20 replies to this topic

[MRA]

Is there a homologated tow bar prior to 1998 ?

I've seen loads of non CE marked towbars fitted to cars... especially Minis is there a date when this was not required ?

Regards Martin

[Dan]

Prior to August 1998, homologation was not required and anyone could make a towbar for anything.

[MRA]

That explains that then

[ned320]

thanks for all your help. so pulling a trailer with my mini is a no no then boooo hoooo
looks like i'll have buy another mini ( my misses with nack me )

[bmcecosse]

Be wary of using the boot floor for tow-bar attachment - it has no real strength even when new - and even less now! I had a tow bar - home made - that attached entirely to the rear subframe - much more solid and reliable - used it to tow my racing Mini on a trailer. Even then - obviously the subframe mounts to the shell must be in good condition ! If you two anything with a post 98 Mini - you will likely not be insured.
Is there not now also a requirement to pass a special test to tow anything now - unless you have an 'older' licence ?

[chunkytfg]

Be wary of using the boot floor for tow-bar attachment - it has no real strength even when new - and even less now! I had a tow bar - home made - that attached entirely to the rear subframe - much more solid and reliable - used it to tow my racing Mini on a trailer. Even then - obviously the subframe mounts to the shell must be in good condition ! If you two anything with a post 98 Mini - you will likely not be insured.
Is there not now also a requirement to pass a special test to tow anything now - unless you have an 'older' licence ?

Technically yes if you passed your driving test after aug 1997 you only have the B catagory on your licence and not the B+E required to tow anything. However the B catagory allows you to tow anything up to 750kg's max gross weight in an unbraked trailer with a vehicle up to 3.5t and any braked trailer providing the Laden weight of the trailer does not exceed the unladen weight of the towing vehicle and the combined MAX GROSS WEIGHT does not exceed 3.5t.

In a mini towing a trailer having only B on your license should not be a worry as i would doubt your trailer will exceed 750kgs