Reading Rowing Club has two De Graaf rowing trailers:
Large Trailer: 1200kgs unladen, 2600kgs max laden weight, 4 horizontal racks with 4 vertical supports. Suitable for carrying any of our racing equipment. By law the tow vehicle must be plated to tow 2600kg or above
Small Trailer: 900kgs unladen, 2200kgs max laden weight, 3 horizontal racks with 3 vertical supports. Unsuitable for carrying 2/3 split 8s, requires end hazard marking of 4s. By law the tow vehicle must be plated to tow 2200kg or above.
Who Can Tow
If you got your licence before 1 January 1997 you can usually drive a vehicle and trailer with a combined weight of up to 8,250kg MAM. View your driving licence codes information to check. You’re also allowed to drive a minibus with a trailer over 750kg MAM.
If you got your licence from 1 January 1997 to 18 January 2013 you can tow a trailer that is either:
750kg or less MAM, with a car or van up to 3,500kg MAM (up to 4,250kg in total)
more than 750kg MAM, as long as the trailer weighs less than the unladen weight of the vehicle (up to 3,500kg in total)
If you got your licence on or after 19 January 2013 you can tow a trailer that is either:
750kg or less MAM, with a car or van up to 3,500kg MAM (up to 4,250kg in total)
more than 750kg MAM, as long as the combined weight of the trailer and vehicle is no more than 3,500kg
British Rowing - flow chart and the DVLA leaflet on licencing are now out of date.
Both trailers are suitable to be towed by a category “B” vehicle, subject to the vehicle’s towing capacity being greater than that of the fully laden trailer, with a suggested maximum trailer weight 85% of the maximum towing capacity of the vehicle.
It is also recommended that the width of the wheelbase of the vehicle is roughly the same, or wider, than the width of the wheelbase of the trailer. As a result, the small trailer is generally able to be towed by most large family cars. The large trailer requires a vehicle with a wheelbase similar to a Ford Transit Tipper, typically seating 3 people in the front, and preferably having a double rear axle (4 wheels on the rear axle).
The restriction of trailer length and vehicle suitability has been answered by the Department of Transport, a copy of their email can be provided upon request:
“Your rowing boats came under the invisible load category and hence the 7 meters limit does not apply as long as the trailer is not carrying anything else.”
Click here for British Rowing handout. this helps with length and widths or loads in respect of the law as well as pre towing checks. Please note, the driver remains liable at all times for the suitability and security of the loading, and trailer.
Boxes containing all the required equipment to tow are located in the electrical cupboard along with a recommended checklist and signing out form - tbc.
The Club Secretary, will hold a list of those approved to drive club trailers. To get added to the club approved driver list requires having suitable experience, complete a drive with experienced member able to assess drivers ability.
Trailer being taken abroad will need to take account of the rules in each country transited, the large trailer has an additional EU registration plate.
How to Book the Trailer
During the normal routine of racing the allocation of trailers is coordinated between VCs and deconflicted by the Club Captain as necessary. For use of the trailers outside this routine, but on club business then email the Club Captain or Club Secretary giving the following information: Full duration of the trailer use, which club trailer is requested, details of the load, details of the location/event attending and details of the tow vehicle and driver. Finally, provide contact details of the person in charge who is available to respond during period of trailer used.
The trailers are not routinely available for non rowing/club related bookings, they may be loaned for a fee for, perhaps to another club, but the borrower will need to show evidence of full insurance cover.
Trailer availability
The club has a Google Calendar where our most likely regattas, heads and club events may be viewed, trailer bookings can be added to this calendar by Club VCs. Click to view Club Calendar.