EASYLIFT HYDRATRAIL IN EUROPE

DiggerJon

DiggerJon

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I've searched in vain for a definitive answer to whether a Hydratrail is legal to use in Europe especially now we are so close to severing our infernal ties to the EC. I understand its use in the UK is "subject to a grey area" but the legality of its use has not yet been challenged.
Anyone got any answers or practical experience of using one in Europe? I'm hoping to go to France in March/April and would like to use the Hydralift instead of my side loading trailer which is a pig to reverse!
 
DiggerJon said:
I've searched in vain for a definitive answer to whether a Hydratrail is legal to use in Europe especially now we are so close to severing our infernal ties to the EC. I understand its use in the UK is "subject to a grey area" but the legality of its use has not yet been challenged.
Anyone got any answers or practical experience of using one in Europe? I'm hoping to go to France in March/April and would like to use the Hydralift instead of my side loading trailer which is a pig to reverse!
Click to expand...
Can't help but waiting for a response as we are hoping to use one this year too
 
We used ours in France, Spain, Germany, Belgium and Italy, over a prolonged period and never had any problems. We had our documentation, licence, insurance etc checked twice in France, in routine traffic checks, without any comments being made about the trailer.

A French company produce a similar looking unit, though much bulkier.

I can’t comment on the strict legality however, only relate our personal experience.
 
As above, I have also used mine in France, Spain, Germany and Italy. Helped by Spanish Police motorcyclists when I had a puncture. Never had a problem or questioned. Selling mine as we now have two dogs to carry (currently on an auction site). Going to miss it and the convenience of reversing. A great piece of kit.
 
Not sure which version you are considering but we have this version and have been using it all over Europe for the last 4 years - never had a problem or anyone querying it.

Easy-Lifter Non-Lift system - Tel: 01509 268400 - £450.00 Inc VAT

Easy-Lifter Non-Lift system gives you complete freedom on the road - call 01509 268400 today
www.easylifter.co.uk
Vic said:
As above, I have also used mine in France, Spain, Germany and Italy. Helped by Spanish Police motorcyclists when I had a puncture. Never had a problem or questioned. Selling mine as we now have two dogs to carry (currently on an auction site). Going to miss it and the convenience of reversing. A great piece of kit.
Click to expand...
Which auction site please?

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DiggerJon said:
I've searched in vain for a definitive answer to whether a Hydratrail is legal to use in Europe especially now we are so close to severing our infernal ties to the EC. I understand its use in the UK is "subject to a grey area" but the legality of its use has not yet been challenged.
Anyone got any answers or practical experience of using one in Europe? I'm hoping to go to France in March/April and would like to use the Hydralift instead of my side loading trailer which is a pig to reverse!
Click to expand...

Why would it not be?

It doesn't stray into the same sort of grey area that A-Frames do.

It carries 100% of its load on the ‘trailer’ wheels.

Which one are you referring to?

Ian
 
Looking at one on E-Bay. I can see not reason why any EU country would regard it as any other than a Trailer?. Everything is clear of the road and as long as the Total mass is below 750Kg, brakes are not required. In fact the only limitation I can see is compliance with speed limits as applied to trailer towing?.
 
When we had a motorbike used one to spain and back no prob,no bike now as shmbo made me sell after crash but if we still had one would use in Europe ,just watch the speed humps.
 
I cant see anywhere in EU that would be a problem , as I doubt that it falls within any legislation , as it would not even be known about to legislate for or against . As a trailed item below 750kg and not needing registration in UK how would it be classed in EU ? It is not "illegal" in its home country , so unless expressly prohibited (eg like vehicle towing in Spain) I cant see it raising problems . I did look at one , but ended up with a dual Easylifter behind my RV . Never heard of anyone being picked up in EU .

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Saw this carrying a 3 wheel scooter on a French reg m/h. He'd been using it for seven years, presumably without issues.

2016-05-08 France May 2016 003.JPG
 
Spriddler said:
Saw this carrying a 3 wheel scooter on a French reg m/h. He'd been using it for seven years, presumably without issues.

View attachment 363748
Click to expand...
Made by Alko. That’s the flat bed version
Full size wheels. I’ve seen the single ramp version
It’s called a wheely
www.sawiko.com

WHEELY | SAWIKO

With its universal applicability, the WHEELY is convincing in every conceivable situation. The ingenious flexibility allows for maximum holiday
www.sawiko.com www.sawiko.com
I think, costs about £2000. It’s on my radar, ?
 
DiggerJon said:
........whether a Hydratrail is legal to use in Europe...…...
would like to use the Hydralift instead of my side loading trailer which is a pig to reverse!
Click to expand...
The OP's post isn't clear whether he's asking about a Hydralift or a Hydratail. Maybe they are the same thing, maybe not.
A photo would've clarified exactly what he has.
 
easylift hydratrail it says in title?

Easy-Lifter Hydra Trail - Tel: 01509 268400 - £1195.00 Inc VAT

Easy-Lifter Non-Lift system gives you complete freedom on the road - call 01509 268400 today
www.easylifter.co.uk
Looks a great piece of kit and I will begetting one when I finally get the MoHo of my f=dreams lol
Concorde D-Liner (L) for a tenner :)

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Got one in the garage at home which will probably appear in the classifieds section soon because we’re not using it (assuming I get my arse in gear). Will come with complete replacement spare wheel unit, a spare wheel, loading ramp etc.
 
PeteH said:
Looking at one on E-Bay. I can see not reason why any EU country would regard it as any other than a Trailer?. Everything is clear of the road and as long as the Total mass is below 750Kg, brakes are not required. In fact the only limitation I can see is compliance with speed limits as applied to trailer towing?.
Click to expand...

This has been discussed before and imo it’s not a trailer as it doesn’t articulate around its fixing point ?

Any thoughts ?
 
Silver-Fox said:
This has been discussed before and imo it’s not a trailer as it doesn’t articulate around its fixing point ?

Any thoughts ?
Click to expand...
IMV. The lack of articulation, would not preclude it being regarded as a Trailer per se. other than that point it would appear to comply.

I can see nothing in the CU regs? that would disagree with that assessment?.

The Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986

www.legislation.gov.uk www.legislation.gov.uk

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RowleyBirkinQC said:
Got one in the garage at home which will probably appear in the classifieds section soon
Click to expand...


I'm up for one - ideally like to swap for a classic motorbike see classifieds here - I can't imagine there being an issue abroad with it.
 
Use, i can't see that being an issue as in general you can use what is legal in the registered vehicles country, even if you take it to another country.

Buy = no mainly down to the fact that there's no paperwork provided by the manufacturer and therefore they cannot be registered (i spoke to them last year and when i mentioned paperwork i at least got an honest answer) secondly as far as i could find out in many countries you cannot connect an unarticulated trailer to the back of a vehicle whilst it is in forward motion, the French Yo Remorques get around this by having their well known lock-out bar that is used when reversing.

The fact that the UK is the only European country that allows unregistered trailers to be used on the road is why this all works, well for now at least.

PS: got my annual road tax of £110 for the trailer a few weeks back:cry:
 
Me too, used mine for 6 years never a problem. Except for a tyre blow out on a Spanish motorway. The only thing you have to get used to is the little crowd of people that gathers as you reverse into a place to ask you questions about it!
 
PeteH said:
IMV. The lack of articulation, would not preclude it being regarded as a Trailer per se. other than that point it would appear to comply.

I can see nothing in the CU regs? that would disagree with that assessment?.

The Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986

www.legislation.gov.uk www.legislation.gov.uk
Click to expand...


  • —the longitudinal axis of the greater part of the implement is capable of articulating in the horizontal plane in relation to the longitudinal axis of the rear portion of the vehicle on which it is mounted.

  • That’s the bit I’d refer to unless ive
  • misread your link.


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Silver-Fox said:
  • —the longitudinal axis of the greater part of the implement is capable of articulating in the horizontal plane in relation to the longitudinal axis of the rear portion of the vehicle on which it is mounted.

  • That’s the bit I’d refer to unless ive
  • misread your link.

Click to expand...
Blimey, now I am baffled Sir Humphrey!

Seriously folks, thanks for all the replies even if I am more confused than before!
 
Vic said:
As above, I have also used mine in France, Spain, Germany and Italy. Helped by Spanish Police motorcyclists when I had a puncture. Never had a problem or questioned. Selling mine as we now have two dogs to carry (currently on an auction site). Going to miss it and the convenience of reversing. A great piece of kit.
Click to expand...
How dirty does the bike get if the weather is poor when towing ?
 
That’s one of the main problems. Bike gets very dirty when it’s wet. I would always run my F800GS after driving in rain as the spark plug well got water in them and caused them to rust.
 
With a scooter being covered in plastic it does not matter so much. Quick wipe down and job jobbed. Carried two scooters, not at once, never had a problem.
 
As per Vic above.

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