Practically Classics Forum

New trailers all come with chassis plates and a stamped VIN so while it may be harder to enforce registration for older trailers (not that older cars need chassis plates either and they seem to be registered just fine), the means by which to identify trailers is already in place and has been since the same time that VINs replaced the old chassis numbers. Yes, of course trailers would then require their own plates but this works pretty much everywhere else in the world and perhaps (stats someone please?) thefts of trailers are greater in number in the UK than anywhere else. Sheep trailers are stolen regularly around here but many are found and if they haven't yet had their VINs obliterated successfully (criminals are pretty stupid and sometimes a skim of cataloy and some zinc-effect paint is all they'll use ), the Polises are usually able to reunite them with their owners.

HGV trailers need an MOT so I don't see any reason car ones would be any more difficult to apply a test to. They all have VIN numbers (or certainly numbers stamped in to the chassis) which get put down on the certificate. It wouldn't be any harder for the fuzz to enter the VIN in to their computer and check it was tested than with the VIN on a car when they do a VIC.

Would it be feasible for trailers to carry two plates Perhaps the "Trailer" plate could be visibly rather different from the towing vehicle plate or perhaps it could be on the front or side of the trailer, so as not to confuse anyone following (Afterall for purposes of traffic offences, it's the towing vehicle that matters). Ofcourse trailers would then need log books. I don't think insurance companies ever ask whether you do any towing......I wonder how long it would be before trailers needed their own insurance, if they ever became registered

Martin Evans wrote: I don't think insurance companies ever ask whether you do any towing......I wonder how long it would be before trailers needed their own insurance, if they ever became registered

The NFU do and charge extra if you want to be covered for use of a trailer other than in emergency situations. Would it be such a bad thing to insure trailers separately?

I'll throw in this as devils advocate.
I've seen some pretty shoddy excuses for trailers in my time, and some pretty sh- crappy caravans as well.
Would I like to see them properly tested so that at least the 10 year old tyres that they've stood on for 6 months before being taken on a 400 mile trip?
Hell yeah

Do you think the caravan club would object all the ways to Sunday about the extra cost of all this "Unneccessary" paper work?

Pretty sure.

I'll leave the probability of this coming off as an exercise to the reader

We have to register trailers and caravans here if they are longer than 3m (tip of the draw bar to the back end) and narrower than the towing vehicle. Trailers under the limit have to display the tow car's plate, just like you do. There are heaps of 6' x 4' trailers around because that's about as big as you can go without registering it.

Bigger trailers needs an initial inspection when first registered or put back on the road. They have their own plate issued. Registration fees are only $36.00 a year, so it's no big deal.

My elderly car trailer lost it's original green-on-white plate after someone stole it an interstate trip. It only took the New South Wales Police six weeks to file the report so I could have a new number issued.



PS: Owning a car trailer is handy. It keeps me in alcohol all year from lending it out.

SirTainleyBarking wrote:I'll throw in this as devils advocate.
I've seen some pretty shoddy excuses for trailers in my time, and some pretty sh- crappy caravans as well.
Would I like to see them properly tested so that at least the 10 year old tyres that they've stood on for 6 months before being taken on a 400 mile trip?
Hell yeah

Do you think the caravan club would object all the ways to Sunday about the extra cost of all this "Unneccessary" paper work?

Pretty sure.

I'll leave the probability of this coming off as an exercise to the reader

The caravan club strongly recommend annual servicing of caravans, which covers both the running gear, including tyres, and safety critical systems on the living side, like gas and electric.
The support the CRiS registration scheme because it helps to reduce the incidence of stolen vans being sold on.
I expect if the scheme was designed to be beneficial, rather than punitive / revenue generating, they would support it.

MW

The Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs (FBHVC) has been watching the subject of modified classic cars ever since this subject came up and the subject of no MOT's on pre 1960 vehicles. It is good job they do as they get the facts right on these subjects. It's possible that Philip Hammond used this as the first step in this Government changing EU law to our advantage. Who knows.

One thing that many car clubs are in favour of and some classic car insurers are considering is having a voluntary MOT test or Certificate of Road Worthiness. If it cost you twenty quid and it reduced your insurance premium it's worth it. Pre 1960 vehicles over 3500kg always have been exempted from testing and plating.

Arguing amongst ourselves on whether the wording was a ban or whatever means we take our eyes off the road. Remember there's some evil little sod in Brussels who nobody liked at school, or anywhere for that matter, who is trying to wrong foot us. He can't understand why we should enjoy classic vehicles be they motorcycles or tanks. So lets spoil his fun with a united front. Read the classic car magazines for updates on what is happening in the EU that effects our hobby. It could be the differance between you having a 'Classic Vehicle' in your garage or a very large ornament!