Beiträge getagged mit: "driving with trailer"

Some time ago we reported on the various driver’s licenses for driving a trailer. In addition to the old class 3 driver’s license, there is also the class B driver’s license, which replaced the class 3 license and with which driving a trailer is possible. In addition to B, you can also pull larger trailers with a class B96 and BE driving license. What requirements do you have to meet for the respective trailer driving license?

In order to get a class B driving license, you can register at the driving school six months before you turn 17 – provided you choose to be accompanied by a driver. In addition to theoretical training in the form of lessons and a completed written exam, practical driving lessons and a final exam in practical form are required. For the test you must be at least 18 years of age (17 years for accompanied driving) and present an eye test and a first aid certificate.

The trailer driving license: what types are there?

Normally, the trailer driver’s license is only obtained afterwards, it is often helpful to have a little driving experience. No further theoretical test is then required for the class BE driving license, but at least five hours of practical training are required. These would have to take 45 minutes and each include a motorway trip, a night trip and three cross-country trips. The subsequent driving test takes 45 minutes. A class B driver’s license is compulsory in order to obtain the trailer driver’s license.

If the class B and BE driving license are taken together, the usual theoretical and practical driving lessons are first completed. In addition, 12 hours of practice with the trailer must then be proven, including three night drives, four motorway drives and five cross-country journeys.

For a class B96 driving license, the minimum age is also 17 or 18 years. An examination does not have to be theoretical or practical, as the learning driver only has to prove the required, specified number of training hours. This includes at least 150 minutes in theory, 210 minutes in practice and 60 minutes in driving experience.

When driving with the trailer, for example when moving or driving away the green waste, it is important to properly secure the load. This is not only necessary because it prevents the load from moving and thus influences the trailer’s travel negatively and starts the trailer to roll, for example. To avoid unnecessary noise, cargo must be secured. Load securing is also specified by the authorities in the catalog of fines. Which violations are relevant for your trip with the trailer?

Load securing violations

If your cargo protrudes beyond the trailer, for example, a fine is due. This is staggered depending on how far the load protrudes and where. If it protrudes three meters to the rear, you have to expect a fine of 20 €. If it protrudes only one meter, but without being marked by a lamp, € 25 is due. It is in any case important that you always clearly mark the protruding loads for other road users. To do this, you have to attach a red flag or a red cloth of a specified size and in a maximum height of 1.50 meters to your load in order to warn other road users.

The height of the load is also relevant. So your vehicle with a load may not be higher than 4.20 meters, otherwise you will have to pay a penalty of € 60. In addition, you will even get a point in Flensburg, Germany. If your load is not secured against falling, the fine is € 35. If the lack of security could even result in a hazard or damage to property, you can expect a penalty of up to € 75 and a point.

When driving, always make sure to stow the load safely and load the trailer well thought out. A non-slippery floor can be helpful, heavy loads should also be stored as deep as possible. Cushion sharp edges and corners, avoid gaps in your cargo and at best fix the cargo in place. For some loads, such as green waste, it makes sense to use a net that prevents the load from flying away. Below you can find the staggering for load securing:

• Avoidable noise from charging not prevented: € 10 
• Cargo protrudes backwards min. 3 meters beyond the vehicle: € 20
• Cargo protrudes backwards min. 1.5 meters above the vehicle at min. 100 km / h: € 20
• Load protrudes to the rear by one meter without being identified by the light: € 25
• Load protrudes forward beyond motor vehicle: € 20
• Cargo not adequately secured against falling: € 35
• Cargo not adequately secured against falling with danger: 60 €, 1 point
• Cargo not adequately secured against falling with property damage: € 75, 1 point
• Cargo not adequately secured against falling with danger: 60 €, 1 point
• Vehicle with a load higher than 4.20 meters: 60 €, 1 point

You can find more information on the website of the German schedule of penalties.

COVID-19 has put an end to many planned vacations this year. According to the latest decisions, some trips are now possible again within the EU. Holidays within Germany are thus comparatively inelaborate. This is exactly the right time to rethink the vacation and travel in 2020 and maybe make plans yourself. We have put together a few suggestions for you.

Vacation at home: Excursion by bike

If, despite the new regulations, you may not decide to travel or prefer to vacation at home due to time or financial reasons, a trip to the countryside by bike is just right for you. If you live in the countryside, then get on your bike and start cycling. Unfortunately, this is not possible for everyone, so the bikes have to be transported. In our assortment you will find a selection of different rear bike carriers. We offer products for the transport of 2 bicycles as well as for the transport of 3 bicycles. Even the transport of up to 4 bicycles is possible depending on the model.

Models, such as the Strada Vario 2, are foldable and can be stowed away in the trunk during the bike tour. Clearly, we naturally place great value on the products in our assortment and are eager to choose them aacording to their easy way of use. This makes a trip by bike a mini vacation!

Trend holidays 2020: Camping in Germany and neighboring countries

Traveling in your own car is definitely preferred in times of COVID-19. You are alone and can (almost) get from A to B without any hygiene regulations. Your vacation will be even more relaxed if you also have your “own four walls” with you. With a caravan you take your own little home with you and can explore the most beautiful corners of Germany – or the neighboring countries. How about the North Sea, for example? Or would you prefer hiking in Bavaria?

No matter how you choose, a trailer hitch is the first important step to relaxed travelling with the caravan. Take a look around the shop, you will surely find a suitable model for your vehicle. Fixed towbars are the right decision for you if you are more of a frequent traveler with a trailer even after your vacation. It becomes more comfortable with a practical detachable or a swiveling trailer hitch. Depending on the vehicle model, we offer you all three types of towbars, of course we also have the right electrical kit.

Before driving with the trailer, it is important to also deal with the cargo. Finally, this can affect the driving behavior of the trailer. If you’ve gone through the checklist, you’ll also be dealing with the cargo and loading it within the trailer. Maybe you have already loaded the trailer, but maybe you also have to accommodate some parts. It is important to be clear about a few points. The center of gravity of the trailer is usually centered, slightly ahead of the axle. It is important when loading not only to know where the center of gravity is, but also to plan it when distributing the load. Above all, you should pay attention to distribute the load evenly at the center of gravity and around the center of gravity. Better you load the goods a little further forward than too far behind. If you overload the rear part, there will be a negative vertical load, which can cause the team to skid during the ride.

In addition, you should make sure that large, heavy cargo pieces are stored as far down the ground as possible. A lying cabinet is easier to transport than a standing, finally, this cabinet springs from movements and can move its own focus unintentionally, for example, when driving around a curve. On the other hand, if the cabinet is transported horizontally, the center of gravity of the cabinet is also significantly lower, significantly reducing the handling of the trailer and the entire yoke. It is also important that you always secure your cargo well. Lashing straps and nets are a good way to secure loads, and in the worst case, even the smallest of loads can become dangerous missiles. Even cartons with books in a move are heavy and can adversely affect the trailer, so you should load them in the trailer safely so that the range of motion is limited, in case of doubt, it is best to use safety straps.