trailer.

You are therefore relying on the weight of the car doing the towing to stop everything if needed. A motorhome is pretty weighty, heavier than a car, so its much safer.

Legally you may be ok, I certainly would prefer a trailer / lowloader for any sort of long distance motorway towing.

you didnt think it was an unmarked cop car tailing you then.....