When towbars go bad
A recent accident has highlighted the need for trailer owners to check towbars
OWNERS are being urged to check their towing vehicles after a horse had to be cut free from a trailer when the towbar failed.
Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service attended the incident on 22 September near Cassington, Oxfordshire, to rescue the horse from the trailer that had crashed into a tree on the side of the road.
Vet Sam Cutts of Hook Norton Veterinary Group, who worked with the fire service at the scene, said she wants to raise awareness for people to check their trailers and towing vehicles.
“It’s an ongoing concern with trailers as there’s no compulsory legal checks. I don’t think most people get their trailer hitches checked on an annual basis.”
British Horse Society director of safety Alan Hiscox told H&H: “Currently the UK has no trailer MOT test, therefore ensuring trailer safely is entirely down to the owner. Multiple safety checks should be made before setting off, including checks to the vehicle, towbar and to the trailer itself.
“Tyre pressure, tread and condition should be examined on both the vehicle and the trailer before travel. The correct tyre pressure for towing can be located in the vehicle’s handbook.”
Mr Hiscox said it is important to remember that a vehicle and trailer’s maximum weight limit takes into account the weight of passengers, other loads and fuel.
“Specific vehicle weight limits can be identified in the vehicle
handbook or on the vehicle manufacturer’s plate,” he said.
“It is vital that the breakaway cable is fit for purpose and safely attached. The breakaway cable is designed to apply the trailer’s brakes in case of emergency and therefore it is crucial that it is not so tight that it accidentally applies the breaks, but not so loose that it drags along the ground.
“When attaching a trailer it is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure the trailer is correctly coupled to the tow ball or pin.”
Managing director of Horsebox and Trailer Owners Jon Phillips told H&H: “If a towbar is fitted to a vehicle it must be type-approved tested to Community Directive 94/20EEC. This law governs the height and dimensions of the towball to ensure a safe and level towing height of between 350mm and 420mm (ground to centre of towball). If your towbar is fitted either too low or too high, there is a high potential for an accident to occur as the tow coupling will not be level with the ground.
“Uncoupling of the trailer while travelling is the most common cause of accidents, and people are still not putting the breakaway cable in the right place.
“Looping it around the tow ball is not sufficient, as not only can it come off easily but should the tow ball neck break, the breakaway cable will detach from the towing vehicle along with the trailer.”
Towbars became part of a vehicle’s MOT test in April 2009, but are only checked if they are fitted on the vehicle for the test.
“If your vehicle has a detachable towbar, make sure it is fitted when it goes in for an MOT — that way it will be checked,” said Mr Phillips.
He also reminded owners that consideration should be given to weight in larger trailers with living accommodation.
“In larger trailers the axles behave as a fulcrum. Weight distribution should be even front and back. Travelling with an empty living and two horses behind the axles will lift the front of the trailer up and result in poor traction for the towing vehicle.”