Can anyone point me in the right direction for finding a kit to build a half mini trailer? Thanks.
Mini Half Trailer ?
Started by
Mini Waco
, Jul 28 2017 03:53 AM
8 replies to this topic
#2
nicklouse
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#4
tiger99
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Posted 05 August 2017 - 11:48 AM
Please be aware that nowadays most new trailers require to pass an IVA test, which is impossible as VOSA can't do the required brake test and analysis. So, in theory, no more home-built trailers.
However the legislation was fatally flawed because there is no registration required for trailers and therefore no means of proving that it was built before or after the cutoff date. Best to make sure that it does not look new, then it is unlikely to be questioned. In this case the law is an ass.
It was strange how the regulations were slipped in quietly a few years ago and no-one screamed or shouted at the time.
I really would like to hear of what people are doing about this, but please don't put your trailers at risk of being crushed by revealing too much identifying detail. My thinking is that if there are, as I suspect, a large number of trailers in violation of the rules, the point will be reached when the rules must be changed. Building the trailer to a set of guidelines, with provision to assess the braking system at IVA (much cheaper than for a car) from documentation and examination, would be one way forward, or they could add a rig to hold the towbar coupling and measure the force while braking on the rollers.
Something needs to be done to sort this out. Many of us need trailers.
However the legislation was fatally flawed because there is no registration required for trailers and therefore no means of proving that it was built before or after the cutoff date. Best to make sure that it does not look new, then it is unlikely to be questioned. In this case the law is an ass.
It was strange how the regulations were slipped in quietly a few years ago and no-one screamed or shouted at the time.
I really would like to hear of what people are doing about this, but please don't put your trailers at risk of being crushed by revealing too much identifying detail. My thinking is that if there are, as I suspect, a large number of trailers in violation of the rules, the point will be reached when the rules must be changed. Building the trailer to a set of guidelines, with provision to assess the braking system at IVA (much cheaper than for a car) from documentation and examination, would be one way forward, or they could add a rig to hold the towbar coupling and measure the force while braking on the rollers.
Something needs to be done to sort this out. Many of us need trailers.
#5
nicklouse
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Posted 05 August 2017 - 11:50 AM
Please be aware that nowadays most new trailers require to pass an IVA test, which is impossible as VOSA can't do the required brake test and analysis. So, in theory, no more home-built trailers.
However the legislation was fatally flawed because there is no registration required for trailers and therefore no means of proving that it was built before or after the cutoff date. Best to make sure that it does not look new, then it is unlikely to be questioned. In this case the law is an ass.
It was strange how the regulations were slipped in quietly a few years ago and no-one screamed or shouted at the time.
I really would like to hear of what people are doing about this, but please don't put your trailers at risk of being crushed by revealing too much identifying detail. My thinking is that if there are, as I suspect, a large number of trailers in violation of the rules, the point will be reached when the rules must be changed. Building the trailer to a set of guidelines, with provision to assess the braking system at IVA (much cheaper than for a car) from documentation and examination, would be one way forward, or they could add a rig to hold the towbar coupling and measure the force while braking on the rollers.
Something needs to be done to sort this out. Many of us need trailers.
does that apply in Texas?
#6
CityEPete
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Posted 05 August 2017 - 01:40 PM
I've just had a look at the test and to be honest the rules that would apply to a typical mini trailer (and certainly one towable by a mini) would fall into the class 01 or 02 which upon reading the list basically applies to the construction, so sturdy which it would be, lights and tyres, that's it. Trailers below 750kg don't require brakes iirc either?
#7
CityEPete
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Posted 05 August 2017 - 02:20 PM
Just checked and they don't so make it solid, fit new suitable tyres, make sure all the lights work and make sure it has a proper coupling with all the bs/iso numbers etc and it should be sound and both safe and saleable too if granted a plate.
#8
Mini Waco
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Posted 05 August 2017 - 05:44 PM
Please be aware that nowadays most new trailers require to pass an IVA test, which is impossible as VOSA can't do the required brake test and analysis. So, in theory, no more home-built trailers......Something needs to be done to sort this out. Many of us need trailers.
does that apply in Texas?
Thankfully for us, we do not have the same regulations / requirements. It far easier (I believe) for us to register a Trailer whether home made or other. My only challenge or larger expense is shipping the parts from the UK to Texas...
#9
tiger99
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Posted 08 August 2017 - 11:45 AM
We don't actually register the trailer either. They are totally uncontrolled, which is why the need for the IVA test, normally required when registering a car with major modifications, is entirely inappropriate. It should be something like a MOT test annually to ensure that the trailer remains safe, but that is not actually done. All very stupid. I only presented the facts as I believe them to be so that no-one would find themselves in legal trouble. I certainly don't agree with an ill-concieved law.
As for trailer mass, there is a relationship between trailer and tow vehicle mass, which I think would require brakes in most cases. A light camping trailer on a normal car is ok, but the Mini is not rated for a heavy trailer, later models even more so. In each case reference has to be made to the manufacturer's specification for the particular year and model, typically in the owner's handbook, and take that as the legal maximum.
I will look into this some more when I get the chance. But meanwhile there is always the fully legal option of acquiring a pre-IVA trailer and restoring it using normal Mini techniques. Someone's pile of scrap may actually have some value.
If we could get enough signatures, we could petition parliament to look into the nonsensical parts of the IVA regulations.
As for trailer mass, there is a relationship between trailer and tow vehicle mass, which I think would require brakes in most cases. A light camping trailer on a normal car is ok, but the Mini is not rated for a heavy trailer, later models even more so. In each case reference has to be made to the manufacturer's specification for the particular year and model, typically in the owner's handbook, and take that as the legal maximum.
I will look into this some more when I get the chance. But meanwhile there is always the fully legal option of acquiring a pre-IVA trailer and restoring it using normal Mini techniques. Someone's pile of scrap may actually have some value.
If we could get enough signatures, we could petition parliament to look into the nonsensical parts of the IVA regulations.
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