When are overrun brakes required during the towing of multiple trailers?

Question:

Morning, I have a question: I want to tow my jetski behind my camping trailer. Both a less than 750 GVM and none of the vehicles have then own braking systems. In terms of all other items I saw on your website under this topic I feel I am covered, like maximum length, being able to turn, lights, etc. I am just not clear on the rule for the braking systems. Can you help with an answer on this?

Answer:

Unfortunately not. Regulation 151 determines that a trailer under 750 does not require an overrun brake and trailers over 750 kg up to 3500 kg must have an overrun brake. However if 2 trailers are towed the GVMs must be added together and both trailers will require an overrun brake.

;

Brakes on trailers

Reg 151.   (1)    Subject to the provisions of subregulation (4) no person shall operate on a public road a trailer, if –

(a)          the gross vehicle mass of such trailer does not exceed 750 kilograms and the gross vehicle mass –

(i)      does not exceed half the tare of the drawing vehicle, unless such trailer is equipped with a parking brake or other device to keep such trailer stationary;

(ii)     exceeds half the tare of the drawing vehicle but does not exceed such tare, unless such trailer is equipped with a parking brake and either a service brake or an overrun brake; or

(iii)    exceeds the tare of the drawing vehicle, unless such trailer is equipped with a parking brake and a service brake;

(b)          the gross vehicle mass of such trailer exceeds 750 kilograms but does not exceed 3 500 kilograms and the gross vehicle mass –

(i)      does not exceed the tare of the drawing vehicle, unless such trailer is equipped with a parking brake and either an overrun brake or a service brake; or

(ii)     exceeds the tare of the drawing vehicle, unless the trailer is equipped with a parking brake and a service brake;

(c)     the gross vehicle mass of the trailer exceeds 3 500 kilograms, unless such trailer is equipped with a parking brake and a service brake,

and where more than one trailer is drawn by a drawing vehicle, the foregoing requirements shall apply in respect of each such trailer, and in such event the gross vehicle mass shall be construed as the total of the gross vehicle mass of all trailers so drawn.

(2)     The service brake of a trailer shall be capable of being operated by the driver of the drawing vehicle while such trailer and drawing vehicle are in motion.

(3)     If the service or overrun brake of a trailer is capable of being used as a parking brake, a separate parking brake need not be fitted to such trailer.

(4)     Notwithstanding subregulation (1) (c), if a trailer referred to in that subregulation is drawn by a tractorand such tractor is not designed for or capable of operation at a speed exceeding 40 kilometres per hour on a reasonably level road, such trailer may be equipped with an overrun brake in lieu of a service brake.

;

Regards

Alta

Alta Swanepoel & Associates

Also view:

Safely Towing a Trailer

When are overrun brakes required during the towing of multiple trailers?

When are overrun brakes required during the towing of multiple trailers?

Question:

Morning, I have a question: I want to tow my jetski behind my camping trailer. Both a less than 750 GVM and none of the vehicles have then own braking systems. In terms of all other items I saw on your website under this topic I feel I am covered, like maximum length, being able to turn, lights, etc. I am just not clear on the rule for the braking systems. Can you help with an answer on this?

Answer:

Unfortunately not. Regulation 151 determines that a trailer under 750 does not require an overrun brake and trailers over 750 kg up to 3500 kg must have an overrun brake. However if 2 trailers are towed the GVMs must be added together and both trailers will require an overrun brake.

;

Brakes on trailers

Reg 151.   (1)    Subject to the provisions of subregulation (4) no person shall operate on a public road a trailer, if –

(a)          the gross vehicle mass of such trailer does not exceed 750 kilograms and the gross vehicle mass –

(i)      does not exceed half the tare of the drawing vehicle, unless such trailer is equipped with a parking brake or other device to keep such trailer stationary;

(ii)     exceeds half the tare of the drawing vehicle but does not exceed such tare, unless such trailer is equipped with a parking brake and either a service brake or an overrun brake; or

(iii)    exceeds the tare of the drawing vehicle, unless such trailer is equipped with a parking brake and a service brake;

(b)          the gross vehicle mass of such trailer exceeds 750 kilograms but does not exceed 3 500 kilograms and the gross vehicle mass –

(i)      does not exceed the tare of the drawing vehicle, unless such trailer is equipped with a parking brake and either an overrun brake or a service brake; or

(ii)     exceeds the tare of the drawing vehicle, unless the trailer is equipped with a parking brake and a service brake;

(c)     the gross vehicle mass of the trailer exceeds 3 500 kilograms, unless such trailer is equipped with a parking brake and a service brake,

and where more than one trailer is drawn by a drawing vehicle, the foregoing requirements shall apply in respect of each such trailer, and in such event the gross vehicle mass shall be construed as the total of the gross vehicle mass of all trailers so drawn.

(2)     The service brake of a trailer shall be capable of being operated by the driver of the drawing vehicle while such trailer and drawing vehicle are in motion.

(3)     If the service or overrun brake of a trailer is capable of being used as a parking brake, a separate parking brake need not be fitted to such trailer.

(4)     Notwithstanding subregulation (1) (c), if a trailer referred to in that subregulation is drawn by a tractorand such tractor is not designed for or capable of operation at a speed exceeding 40 kilometres per hour on a reasonably level road, such trailer may be equipped with an overrun brake in lieu of a service brake.

;

Regards

Alta

Alta Swanepoel & Associates

Also view:

Safely Towing a Trailer

When are overrun brakes required during the towing of multiple trailers?

When are overrun brakes required during the towing of multiple trailers?

Question:

Morning, I have a question: I want to tow my jetski behind my camping trailer. Both a less than 750 GVM and none of the vehicles have then own braking systems. In terms of all other items I saw on your website under this topic I feel I am covered, like maximum length, being able to turn, lights, etc. I am just not clear on the rule for the braking systems. Can you help with an answer on this?

Answer:

Unfortunately not. Regulation 151 determines that a trailer under 750 does not require an overrun brake and trailers over 750 kg up to 3500 kg must have an overrun brake. However if 2 trailers are towed the GVMs must be added together and both trailers will require an overrun brake.

;

Brakes on trailers

Reg 151.   (1)    Subject to the provisions of subregulation (4) no person shall operate on a public road a trailer, if –

(a)          the gross vehicle mass of such trailer does not exceed 750 kilograms and the gross vehicle mass –

(i)      does not exceed half the tare of the drawing vehicle, unless such trailer is equipped with a parking brake or other device to keep such trailer stationary;

(ii)     exceeds half the tare of the drawing vehicle but does not exceed such tare, unless such trailer is equipped with a parking brake and either a service brake or an overrun brake; or

(iii)    exceeds the tare of the drawing vehicle, unless such trailer is equipped with a parking brake and a service brake;

(b)          the gross vehicle mass of such trailer exceeds 750 kilograms but does not exceed 3 500 kilograms and the gross vehicle mass –

(i)      does not exceed the tare of the drawing vehicle, unless such trailer is equipped with a parking brake and either an overrun brake or a service brake; or

(ii)     exceeds the tare of the drawing vehicle, unless the trailer is equipped with a parking brake and a service brake;

(c)     the gross vehicle mass of the trailer exceeds 3 500 kilograms, unless such trailer is equipped with a parking brake and a service brake,

and where more than one trailer is drawn by a drawing vehicle, the foregoing requirements shall apply in respect of each such trailer, and in such event the gross vehicle mass shall be construed as the total of the gross vehicle mass of all trailers so drawn.

(2)     The service brake of a trailer shall be capable of being operated by the driver of the drawing vehicle while such trailer and drawing vehicle are in motion.

(3)     If the service or overrun brake of a trailer is capable of being used as a parking brake, a separate parking brake need not be fitted to such trailer.

(4)     Notwithstanding subregulation (1) (c), if a trailer referred to in that subregulation is drawn by a tractorand such tractor is not designed for or capable of operation at a speed exceeding 40 kilometres per hour on a reasonably level road, such trailer may be equipped with an overrun brake in lieu of a service brake.

;

Regards

Alta

Alta Swanepoel & Associates

Also view:

Safely Towing a Trailer

When are overrun brakes required during the towing of multiple trailers?

Special caution required when planning the caravan holiday tips

Caravan holiday tips

Venturing out onto the open road in your home on wheels is one of life’s great but simple pleasures. If this is your first time on this new adventure, read these tips before heading out on your caravanning experience so you can be sure of a safe and enjoyable journey.

Planning your trip

With lots to think about prior to leaving for your caravanning holiday, the first and most important tip is to invest in planning ahead, particularly if you’re visiting a distant destination.

Research the area you’re visiting and identify the best caravan sites in which to spend your holiday. Make sure the road to your destination is suitable for your towing vehicle and caravan type; some sites may only be accessible to 4x4s. Knowing the area means being equipped to prepare for any specific conditions you are likely to encounter – for example, the weather, and the available facilities and amenities at the caravan site. Use the internet to assess locations on the basis of feedback from others who have visited your prospective sites – some places are better than others.

Joining a caravan club can be enormously helpful, particularly with tips on great places to go and what to take with. Social media provides the ability to very quickly connect with like-minded people and online forums can provide instant insight and feedback to help deal with any issues, concerns or questions.

Draw up a menu for all the meals you’ll be eating while you’re away. Then you’ll know which ingredients you’ll need to purchase (and which can be sourced on-site) as well as where best to store them – for example, in a cooler box or freezer.

Write a checklist during your planning phase so that you don’;t leave anything behind. Must-have items include a fire extinguisher and a fully-stocked first aid kit.

Entertainment

Every caravan will need some form of entertainment in order to keep the kids busy – especially if it rains.  Consider packing some board games or other forms of entertainment, such as a small portable TV. A good bet is to bring a games console or DVD player with you. A docking station for music ensures that you can enjoy your favourite tunes – but be aware of others around you.  

Towing tips

• Make sure your caravan windows are closed, doors locked and gas and electricity turned off before you drive off.


• Take utmost care in attaching the caravan to the tow ball, including fastening the safety chain connecting the electrical socket and, on braked caravans, disconnecting the handbrake.


• Check that the taillights and indicators are working on the caravan.


• Don’t exceed the maximum towing capacity of the towing vehicle.


• Equipment such as water, food, camping gear, etc. will generally add another 300kg to the weight of the empty caravan. Typically, you do not want to overload the caravan; where possible, equipment should be transported in your car. If some gear is in the caravan, make sure it is loaded in accordance with manufacturer recommendations.


• Make sure your towing vehicle can handle the weight of caravan, equipment and supplies.

Caravan insurance

Despite the best precautions, accidents can happen, so another essential task before setting out on holiday is getting the insurance up to date. Make sure you have the appropriate cover for your car and caravan so you can enjoy the open road secure in the knowledge that your home-away-from-home is protected from the unexpected.

Caravan insurance covers:

• Theft and hijack


• Fire and explosion


• Accidental damage


• Storm, hail, flood or snow


• Liabilities caused to other parties

Importantly, make sure your caravan policy covers contents and accessories as well as the caravan itself. After all, no caravanning holiday is complete without camping tables, chairs, tents cutlery and crockery, and a range of electronic devices and personal property. If it’s in the caravan, it should be covered by the insurance policy for complete peace of mind; note only caravan items (including permanent fixtures and accessories such as air-conditioning units, fitted canopies and awnings) will be covered under the caravan policy. Other items will be covered by MiMovables or All Risk cover.

Also, check that your chosen insurance policy offers roadside assistance and emergency services; after all, caravanning explicitly requires being out on the road.

[By: Rory Judd, MiWay Head of Online Marketing]

MiWay is an Authorised Financial Services Provider (Licence no: 33970)

MiWay Insurance Limited (‘MiWay’) is a direct, short-term insurance company, offering customers a range of short-term insurance products including motor, household and homeowners insurance as well as add-on products such as warranty cover and liability cover. MiWay’;s shareholder is Santam, a blue-chip JSE-listed company.

Also view: Towing a Trailer Safely

Special caution required when planning the caravan holiday tips

What does Regulation 212 stipulate about legally required tread depth of tyres?

Regulation 212. Tyres

No person shall operate on a public road -

(a) a motor vehicle, other than a tractor or trailer, which is equipped with a metal tyre;
(b) a tractor or trailer, other than an animal-drawn vehicle, which is equipped with a metal tyre of less than 130 millimetres in width;
Prepared by: In partnership with:Page 234 of 378
(c) an animal-drawn vehicle which is equipped with a metal tyre less than 40 millimetres in width;
(d) a vehicle which is equipped with a metal tyre unless the whole width of the tread of the tyre is at all times in direct contact with the surface of the road;
(e) a vehicle which is equipped with a tyre which is in such a state of disrepair or in such a  condition that it may cause or is likely to cause damage to the road surface or may be or is likely
to be a danger;
(f) a motor vehicle which is equipped with a pneumatic tyre of which the rubber covering is so worn  or damaged that the fabric or cord used in the construction of such tyre is exposed;
(g) a motor vehicle of which a tyre is so constructed and fitted that the metal part of the wheel to which such tyre is fitted may come into contact with the road surface;
(h) a motor cycle which is equipped with a retreaded tyre;
(i) a motor vehicle which is equipped with a regrooved tyre having a bead diameter of 430  millimetres or less;
(j) a motor vehicle -
(i) which is fitted with a pneumatic tyre unless such tyre displays throughout, across its breadth and around its entire circumference, a pattern which is clearly visible, and has a tread of at least one millimetre in depth; or
(ii) which is fitted with a pneumatic tyre which contains a tyre tread depth indicator, if the  tread is level with the tyre tread depth indicator:

Provided that this paragraph shall not apply in respect of a motor cycle with an engine which  has a cylinder capacity not exceeding 50 cubic centimetres, or a trailer drawn by a tractor at a speed not exceeding 40 km/h;
(Regulation 212(j) amended by regulation 42(a) of General Notice 2116 of 2001)
(Regulation 212(j) amended by regulation 29(e) of Government Notice R404 of 2007)
(k) a motor cycle with an engine having a cylinder capacity not exceeding 50 cubic centimetres, which is fitted with a pneumatic tyre which does not at any position on the tread thereof have a visible tread pattern over at least 80 percent of the full width of the tread;
(l) a motor vehicle which is equipped with a pneumatic tyre which has a break in its fabric or which has a cut, measured in any direction on the outside of the tyre and of such depth that it reaches
Prepared by: In partnership with:Page 235 of 378 the cords used in the construction of such tyre, in excess of 25 millimetres or 10 percent of the maximum width of the tyre, whichever is the greater;
(Regulation 212(l) amended by regulation 7(a) of Government Notice R871 of 2005, as revoked and replaced by regulation 7(a) of Government Notice R891 of 2006)
(m) a motor vehicle which is equipped with a pneumatic tyre which has a lump or bulge caused by the separation of or a partial break in its structure.
(n) A minibus, midibus, or bus operating in terms of an operating licence issued in accordance with the provisions of the NLTTA, unless such minibus, midibus or bus is fitted with commercial steel
radial tyres;
(Regulation 212(n) added by regulation 7(b) of Government Notice R871 of 2005, as revoked and replaced by regulation 7(b) of Government Notice R891 of 2006)
(o) A minibus, midibus or bus operating in terms of an operating licence issued in accordance with the provisions of the NLTTA unless such minibus, midibus or bus is fitted with a vehicle directional stability control devise [sic].
(Regulation 212(o) added by regulation 7(b) of Government Notice R871 of 2005, as revoked and replaced by regulation 7(b) of Government Notice R891 of 2006 with effect from a date published by the Minister by
Notice in the Gazette)
(Regulation 212(o) substituted by regulation 15 of Government Notice R589 of 2009 with effect from a date to be determined by the Minister by notice in the Gazette)

Also view:

Tyre Safety and Road Safety

What does Regulation 212 stipulate about legally required tread depth of tyres?

What does Regulation 212 stipulate about legally required tread depth of tyres?

Regulation 212. Tyres

No person shall operate on a public road -

(a) a motor vehicle, other than a tractor or trailer, which is equipped with a metal tyre;
(b) a tractor or trailer, other than an animal-drawn vehicle, which is equipped with a metal tyre of less than 130 millimetres in width;
Prepared by: In partnership with:Page 234 of 378
(c) an animal-drawn vehicle which is equipped with a metal tyre less than 40 millimetres in width;
(d) a vehicle which is equipped with a metal tyre unless the whole width of the tread of the tyre is at all times in direct contact with the surface of the road;
(e) a vehicle which is equipped with a tyre which is in such a state of disrepair or in such a  condition that it may cause or is likely to cause damage to the road surface or may be or is likely
to be a danger;
(f) a motor vehicle which is equipped with a pneumatic tyre of which the rubber covering is so worn  or damaged that the fabric or cord used in the construction of such tyre is exposed;
(g) a motor vehicle of which a tyre is so constructed and fitted that the metal part of the wheel to which such tyre is fitted may come into contact with the road surface;
(h) a motor cycle which is equipped with a retreaded tyre;
(i) a motor vehicle which is equipped with a regrooved tyre having a bead diameter of 430  millimetres or less;
(j) a motor vehicle -
(i) which is fitted with a pneumatic tyre unless such tyre displays throughout, across its breadth and around its entire circumference, a pattern which is clearly visible, and has a tread of at least one millimetre in depth; or
(ii) which is fitted with a pneumatic tyre which contains a tyre tread depth indicator, if the  tread is level with the tyre tread depth indicator:

Provided that this paragraph shall not apply in respect of a motor cycle with an engine which  has a cylinder capacity not exceeding 50 cubic centimetres, or a trailer drawn by a tractor at a speed not exceeding 40 km/h;
(Regulation 212(j) amended by regulation 42(a) of General Notice 2116 of 2001)
(Regulation 212(j) amended by regulation 29(e) of Government Notice R404 of 2007)
(k) a motor cycle with an engine having a cylinder capacity not exceeding 50 cubic centimetres, which is fitted with a pneumatic tyre which does not at any position on the tread thereof have a visible tread pattern over at least 80 percent of the full width of the tread;
(l) a motor vehicle which is equipped with a pneumatic tyre which has a break in its fabric or which has a cut, measured in any direction on the outside of the tyre and of such depth that it reaches
Prepared by: In partnership with:Page 235 of 378 the cords used in the construction of such tyre, in excess of 25 millimetres or 10 percent of the maximum width of the tyre, whichever is the greater;
(Regulation 212(l) amended by regulation 7(a) of Government Notice R871 of 2005, as revoked and replaced by regulation 7(a) of Government Notice R891 of 2006)
(m) a motor vehicle which is equipped with a pneumatic tyre which has a lump or bulge caused by the separation of or a partial break in its structure.
(n) A minibus, midibus, or bus operating in terms of an operating licence issued in accordance with the provisions of the NLTTA, unless such minibus, midibus or bus is fitted with commercial steel
radial tyres;
(Regulation 212(n) added by regulation 7(b) of Government Notice R871 of 2005, as revoked and replaced by regulation 7(b) of Government Notice R891 of 2006)
(o) A minibus, midibus or bus operating in terms of an operating licence issued in accordance with the provisions of the NLTTA unless such minibus, midibus or bus is fitted with a vehicle directional stability control devise [sic].
(Regulation 212(o) added by regulation 7(b) of Government Notice R871 of 2005, as revoked and replaced by regulation 7(b) of Government Notice R891 of 2006 with effect from a date published by the Minister by
Notice in the Gazette)
(Regulation 212(o) substituted by regulation 15 of Government Notice R589 of 2009 with effect from a date to be determined by the Minister by notice in the Gazette)

Also view:

Tyre Safety and Road Safety

What does Regulation 212 stipulate about legally required tread depth of tyres?