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[neilr]

used an aframe for 1st time last night (swmbo's mig) see help. what a good piece of kit. much easier that rope etc. just like having trailer.
so if anyones stuck close to me give me a try.

[tunnie]

Only ever towed using a tow pole, never tried an A frame. Watch out for plod though, its on the very limit of the legal amount you. When i ran the numbers, an Elite can pull a CD spec, but not the other way around 

[Kevin Wood]

Only ever towed using a tow pole, never tried an A frame. Watch out for plod though, its on the very limit of the legal amount you. When i ran the numbers, an Elite can pull a CD spec, but not the other way around 

Towing weights are for braked trailers. A car on an A frame is unbraked. Unbraked trailer legal limit is 750Kg regardless of the type of car!

Lower limits apply for drivers without the B+E (those who passed their test after 1st January 1997).

So, towing an Omega on an A frame is not strictly legal regardless of the towing vehicle and, if stopped, your only defence would be that you are moving the car to a place of safety following a breakdown, IMHO.

Of course, both vehicles need to be taxed and MOT'd.

Kevin

[tunnie]

Only ever towed using a tow pole, never tried an A frame. Watch out for plod though, its on the very limit of the legal amount you. When i ran the numbers, an Elite can pull a CD spec, but not the other way around 

Towing weights are for braked trailers. A car on an A frame is unbraked. Unbraked trailer legal limit is 750Kg regardless of the type of car!

Lower limits apply for drivers without the B+E (those who passed their test after 1st January 1997).

So, towing an Omega on an A frame is not strictly legal regardless of the towing vehicle and, if stopped, your only defence would be that you are moving the car to a place of safety following a breakdown, IMHO.

Of course, both vehicles need to be taxed and MOT'd.

Kevin

Ahh, I was going on the stamp on the door frame with regards to gross weight its allowed to be, 4,300 kg's - But as you say thats braked.

Did'nt know the A frame legal limit was so low!

[Kevin Wood]

Ahh, I was going on the stamp on the door frame with regards to gross weight its allowed to be, 4,300 kg's - But as you say thats braked.

Did'nt know the A frame legal limit was so low!

Yep, there's much more to it that the "train weight" declared by the vehicle manufacturer.

There's debate about the legality of A frames in general. I would regard them as the same as a tow rope - for emergencies and recovering a vehicle to a place of safety - which, in the OP's case, is what it was being used for.

Kevin

[omegabsw]

Ahh, I was going on the stamp on the door frame with regards to gross weight its allowed to be, 4,300 kg's - But as you say thats braked.

Did'nt know the A frame legal limit was so low!

Yep, there's much more to it that the "train weight" declared by the vehicle manufacturer.

There's debate about the legality of A frames in general. I would regard them as the same as a tow rope - for emergencies and recovering a vehicle to a place of safety - which, in the OP's case, is what it was being used for.

Kevin

Exactly right, you should be fine with an A frame regardless of weight as long as it was for "Recovery" purposes and not just for transporting the vehicle

[Andy B]

....
Exactly right, you should be fine with an A frame regardless of weight as long as it was for "Recovery" purposes and not just for transporting the vehicle

I've 'recovered' a couple of vehicle over quite large distances with no problems.

[omegabsw]

....
Exactly right, you should be fine with an A frame regardless of weight as long as it was for "Recovery" purposes and not just for transporting the vehicle

I've 'recovered' a couple of vehicle over quite large distances with no problems.

Yep, as long as you are just recovering them 

[Andy B]

....
Yep, as long as you are just recovering them 

As though I'd do anything other than 'recover' them. 

It certainly beats towing them even with a rigid towpole. 

[omegabsw]

....
Yep, as long as you are just recovering them 

As though I'd do anything other than 'recover' them. 

It certainly beats towing them even with a rigid towpole. 

They are good tho, those poles.

I bought one for about £20 and its been great

[Andy B]

...
They are good tho, those poles.

I bought one for about £20 and its been great

I've had two of the Machine Mart sprung poles and both have managed to fold themselves in half when my Dad the bloke in the recovered car  hasn't braked enough to keep tension in the pole.

[omegabsw]

...
They are good tho, those poles.

I bought one for about £20 and its been great

I've had two of the Machine Mart sprung poles and both have managed to fold themselves in half when my Dad the bloke in the recovered car  hasn't braked enough to keep tension in the pole.

LOL, thinking about as well, I have only ever towed a golf and Alfa 156 with mine. never anything big

[neilr]

would not like to tow another mig or similar any great distance but was fine for 5 or 6 miles covered much easier without having 2nd driver as the towed car follows like a trailer. towing a smaller vehicle would be great though dont think ill be using a rope or pole again.

[ballcock50]

I've been thinking about getting or making one, as for the legallity you can get them that operate the car's braking system which activates all four brakes so will this comply with the relevent laws?