Or people with trailer test knowledge?

I'm going to do my trailer test after recently buying a horse trailer for the missus (well, her horse not her). The trailer requirements state it must have a minimum MAM of at least 1000kg and at least a 800kg load...

Our horse trailer has a MAM of 2700kg so no problem there and unladen weight of 1000kg.

So the question is, because the unladen weight exceeds the minimum load required for the test am I correct in thinking I don't have to put anything in it?

If i am understanding your question correctly, your asking if the trailer has to be loaded to the max weight when you take the test? In yet another of my lives I was a Defence Driving Instructor (HGV1) and when training and taking the test, the trailer, usually the shorter 20' length, because it was more difficult to reverse was used unloaded. Now that was a good few years ago so things my have changed but I'd take a guess at you could use yours unloaded for the test.

Hope I got it right? REME .. Rough Engineering Made Easy

No I probably worded it wrong, see here for rules about the trailer you use...

https://www.gov.uk/car-trailer-driving-test/trailer-rules

Quote “The trailer must carry a load of at least 600kg. The combined weight of the trailer and load must be at least 800kg.”

So if my trailer already weighs 1000kg, do I still have to put a load of at least 600kg in it?

The misses in the horse trailer isn’t the worst travel plan ever....  Landrover - turning owners into mechanics since 1948

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Bobupndown wrote:

The misses in the horse trailer isn’t the worst travel plan ever....

Quote:

The trailer MUST carry a load of at least 600kg. The combined weight of the trailer and load must be at least 800kg.

You're right, I knew it but just wanted it clarifying lol. I can get hold of a 600L IBC for about £40.

That would mean doing my test pulling 1600kg instead of just 800kg if I used someone else's box trailer

Could always ride the horse wherever you're going, would save having a horse box altogether

Flukey wrote:

You're right, I knew it but just wanted it clarifying lol. I can get hold of a 600L IBC for about £40.

That would mean doing my test pulling 1600kg instead of just 800kg if I used someone else's box trailer

Just stick the horse in it for the test!

Seriously, I often use the horse trailer for carrying non equine cargo & simply use suitable ratchet straps which I attach to the frame/chassis on the outside then pass back through the grooms door & loading ramps as they only have basic rubber seals so a flat strap usually fits. As & when the floor needs replacing I will be getting suitable lashing eyes fitted so I can remove the rubber mats & strap things down using them.

I also find that without a suitable load in it the trailer is a nuisance to tow as it bounces around, banging & crashing etc.

If in doubt ask as the powers that be as I am sure you won't be the first, or the last, to have the same question.

Thanks for the replies all.

I'm just a bit worried that 1600kg will be a lot more difficult to hook up than 800kg if I don't reverse the car directly under the coupling - having said that, I'd expect most caravans are 1600kg+ aren't they?

No, mine is 1100kg.
Just because your loaded horse box would be 1600kg your nose weight should be the same, double axle trailers are always harder to hitch up if don't get it straight inline, backwards and forwards is easy, side to side not so good.
Out off interest what do you have to do on the test? Common sense isn't very common.
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Uncouple car and park at the side, then couple back up.

Reverse through an S bend and stop with the rear of the trailer between 2 cones (you can go forwards twice if you mess up, but will count as a minor and also you can stop and get out to look at the rear of the trailer twice)

Show me/tell me questions same as a car test

Then driving out on the roads same as you would a car test with a couple of pull over and set off again jobbies, and also a hill start.

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