From A frame to trailer (1 Viewer)

Lafant

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We’ve taken the plunge and bought a Woodford trailer to tow our Smart car. We did this because we want to venture into Spain.

It’s a lot bigger than an A frame - a LOT bigger! I’m wondering what the implications are when we park up on camp sites.

Any advice would be gratefully received.
 
Jun 1, 2016
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I have tackled a similar problem recently. I have had a tow bar fitted to the Smart. https://www.smart-stuff.parts/smart-fortwo-towbar-530. Its not for road use but is really useful for parking the trailer. We have found parking is not a problem but a bit of a challenge if you don't have a means of pushing the trailer mechanically onto grass or gravel. Even when its empty it a bit of a struggle and we are not getting any younger.

I have also purchased a remote control 'tractor' to move the trailer into a parking position. I bought this before coming across the tow bar so would suggest the tow bar is the better option - and cheaper. http://kronings.com/language/com/home/products/camper-trolley/. Available in the UK.
 
Sep 22, 2009
472
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Had the towbar and the trolley. Trolley was used to move trailer if not demounting car. It did struggle if slope to steep. Originally had motormover on trailer but paid a visit to weighbridge and had to loose some weight

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Jan 13, 2014
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I have tackled a similar problem recently. I have had a tow bar fitted to the Smart. https://www.smart-stuff.parts/smart-fortwo-towbar-530. Its not for road use but is really useful for parking the trailer. We have found parking is not a problem but a bit of a challenge if you don't have a means of pushing the trailer mechanically onto grass or gravel. Even when its empty it a bit of a struggle and we are not getting any younger.


I have seen a few with caravan movers fitted which sorts out the moving problem.


We’ve taken the plunge and bought a Woodford trailer to tow our Smart car. We did this because we want to venture into Spain.

It’s a lot bigger than an A frame - a LOT bigger! I’m wondering what the implications are when we park up on camp sites.

Any advice would be gratefully received.

I have a Brian James Trailer with Movers it’s actuall my second one and does a great job,I have never had a problem Parking/ Placing the Trailer on Sites or Aires etc I always ensure I’m not encroaching into anyone else’s space and definitely ensure on Aires that I’m not taking a space that could hold another Motorhome.

In respect of the Movers though quite brilliant, however, as stated in the quote above in certain circumstances, Wet grass/ gravel etc the Movers do struggle to find grip and it really is a challenge to get the Trailer EMPTY onto solid flat ground,I’ve always managed without other assistance which as never ever been forthcoming so I had to even though it nearly killed me a couple of times.

So Wymans suggestion of having a Tow Bar fitted to move the Trailer about is one of the best suggestions I’ve heard on this Forum and I will now definitely be having one fitted to my IQ.
 
Aug 18, 2014
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I have tackled a similar problem recently. I have had a tow bar fitted to the Smart. https://www.smart-stuff.parts/smart-fortwo-towbar-530. Its not for road use but is really useful for parking the trailer. We have found parking is not a problem but a bit of a challenge if you don't have a means of pushing the trailer mechanically onto grass or gravel. Even when its empty it a bit of a struggle and we are not getting any younger.

I have also purchased a remote control 'tractor' to move the trailer into a parking position. I bought this before coming across the tow bar so would suggest the tow bar is the better option - and cheaper. http://kronings.com/language/com/home/products/camper-trolley/. Available in the UK.
As long as you can convince the UK policeman that it isn't for 'road use'.

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Jan 8, 2013
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I changed from towing a 7.5 metre caravan to driving an 8 metre motorhome towing a fiat 500.

Why would you take a big van and a small car when you could take a big van and big car?:Eeek:

There are thousand of car and caravans travelling the length and breadth of Europe quite happily - even with a dog:hi5:

Regards

Mr Smart Arse

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TCG

Jul 6, 2017
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Why would you take a big van and a small car when you could take a big van and big car?:Eeek:

There are thousand of car and caravans travelling the length and breadth of Europe quite happily - even with a dog:hi5:

Regards

Mr Smart Arse
There sure are thousands of tuggers, but you obviously know nothing of the subject of towing a caravan
Jeep Grand Cherokee 1750kg towing twin axle caravan 2200kg
Tail wagging dog.
Motorhome circa 3500kg towing small car 850kg dog wagging tail
Here endeth your safe towing lesson
 
May 23, 2008
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I bought a Brian James trailer from a funster 2 years ago. He'd had movers fitted and they are great. No issues moving trailer loaded or not. If I have choices again fitting movers would always win.
 
Jul 29, 2013
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@TCG We have towed a Fiat panda 4x4 on a twin wheeled Phoenix trailer for the last three years down to Spain and last year up to the top of Sweden an d back.
Have had no problems on site parking trailer or moving it about most pitches are plenty big enough and I can move the trailer when unloaded on my own quite easily.
Wouldn’t think you’ll have any problems with a smart trailer.
As far as why do it because we want to and it suits us everyone to their own.

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Feb 20, 2017
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Why would you take a big van and a small car when you could take a big van and big car?:Eeek:

There are thousand of car and caravans travelling the length and breadth of Europe quite happily - even with a dog:hi5:

Regards

Mr Smart Arse

For one reason that you can always find a parking space in the busiest of towns for a 2.7 metre long SMART car and you can never find a parking place for a 4.95 metre long AUDI A6 or even less likely a 7.5 metre Motorhome. I know I have all three and used to tow tug with the AUDI.

The combination of SMART and Motorhome is my ideal combination.

Each to their own as far as this hobby/pastime/way of life goes.
 
Aug 7, 2007
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I would never chance using a "A" frame when going anywhere in Europe as wife does not drive and did not want to have leave car and frame somewhere.
We bought a Brian James trailer that could take either my Mazda Mx5 or our Kia Picanto.
On journeys into Germany and Spain only dropped 1-2 mpg when hitched up, felt very pleased with it and quite smug as I knew all was legal too.
BTW put "Ultraseal" into my tyres to prevent any punctures as I had been using it for years on my motorbikes to great effect !
 
Jan 13, 2014
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I bought a Brian James trailer from a funster 2 years ago. He'd had movers fitted and they are great. No issues moving trailer loaded or not. If I have choices again fitting movers would always win.
You have clearly not had to move it on gravel up a slope otherwise you would have had issues.

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maxi77

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You have clearly not had to move it on gravel up a slope otherwise you would have had issues.

Having had them on caravans they work quite well even uphill yes you can get wheel spin on some surfaces but that is usually easily overcome but I would agree that trying to take it up a 45 degree scree slope will be troublesome
 
Aug 18, 2011
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As long as you can convince the UK policeman that it isn't for 'road use'.
Would not have thought any member of our police force would either know or be interested,,,BUSBY:D
 

Northernraider

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There sure are thousands of tuggers, but you obviously know nothing of the subject of towing a caravan
Jeep Grand Cherokee 1750kg towing twin axle caravan 2200kg
Tail wagging dog.
Motorhome circa 3500kg towing small car 850kg dog wagging tail
Here endeth your safe towing lesson
That's actually illegal....your only allowed to tow a caravan weighing up to 85% of the tow vehicles weight so the caravan couldn't weigh more than the jeep.

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maxi77

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That's actually illegal....your only allowed to tow a caravan weighing up to 85% of the tow vehicles weight so the caravan couldn't weigh more than the jeep.

No, the 85% is a recommendation by the CC the legal limit is set by the manufacturer who specifies the max train weight so if the combined weight if the car and van is within that if is legal.
 

Northernraider

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Not true, it’s only a guide not law.
No, the 85% is a recommendation by the CC the legal limit is set by the manufacturer who specifies the max train weight so if the combined weight if the car and van is within that if is legal.
I stand corrected I thought it was law.
But anyone that tows 2200kg with something weighing 1750kg is an idiot .......i towed caravans for years but I wouldn't have been that stoopid.

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eddie

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Buy a caravan and take that to Spain:imoutahere:
Apart from the fact that I wouldn’t be able to get a caravan with as much space or payload as I currently have in my circa 10,000kg camper the answer to your question is easy!

If I bought a caravan, I would always have to tow, no option.

If I decide to take a car, as I will for my ten day stint at the NEC show next month, I can

If I decide not to tow, as I did when we went to Paris for Christmas and the New Year I can.
 
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two

Aug 4, 2011
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Not true, it’s only a guide not law.
There may be (or have been) a law saying that your speed is limited (to 30mph?) if the weight of the trailer exceeds the weight of the towing vehicle.
I think current law refers to what the the plate on the towing vehicle allows.
 

John65

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That's actually illegal....your only allowed to tow a caravan weighing up to 85% of the tow vehicles weight so the caravan couldn't weigh more than the jeep.
A car can legally tow up to 100% of its weight. A four wheel drive can tow quite a it more than its weight. eg.my Isuzu trooper weighs just over 2 tons but can tow 3.2tons.

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TCG

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That's actually illegal....your only allowed to tow a caravan weighing up to 85% of the tow vehicles weight so the caravan couldn't weigh more than the jeep.
That is totally incorrect, the caravan club advises towing at 85% of kerb weight, the law states that you can tow up to the figure on your V5 which in my case of a grand Cherokee was 3.5 ton
 

TCG

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There may be (or have been) a law saying that your speed is limited (to 30mph?) if the weight of the trailer exceeds the weight of the towing vehicle.
I think current law refers to what the the plate on the towing vehicle allows.
exactly depends on your V5, with regard to speed limits while towing, 60MPH on motorway,
 
Sep 22, 2009
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Further to my earlier reply I have retained the towbar on the smart even though we no longer tow it as it is sometimes useful to attach a bike rack to . And it stops some idiots parking too close

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Jul 18, 2009
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Why would you take a big van and a small car when you could take a big van and big car?:Eeek:

There are thousand of car and caravans travelling the length and breadth of Europe quite happily - even with a dog:hi5:

Regards

Mr Smart Arse

Can you legally park your caravan at the side of the road when you want to?
Can you drive your caravan on its own?

Lots of very good reasons.

IF I was going to tow, I would probably tow a car with our motorhome. Unless my stays were going to be long term 2-3 months plus. Then I may consider a caravan.
 

two

Aug 4, 2011
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What does the law say about the use of an A-frame AND trailer (or tandem trailers)?
My toad has a towball and I have often wondered if there's anything to stop someone from towing something else with a car on an A-frame. You may be able to enjoy the best of all worlds: Motorhome with car and caravan!
I don't know how well they'd behave around sharp corners, though. And other road users might be taken by surprise.
 
Nov 4, 2011
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What does the law say about the use of an A-frame AND trailer (or tandem trailers)?
My toad has a towball and I have often wondered if there's anything to stop someone from towing something else with a car on an A-frame. You may be able to enjoy the best of all worlds: Motorhome with car and caravan!
I don't know how well they'd behave around sharp corners, though. And other road users might be taken by surprise.

Only if you a showman, like a Fair or circus trailers.

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