11 replies to this topic

[jime17]

Hi all,

Been roped into driving the aforementioned wagon containing the contents of someones house to Cornwall and back - 700 miles total - this weekend.

Any advice on loading it safely. And any tips on driving it. The biggest I've driven thus far are lutons and lwb hi tops.

Cheers.

[pmplovesminis2006]

make sure you have 7.5t entitlement on your licence ,and find out about drivers hours and tacho disc/ digi card and maybe a cpc card?

[sonikk4]

You need C1 classification on your license and you do not need tachograph or digi card. As long as its not for hire or reward,

[jime17]

Yes im afraid im old enough to have C1 entitlement. I was more concerned about the loading and the different things to consider when driving it.

[sonikk4]

Driving wise try and load it evenly, too much weight at the front will be a problem. Ohh and they suck fuel so be prepared for lots of fuel stops.

[Dan]

You need C1 classification on your license and you do not need tachograph or digi card. As long as its not for hire or reward,

We come up against this at work all the time and I believe that as well as 'not for hire or reward' you also have to own both the vehicle and its contents. I could well be wrong though, tacho law is horrible.

[sonikk4]

This is off Dash drive vehicle hire

 

What do I need to drive a 7.5ton truck?

To drive our truck you must have a C1 classification on your driving licence and meet out standard driver requirments.

Do I need an Operator’s Licence or Tacograph?

If you are renting as an individual and not for hire or reward then you are not required to either have an operator’s licence nor use a tacograph. 

I rented one sometime ago to drive from Scotland down to Peterborough with no issues and no need for tachograph then. I know things have changed since then but the above info is current. 

[trinnythemini]

You dont need a tacho as long as your not being paid for doing it.
Loading wise make sure you spread the weight. Put furniture on the floor, boxes on top and then chairs or cushions on top again.
The lorry should have a speed limiter set around 55mph so it should cruise nicely. Just watch out for body roll in the corners if its heavy.
hope this helps. I do house removals for a living.

Edited by trinnythemini, 23 November 2014 - 10:38 PM.

[jime17]

Thanks all. I spoke to the DVSA when I got roped into this and they said that as long as I wasn't being paid -which I definitely am not :-( - I didn't need a tacho card.

I'm also concerned about seeing cyclists and how far the tail end swings out as well.

Thanks again for all your advice guys

Edited by jime17, 23 November 2014 - 10:53 PM.

[Ethel]

Operators have to be licensed, they are responsible for tachos, so if you don't have an operator's licence, you won't need a tacho. Loading is no different to a Luton. Driving is pretty similar too, 1st gear on pucka goods vehicles is very low (for crawling up very steep hills) and difficult to engage if you're moving at all, usually you set off in 2nd. If you haven't driven with air brakes before try and get used to them before you need to use them in anger at speed, they're also better once they've warmed up. Size isn't that much of an issue, just take the widest line you can round tight corners - the roads are made for bigger stuff than an 8 tonner. Take both lanes at a junction if you don't want cars going down the side and making it tighter. Likewise keep to the left on roundabouts if the markings allow Use you mirrors to check your road position as well as keep an eye out for cyclists etc. left bend- left mirror, right bend... 

 

Weight really is the biggest difference, brake and change down in plenty of time so you can avoid coming to a halt wherever possible

[The Matt]

I remember the first time I drove a 7.5 tonne flatbed.  I was dreading it, but it was actually fine.  As Ethel says, you kind of just have to take your time getting used to it and allow the time for that.

 

I found the brakes on the one I drove really grabby, but that may have just been the way I was driving.

 

As far as loading goes, it's just a simple case of making sure stuff is secure enough not to move.  Plenty of rope/straps to hold it all in place

[jime17]

Thanks folks. Invaluable as always..