Breakaway Cables
Posted: Tue, 24 Jun 2014, 12:51 pm
Following a request from Dave (after he got a £100 spot fine for not having a breakaway cable fitted to his Portafold) I have the official legislation that you can quote to the relevant authorities. All the credit must go to the very helpful guy at the NTTA (National Trailer & Towing Association) www.ntta.co.uk
Basically, any trailer (legally called a vehicle) that was first used before the 1st April 1983 is except from using a breakaway cable.
This is written in law in the Road Traffic Act 1986, Statutory Instrument Number 1078, Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulation 1986, Regulation Number 15.
That being said, whilst it's not legally required, I would highly recommend that rather than using a breakaway cable (that are designed to snap once the handbrake has been applied) I would use a towing cable or chain. Basically, something that is man-enough to tow the Portafold should the caravan un-hitch itself from the tow ball. I myself have a rubber coated cable with D shackles on each end. I've had it made strong enough to tow the full weight of my Portafold (approx 450kg) plus an extra percentage to allow for the 'snatch weight'. This is latched to my brakes on the Portafold and the towing eye on the back of my car.
And for the record, Dave has had his fine rescinded, as he was legal.
Basically, any trailer (legally called a vehicle) that was first used before the 1st April 1983 is except from using a breakaway cable.
This is written in law in the Road Traffic Act 1986, Statutory Instrument Number 1078, Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulation 1986, Regulation Number 15.
That being said, whilst it's not legally required, I would highly recommend that rather than using a breakaway cable (that are designed to snap once the handbrake has been applied) I would use a towing cable or chain. Basically, something that is man-enough to tow the Portafold should the caravan un-hitch itself from the tow ball. I myself have a rubber coated cable with D shackles on each end. I've had it made strong enough to tow the full weight of my Portafold (approx 450kg) plus an extra percentage to allow for the 'snatch weight'. This is latched to my brakes on the Portafold and the towing eye on the back of my car.
And for the record, Dave has had his fine rescinded, as he was legal.