WHAT WEIGHT CAN YOU TOW
As a general rule towing is classified into the following categories. Category B vehicles: Vehicles up to 3.5t
MAM (Maximum Authorised Weight) Category C1 Vehicles: Vehicles between 3.5t & 7.5t MAM If you passed
your test before 01/01/97 you are entitled to drive a vehicle and trailer combination not exceeding 8.25 t MAM
(Conditions apply). If you passed your test after 01/01/97 you are limited to vehicles up to 3.5t MAM, towing a
trailer up to 750kg, or a total combined weight of up to 3.5t MAM as long as the MAM of the trailer does not
exceed the unladen mass of the towing vehicle. Using an example of a Landrover Discovery has an unladen
mass of approximately 2200kg. If you hold a Cat B licence you could tow a trailer up to 1300kg. But you must
also calculate the weight of people in the vehicle and general load, which will reduce the towing weight, as you
cannot exceed 3.5t combination weight. Using the same example for a Cat C1 licence holder the same vehicle is
permitted to tow a braked trailer to MAM of 3.5t. However you must not exceed the kerb weight of the towing
vehicle, which in this example is 2.2t. Therefore the total combination weight would be 4.4t. A double
horsebox trailer generally weights unladen approximately 900 kg. If you then add 2 horse at 600kg each and
food and tack at 100kg you will have a gross weight of 2.2t. This would be the maximum weight permissible
towing behind a Discovery with a C1 licence but would not be permissible with a Cat. B licence.
PERMITTED LOADS ON HORSEBOXES
This is a simple calculation but one you have to be very aware of. All vehicles over 3.5t should have a VOSA
plate located in the vehicle stating the unladen weight and the gross permissible weight MAM (Maximum
Authorised Weight). You simply take the unladen weight and add the load being carried and this should not
exceed the MAM. A typical 7.5t horsebox will have an unladen weight of anything between 4t and 6t and the
load carried cannot exceed 7.5t. If your horsebox has an unladen weight of 5t you cannot exceed a 2.5t load. If
you are carrying 2 horses at 700 kg each and feed and tack of 500kg this would add up to 1.9t which would give
you a total weight of 6.9t. As well as the MAM, the VOSA plate located in the cab will show maximum loadings
on EACH axle. As with the MAM, the loading of the horsebox must not exceed the maximum loading on EACH
axle. DO NOT assume that the axle loading on your Horsebox is the same as another one of the same type,
THEY ARE ALL DIFFERENT. To be sure of what your vehicle weight is, it is advisable to weigh your vehicle at a
public weigh bridge both empty with fuel and passengers and loaded with horses and equipment. Some
horseboxes are surprisingly heavy with a large body and ancillary equipment and this will vastly reduce your
carrying capacity. Unfortunately the law is very strict with overloading and ignorance is no defence. The same
will apply for vehicles under 3.5t MAM and a vehicle and trailer combination.
IS YOUR VEHICLE ROADWORTHY
Beware, VOSA have said they will be targeting Horseboxes this year. Apart from your yearly MOT it is crucial
your vehicle is roadworthy It is common for an amateur rider not to use their vehicle for a long period of time
between seasons. This is when the vehicle is most vulnerable. Tyres can perish or develop flat spots. Brakes can
seize due to rust, or air and water can leak in the system. Rubber bushes can perish and springs can rust. This is
what will be examined at a roadside check. Your vehicle will be weighed as well to ensure it is operating within
its weight limits and the general condition of the body will also be checked. If you are not sure of the condition
of your vehicle make sure you get an independent inspection before the start of the season. VOSA are very
concerned about road safety and if your vehicle is checked and proved not to be roadworthy it will be removed
from the road immediately and then it will be up to you to arrange recovery of the vehicle and the horse/s. You
always make sure your horse is in excellent condition, make sure your vehicle is too!!!!!