Trailer experts required

[wheels244]

Hello everyone

I've decided to build my own, heavy duty, car (Discovery) Towing Dolly.

I need some help from you well informed people about the bits required.

Making the frame, mounting the winch etc is no problem, I've got that bit covered.

What I do need help with is the rating (weight) of the braked suspension and the the braked hitch.

I intend to galvanise the finished article, so it will last for ever.

Does anyone know of a trusted trailer parts supplier ?
Or has anyone got the bits I require, for sale ?

Over to you.

Thanks

Rob

[Andy.]

BTM, Richard is the one for trailer advice and spares.

I'm sure he'll be on later to offer his advice  :D

[Sooty]

Hi Rob
When you say a towing dolly for a Discovery do you mean you will tow it with the Discovery or you will put the Discovery on it and tow it with somthing else.
If you mean to put the Discovery on it then correct me if I am wrong but you must remove one or both prop shafts (not fun after a day in Tixover) before you start moving at any speed as if you don't some of the energy from the back wheels rotating may be transfered to the front wheels via the transfer box diff and the Disco will climb out of the dolly and try and mount the towing vehicle like a rampant stalion (spectacular but not so funny).
Not to mention the damage to the transfer box if you go too far at any speed.

[wheels244]

Hi Bev

Both !

I know what you mean about removing propshafts - but after my recent mishaps, I've had to do that anyway.  #-o

I'm getting quite used to a muddy back and face, but it is no fun when it goes in your eye 8-[

Regards

Rob

[Paul]

the Disco will climb out of the dolly and try and mount the towing vehicle like a rampant stalion

<giggle>

[Wanderer]

Always wanted a Ferrari!

Ed

[DIE BOK]

One way of getting a new landrover, kids come about the same way :D

[V8MoneyPit]

You could try http://www.towsure.com/ for bits. The trailer build parts are fine but watch out for some of the other items, they can be a bit 'cheap'.

[Paul]

How about these people  :arrow: http://www.indespension.co.uk/trailers.htm

[Sooty]

Here is another one tro try.
http://www.trailers-uk.com/

[wheels244]

Thanks for the links guys.

I really need the rating for the suspension before I draw up a shopping list.
There are some scary prices on some of the gear  :shock:

Rob

[Bush Tucker Man]

Strictly (legally) speaking no towed trailer shall weigh more than 750kg (3/4ton)if it has no brakes
A towed (dollied) LR is certainly outside that catagory.

If you can get hold of a copy of November 'Land Rover Monthly' there's a very good article about dollies & 'recovery frames' in it.
You might have problems as the new copy is supposed to go on sale tomorrow (5th), but if Selby is like Wakefield, the Nov will be on the shelves for another week until Dec gets up here.
And if you live in Wistow, you've got no chance! :lol:  :lol:


I know lots of people use them, but lots of people are lucky & get away with it

http://www.aframes.co.uk/
Try this thread if you can get it without registering (it's a fairly good site though)
http://www.landrovernet.com/forum/showthread.php?t=17593&highlight=A-frame+towing

[V8MoneyPit]

Ah, that was it! I knew I had read something about this recently. Yes, that was an enlightening article.

[wheels244]

Tried to get a copy today - unfortunately all were too efficient and had changed to the December issue.

Could anyone scan it and email it please.

Rob

[Range Rover Blues]

You could try http://www.towsure.com/ for bits. The trailer build parts are fine but watch out for some of the other items, they can be a bit 'cheap'.

My sentiments exactly.  Try ringing the Sheffield branch, I think the guy you want to speak to is called Steve something, but he's their trailer guru and really knows his stuff!

Like BTM says, if it's above 750kg it should have brakes, if you bend the law and have a bump with something you make at home your insurance might wash their hands of you!  I'm not sure but I think a trailer with brakes should have them on ALL wheels, so a braked dolly is not really there either.  The AA/RAC get away with it because there is an exemtion for recovering a breakdown 'to a place of safety'.

Why not build a complete trailer, admitedly they take up space but if you have a Landie for fun then store it under that.  A proper trailer is much more versatile and easier to tow and reverse than a car on a dolly.

If you do still decide on a dolly I think your biggest problem will be a set of small wheels rated sufficiently for your Disco.  Let me grab the Towsure catalogue...

Towing hitches are available rated at 2500kg but not from Towsure (2000kg max).  You need it rated for the whole car plus dolly and any stuff you don't remove, so an absulute minimum of 2,200kg I would think.
Towsure also only stock braked hubs rated at 1000kg/pair so here you are on the limit carrying one end of the car.  The associated wheels are 13" rims plus tyres so your Disco will be right up in the air.

This is all before you even get into the construction and use regulations 1986! and Vehicle lighting regulations, also 1986.

[muddyweb]

I'm not sure but I think a trailer with brakes should have them on ALL wheels, so a braked dolly is not really there either.

To the best of my knowledge, a braked trailer doesn't have to have brakes on all the wheels, but the total capacity of the trailer is dictated by the wheels which are braked.

So, if you have 2 x 1000 Kg axles on a trailer, but only one has brakes, the total capacity of the trailer is 1000Kg... not 2000Kg

Hope that helps.

[Bush Tucker Man]

Rob.
'PM' (or e-mail) me your address & I'll photocopy the Towing Dolly article, from 'LRM' this afternoon at work, & sent it on it's merry way.
Okay?

[wheels244]

Thanks Richard

robhorton@fairadsl.co.uk

[Bush Tucker Man]

Rob, I got the e-mail thanks, but I forgot to put it in the post box this afternoon, will do so tomorrow mornign on the way to work

Ought to arrive Wednesday, have 'hi-lighted' the legal bits

[wheels244]

Hi Richard

Received it , thanks very much.
It's given me food for thought.
Might have to have to rethink.


Rob

[Bush Tucker Man]

Happy to help out