Cheap A frames.....

[mark e]

Read some of the threads but theyre all about proper A frames.

I was thinking of buying a cheap a frame that fits over the front axle.

My dilemma is my wifes car is a Kia Picanto 1000cc, and want to tow it ONCE A YEAR down to Cornwall from Wales. 225 miles there and 225 miles back only !

Are they really that bad ?

P.S Dont want to open a can of worms just genuine replies

 

[pappajohn]

Read some of the threads but theyre all about proper A frames.

I was thinking of buying a cheap a frame that fits over the front axle.

My dilemma is my wifes car is a Kia Picanto 1000cc, and want to tow it ONCE A YEAR down to Cornwall from Wales. 225 miles there and 225 miles back only !

Are they really that bad ?

P.S Dont want to open a can of worms just genuine replies

just three words mark.......THEY AINT LEGAL!!!

this type of frame is for recovery (broken down vehicle) only and then for local recovery to a place of safety only.

 

[scotjimland]

Hi

pappa is correct, at one time I planned to tow a 2CV with an A frame but could only find one that strapped onto the suspension.
I emailed the maker for legal clarification and never got a reply .. so I sold the 2CV rather than risk being charged or worse, having an accident.

jim

 

[vwalan]

all that as been said is correct. i have an intertrade onr here chains to underneath pads on bumper. tows lovelly behind a vw camper used it for best part of 25years for recovery .no brake fitted as used for recovery .works fine .not for sale but still in use. towed thousands of miles here and abroad of course only on recovery. cheers alan.

 

[dazzer]

If its just once a year hire a trailer from a plant hire company. Our local guys charge about £ 60.00 :thumb:

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[Wildman]

just a thought guys, how about a quad bike with front wheels on an ambulance well under the weight requiring brakes and reversible as well.

 

[pappajohn]

just a thought guys, how about a quad bike with front wheels on an ambulance well under the weight requiring brakes and reversible as well.

and unfortunately Roger, still not legal for the same reasons as the chain-on A frame.....recovery equipment only.:Sad:

 

[vwalan]

not legal as if a trailer as brakes they must work. i have a harvey frost ambulance here there is some stupid speed limit now and they can only be used for recovery. easier to put a braked hitch on a cheap a frame then run your own bowden cable to pull on the pedal. use a light board ,hey presto fixed. cheers alan . its not hard to fabricate an a frame that straps on to wishbones or bolts on to car. the cost is the braked hitch.

 

[pappajohn]

not legal as if a trailer as brakes they must work. i have a harvey frost ambulance here there is some stupid speed limit now and they can only be used for recovery. easier to put a braked hitch on a cheap a frame then run your own bowden cable to pull on the pedal. use a light board ,hey presto fixed. cheers alan . its not hard to fabricate an a frame that straps on to wishbones or bolts on to car. the cost is the braked hitch.

hi alan,

you probably know this already but the ambulance has a pivot (usually above the axle) for the car wheel plate and a pivot point around the tow hitch so in effect it has two pivot points.
this makes it a locomotive and the speed is restricted to 20mph and i think motorways are a no-no as you should be able to maintain a speed of 50mph minimum on a motorway. dont know if thats a legal requirement or just an accepted minimum.

lost count of the times i've mentioned the "if it has brakes, they must work" bit.

 

[vwalan]

hi john ,mine is a hoist type on 2 wheels ,but its only for recovery .i can tow two trailers with my mitzy as its classed as a motor tractor. there is rules on the d.f.t. site .if i was op. i would do like i said make aframe + bowden cable use ratchet strapsto tie it on .i used a tow pole today with ratchet strap in similer idea. intertrade yet again,i did have a garage got heaps of kit here sitting . cheers alan. you going malvern this week end?

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[pappajohn]

you going malvern this week end?

yep...we'll be there friday.:thumb:

 

[vwalan]

c u there.hope to be up end of week havnt booked .hope theres room. probly be stuffed in a corner some where . have fun ,alan.

 

[Road Runner]

I used to have a tilt and slide recovery vehicle with spectacle frame on rear.

Should have just stuck a caravan on the back (got me RV) and car on the spectacle

17 mpg then as well

 

[bigfish]

If only for once a year,save yer dosh, why not rent a car if and when you need it??oh:

 

[Road Runner]

c u there.hope to be up end of week havnt booked .hope theres room. probly be stuffed in a corner some where . have fun ,alan.

I am booked but might not be able to make it as firm doing my bus are dragging their healsoh:

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[pappajohn]

I am booked but might not be able to make it as firm doing my bus are dragging their healsoh:

give 'em hell john......matter of national urgency

or tell 'em you'll take it friday and return it monday

 

[markymark]

Would it be possible to tow a quad?

 

[vwalan]

if you tow anything there is rules. . yes you can tow a quad . be better on a trailer as tyres will soon wear out. if you want to tow a car you know what to do . i also have a bike frame for towing bikes n trikes. . also a spec frame for bikes ,all have good n bad points . i now prefer to put a dax in the garage out of sight out of mind.