06/11/2021
For many motorhome owners, the dream holiday involves exploring picturesque corners of the UK, often on charmingly narrow local roads. Driving a large motorhome through such quaint villages or busy market towns can be a daunting prospect, making daily excursions a logistical headache. This is precisely why a growing number of enthusiasts choose to tow a smaller car along with them. Once at the campsite, the car can be unhooked, providing the freedom and convenience of a standard vehicle for sightseeing, shopping, or simply navigating tight spots. This method of towing, allowing a car to be pulled on its own wheels without a driver, is known as A-frame towing.
You might also recognise A-frame towing from recovery vehicles, efficiently transporting broken-down cars from motorways to repair shops. But what exactly does A-frame towing entail, and what are the crucial rules and regulations you need to be aware of in the UK? This comprehensive guide will delve into everything you need to know about this specialised form of towing, ensuring you stay safe, legal, and well-prepared for your adventures.
What Exactly is A-Frame Towing?
At its core, A-frame towing involves a triangular piece of equipment, the 'A-frame' itself, which attaches to the front of the vehicle being towed (the 'towed vehicle' or 'dinghy') and then connects to the tow bar of the towing vehicle (e.g., your motorhome). Unlike a traditional car trailer, the towed vehicle’s own wheels remain on the ground and rotate, meaning it is not fully supported but rather trailed behind. This setup makes it distinct from a flatbed trailer where the entire vehicle is lifted clear of the ground.
The primary appeal of A-frame towing for leisure users lies in its convenience. An A-frame is generally lighter and more compact than a full car trailer, making it easier to store when not in use and potentially simpler to manoeuvre. It also often negates the need for storage space for a large trailer at campsites. The towed car effectively becomes a large, wheeled 'trailer' that follows the lead of the towing vehicle, with the A-frame providing the essential connection and often, a braking mechanism.
The Law on A-Frame Towing in the UK
Towing a car with an A-frame in the UK is governed by regulations that primarily apply to trailers. It's crucial to understand these rules, as non-compliance can lead to fines, points on your licence, or even invalidate your insurance. The key principle is that once a car is connected to an A-frame and is being towed, it is legally considered a 'trailer' and must adhere to all relevant trailer legislation.
Weight and Braking Regulations
One of the most critical aspects of A-frame towing relates to weight and braking. UK law dictates that any trailer with a Maximum Authorised Mass (MAM) exceeding 750kg must be fitted with an effective braking system. Given that almost all passenger cars weigh significantly more than 750kg, this means that any car being A-frame towed will always require operational brakes.
These brakes must be capable of being applied from the towing vehicle and must also have a breakaway facility. This means that if the A-frame somehow becomes detached from the towing vehicle, the towed car's brakes will automatically apply, bringing it to a safe stop. Most A-frame systems achieve this through an inertia braking system, which uses the forward momentum of the towed car to activate its brakes when the towing vehicle slows down. Some advanced systems might use electronic or hydraulic connections to directly apply the towed car's brakes.
Lighting and Signalling
Just like any other trailer, a car being A-frame towed must have fully functional rear lights, brake lights, and indicators that mirror those of the towing vehicle. Since the towed car's own lights might be obscured or simply not wired to respond to the towing vehicle's signals, a separate trailer board is almost always required. This board, equipped with standard trailer lighting, attaches to the rear of the towed car and connects electrically to the towing vehicle. It ensures that following traffic can clearly see your intentions to brake or turn.
Licence Requirements
Your driving licence entitlement also plays a vital role. If you passed your driving test on or after 1 January 1997, you are generally allowed to drive a car and tow a trailer with a MAM of up to 3,500kg, provided the MAM of the trailer (in this case, the towed car) does not exceed 3,500kg. However, if the combined MAM of the towing vehicle and the towed vehicle (as a trailer) exceeds 3,500kg, you will need a B+E driving licence category. It's essential to check your specific licence entitlements and the MAM of both your motorhome and the car you intend to tow to ensure you are legally compliant.
Insurance and Roadworthiness
Before embarking on any A-frame towing, contact your insurance provider. While many policies cover towing, it's crucial to confirm that your specific policy covers a car being towed on an A-frame, particularly regarding third-party liability if the towed car causes an accident. Furthermore, the towed car, even though it's not being driven by a person, must still be roadworthy, with valid MOT and tax, as it is still using public roads.
Speed Limits and Lane Restrictions
When towing with an A-frame, you must adhere to the same speed limits as any other vehicle towing a trailer: 50 mph on single carriageways and 60 mph on dual carriageways and motorways (unless lower limits are signposted). On motorways with three or more lanes, vehicles towing a trailer (which includes A-frame towed cars) are generally restricted to the two left-hand lanes, unless specific signs indicate otherwise.
A-Frame Towing vs. Car Trailer: A Comparison
Deciding between an A-frame and a full car trailer involves weighing several factors. Here's a comparative look:
| Feature | A-Frame Towing | Car Trailer (e.g., Flatbed) |
|---|---|---|
| Ease of Storage | Very compact, easy to store when not in use. | Requires significant storage space. |
| Manoeuvrability | Generally easier to hitch/unhitch. Reversing is extremely difficult/not recommended. | Can be more challenging to hitch/unhitch due to size. Reversing is possible with practice. |
| Cost | Often lower initial purchase cost. | Higher initial purchase cost and potentially ongoing maintenance. |
| Towed Vehicle Wear | Towed car's tyres, suspension, and potentially drivetrain experience wear. | No wear on the towed car's components as it's lifted clear. |
| Legal Complexity | More complex due to 'trailer' classification and vehicle suitability. | Generally simpler, as the towed vehicle is not interacting with the road. |
| Vehicle Suitability | Limited to specific car types (manuals, certain automatics, no steering lock issues). | Suitable for almost any car, regardless of transmission or electronics. |
| Safety Features | Relies on towed car's brakes via inertia or direct connection. | Trailer has its own dedicated braking system. |
| Versatility | Primarily for towing a specific car. | Can be used for various loads (cars, goods, machinery). |
Is Your Car Suitable for A-Frame Towing?
While an A-frame offers convenience, not all cars are suitable for this method of towing. The 'None' answer in the prompt regarding unsuitable cars is generally true in that *any* car *can* physically be attached, but whether it can be towed *safely, legally, and without damage* is another matter entirely. Certain characteristics make some vehicles less ideal or even completely unsuitable for A-frame towing.
Transmission Type Matters
This is arguably the most critical factor. Many modern automatic transmission vehicles are not designed to be flat-towed (towed with all four wheels on the ground). Their internal components rely on the engine running to provide lubrication. When towed with the engine off, these components may not receive adequate lubrication, leading to severe and costly damage to the gearbox. Manual transmission vehicles are generally more forgiving, but even then, it's vital to confirm with the manufacturer. Some vehicles might require specific procedures, such as disconnecting the driveshaft, which defeats the purpose of convenient A-frame towing.
Electronic Systems and Steering
Modern cars are packed with sophisticated electronic systems. Features like electronic power steering, anti-lock braking systems (ABS), and stability control often require the vehicle's ignition to be on, or at least in an accessory mode, to function correctly. If the ignition is off, the steering wheel might lock, making it impossible to steer the towed vehicle around corners. Even if the steering doesn't lock, power steering won't operate, leading to incredibly stiff and unresponsive steering that can compromise safety. Furthermore, odometers on some vehicles may still clock up miles even when towed with the engine off.
Manufacturer's Guidelines
The definitive answer to whether your car is suitable for A-frame towing will always come from the car's manufacturer's guidelines. Consult your vehicle's owner's manual for specific instructions on 'recreational towing' or 'flat towing'. Some manufacturers explicitly state whether their models can be towed on all four wheels, what speed limits apply, or if any special procedures are required (e.g., placing the transmission in neutral, pulling a fuse). Ignoring these guidelines can void your warranty and cause irreparable damage.
Weight Considerations
Beyond the legal braking requirements, the weight of the towed vehicle must be well within the towing capacity of your motorhome. Overloading your towing vehicle is not only illegal but extremely dangerous, compromising braking efficiency, stability, and control. Always check your motorhome's gross train weight (GTW) and ensure the combined weight of your motorhome, its contents, and the towed car (plus A-frame) does not exceed this limit.
Setting Up and Safe Operation
Proper setup and careful operation are paramount for safe A-frame towing.
- Pre-Tow Checks: Before every journey, thoroughly inspect the A-frame for any signs of damage, wear, or corrosion. Ensure all connections are secure, the safety chains/cables are correctly attached, and the lighting board is functional and clearly visible. Check the tyre pressures on both the towing and towed vehicles.
- Hitching Process: Follow the A-frame manufacturer's instructions carefully for hitching. This typically involves aligning the A-frame to the towed vehicle's mounting points, securing the tow bar connection, attaching safety chains, and connecting the electrical wiring for the lights and brakes.
- Driving Considerations: Drive smoothly, avoiding sudden braking or sharp turns. Remember that your overall length is significantly increased, requiring wider turns and more space for lane changes. Always factor in longer braking distances.
- Reversing: A-frame towing systems are generally not designed for reversing. The towed vehicle's wheels can 'jack-knife' and cause significant damage to the A-frame, the car, or both. If you need to reverse, unhitch the towed car first.
Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
- Legal Non-Compliance: The most common pitfall is failing to meet UK legal requirements for weight, braking, lighting, and licensing. Thorough research and adherence to the rules are essential.
- Damage to Towed Vehicle: Towing a car that isn't designed for flat towing can lead to costly transmission or steering system damage. Always check the manufacturer's guidelines.
- Incorrect Setup: A poorly attached A-frame or faulty wiring can lead to dangerous situations on the road. Always perform diligent pre-tow checks.
Frequently Asked Questions About A-Frame Towing
Is A-frame towing legal in all of Europe?
While legal in the UK, A-frame towing regulations vary significantly across European countries. Some nations, like Spain and Portugal, have stricter rules or even outright bans on A-frame towing for leisure vehicles. It's crucial to research the specific laws of every country you plan to travel through before you set off, as non-compliance can lead to severe penalties.
Does A-frame towing add miles to the towed car's odometer?
For most modern vehicles, the odometer is electronically controlled and will only register miles when the engine is running. Therefore, for most cars towed with the engine off, no miles will be added. However, some older mechanical odometers or specific vehicle configurations might still accumulate mileage, so it's always worth checking your car's manual or consulting with a specialist.
Can I tow a car with a flat battery using an A-frame?
While mechanically possible to tow a car with a flat battery, it's highly unadvisable for A-frame towing. A flat battery means the towed car's electronic systems (including power steering, ABS, and potentially the braking system if it's electronically assisted) will not function. This makes the car incredibly difficult and unsafe to control when being towed.
What if my towed car has a steering lock?
Most modern cars have a steering lock that engages when the key is removed or the ignition is off. For A-frame towing, the steering must be free to turn to allow the car to follow the towing vehicle. You would typically need to leave the ignition key in the accessory position to disengage the steering lock. Be aware that this can drain the car's battery over long distances.
What maintenance does the A-frame need?
Regular maintenance of your A-frame is vital for safety. This includes checking for cracks, bends, or corrosion in the frame itself. Inspect all bolts, pins, and connections for tightness and wear. Lubricate moving parts where recommended by the manufacturer. Regularly check the condition of the electrical wiring for lights and brakes, ensuring there are no frayed wires or loose connections.
A-frame towing offers a fantastic solution for motorhome owners seeking greater flexibility and convenience on their travels. However, it is a method of towing that demands thorough understanding and adherence to strict regulations. By carefully considering the suitability of your vehicle, understanding the legal requirements in the UK and abroad, and maintaining your equipment diligently, you can enjoy the freedom and ease that A-frame towing provides, making your adventures truly memorable and stress-free.
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