Payload = the carrying capacity. It is the weight the trailer can legally carry.
See =>Payload calculations
Gross weight = the carrying capacity of the trailer plus its unladen. It is fixed by the manufacturer of the trailer and indicated on the marking plate.
IMPORTANT : It is an offence to load a trailer to more than its marked gross weight.
Braking : it is compulsory to use a braked trailer when its gross weight (the carrying capacity of the trailer plus its unladen) exceeds 750 kg or exceeds half the weight of the towing vehicle.
See =>Towing capacities of cars
 |
|
 Width :
The maximum width is 2.30 m.
In the case of towing by a vehicle exceeds 3.5T maximum gross weight, the width can be 2.50 m.
Length :
The maximum length is 7.00 m (not included the drawbar of coupling).
In the case of a twin axles trailer, the length can be 12 m with 18 m maxi for the total length (vehicle plus trailer).
Important
Loads must not exceed more than 305 mm on either side of the trailer.
Marking plate :
Whatever its gross weigth, each trailers should be marked on the near side of the drawbar with its vehicle identification number (VIN) of 17 characters . So a plate should indicate :
- the manufacturer's name
- the serial number
- the number of axles
- the weight capacity for each axle
- the maximum gross weight
- the year of manufacture |
