The trailer law is now very strict and we should be up to date with it. VOSA will be checking trailers now for a variety of reasons, from rust to legality and we could be taken to a weigh bridge for tests. VOSA have portable units for caravan and boats. For advice, try looking at:
https://www.gov.uk/towing-with-carThe following will give you an idea of the law, but please check it out properly, as these are just notes and have no legal standing. From January 2013 the laws on towing changed, placing new restrictions on drivers dependant on when their licence was issued. If you want to tow more than the stated weights, you will have to take what's called a B+E test to get a towing licence extension 'E' if you take your car driving test now.
If you passed your driving test after the 19th January 2013, the maximum weight you will be able to tow with a category B licence is 750kg, provided the total weight of the car and what you want to tow does not exceed 3,500kg. If you passed your test after the 1st January 1997 and before the 19th January 2013 you are able to drive a vehicle that weighs up to 3,500kg towing a trailer of up to 750kg, bringing the total weight allowed to 4,250kg. You may also tow a trailer over 750kg as long as the weight of the trailer is no more than the un-laden weight of the towing vehicle, up to a combined weight of 3,500kg.
Any licences issued before 1st January1997 enables you to drive a vehicle and tow with the combined maximum weight of 8,250kg. You can also drive a minibus towing a trailer of up to 750kg.
That is not allowing for what the manufacturer has specified their design for, which may be less, check with them. Also you may need extra cooling, because my 3 ltr Audi Quatro can tow 1900kg, but without additional cooling, it can only tow 750kg. On the other hand my Jimny will tow 1300kg (braked), but only 350kg unbraked, yet its kerbside weight is 1300kg?
It all comes down to MAM (maximum allowed mass) and the law.
Important things to remember:
?The speed limit when towing is 60mph on motorways and dual carriageways and 50mph on single carriage roads.
?Do not enter the outside lane on a motorway when towing.
?The maximum width of a trailer should not exceed 2.3m and 7m in length.
?If the trailer is wider than the car you wish to drive then towing mirrors should be fitted.
?If you fit a tow bar to your vehicle then it must meet EU regulations and be designed for use with that car.
Don't forget if you go over a gross train weight of 3500kgs, then a tachograph is required.
Hope this helps, but please check as these are only guide lines to make you think and not get into trouble.