Towbars,trikes & Directive 94/20 EC

[ratwing]

Been thinking about fitting a towbar to tow a small trailer with a trike and came across this directive - its about type approved towbars which as far as I can tell doesn't apply to motorcycles but what about trikes? I'm asking because if anything happens, whether or not the trailer or towbar is involved, you just know the insurance companies will use it as an excuse not to pay up... Do you have to use a ball? How about a NATO hitch, or a ring & pin like some lorries use, etc?

[MSVA Tech]

This is from Chapter 10 of directive 97/24/ec which applies to 2 and 3 wheelers. :eek: :eek: :eek:

ANNEX I TRAILER COUPLING DEVICES OF TWO OR THREE-WHEEL MOTOR VEHICLES
1. SCOPE
1.1. This Annex I applies to coupling devices for two and three-wheel motor vehicles and their attachment to these vehicles.
1.2. This Annex I states the requirements which coupling devices for two and three-wheel motor vehicles must satisfy in order to
— ensure compatibility when combining motor vehicles with different types of trailers;
— ensure the safe coupling together of the vehicles under all conditions of use;
— ensure safe procedures for coupling and uncoupling.
2. DEFINITIONS
2.1. ‘Coupling devices for motor vehicles’ means all parts and devices fitted to the frames, load-bearing parts of the bodywork and chassis of the vehicles by means of which towing and towed vehicles are connected together.
They also include fixed or detachable parts for the attachment, adjustment or operation of the abovementioned coupling devices.
2.1.1. ‘Coupling balls and towing brackets’ means coupling devices employing a spherical device and brackets on the motor vehicle for connecting to the trailer by means of a coupling head.
2.1.2. The coupling heads in 2.1.1 are mechanical coupling devices on the drawbar of trailers for connecting to a coupling ball on the motor vehicle.
3. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
3.1. The coupling devices for two and three-wheel motor vehicles must be manufactured and attached in accordance with good engineering practice, and must be safe to operate.
3.2. The coupling devices must be so designed and manufactured that in normal use, with proper maintenance and the timely replacement of wearing parts, they will continue to function satisfactorily.
3.3. Every coupling device must be accompanied by installation and operating instructions giving sufficient information for a competent person to install it on the vehicle and operate it properly. The instructions must be in the official language or languages of the Member State in which the coupling device will be offered for sale.
3.4. The materials that may be used are those for which the properties relevant to the application are laid down in a standard or those for which the properties are given in the application documentation.
3.5. All parts of the coupling devices whose failure could result in separation of the two vehicles must be made of steel.
Other materials may be used provided equivalence has been demonstrated by the manufacturer to the satisfaction of the Technical Service.
3.6. All couplings must be designed for positive mechanical engagement, and the closed position must be secured at least once by positive mechanical engagement.
3.7. In principle coupling balls in accordance with Appendix 1, Figure 1 are to be used on two and three-wheel motor vehicles. In the case of three-wheel vehicles particularly, the coupling type must be chosen and positioned to allow maximum compatibility with a range of trailer types. Devices other than coupling balls may be used, provided the requirements of 3.8 are met and that compatibility and interchangeability of trailers is neither necessary nor possible (dedicated combinations).
3.8. Coupling devices must be designed in a way to meet the requirements for case of operation, position, mobility and strength according to Sections 3.9, 3.10, 3.11, 4, 5 and 6.
3.9. The coupling devices must be designed and attached in a way to achieve maximum safety according to good engineering practice; this also applies to the operation of the coupling.
3.10. Safe coupling and uncoupling of the vehicles must be possible by one person without the use of tools.
3.11. The operation of detachable coupling devices must be possible easily by hand and without the use of tools.
4. REQUIREMENTS FOR POSITION
4.1. Coupling devices attached to the vehicles must ensure an unhindered and safe operation.
4.2. Coupling balls attached to the vehicles must correspond to the geometric conditions specified in Appendix 1, Figure 2.
4.3. The height of the coupling point of a coupling device other than a coupling ball must correspond to the height of the coupling point of the drawbar of the trailer within a range of ± 35mm, provided the trailer is in a horizontal position.
4.4. The shape and the dimensions of the towing brackets must correspond to the vehicle manufacturer's requirements with respect to fixing points and any additional mounting devices required.
4.5. The requirements of the vehicle manufacturer with regard to the type of the coupling device, the permissible mass of the trailer and the permissible static vertical load imposed at the coupling point must be observed.
4.6. The mounted coupling device must not obscure the visibility of the rear licence plate, otherwise a coupling device which can be dismantled without special tools has to be used.
5. REQUIREMENTS FOR ARTICULATION
5.1. The following articulation must be possible with the coupling device not attached to the vehicle.
5.1.1. An angle of free vertical pitch of 20° above and below the horizontal centre line at all angles of horizontal rotation up to at least 90° each side of the longitudinal centre line of the device.
5.1.2. At all angles of horizontal rotation up to 90° each side of the longitudinal centre line of the device there must be an angle of free axial roll each side of the vertical centre line of 25° for three-wheel vehicles or 40° for two-wheel vehicles.
5.2. At all angles of horizontal rotation the following combinations of articulation must be possible:
in the case of two-wheel vehicles, except where the device is used with one-wheel trailers which tilt with the two-wheel motor vehicle:
— vertical pitch of ± 15° with axial roll of ± 40°,
— axial roll of ± 30° with vertical pitch of ± 20°;
in the case of three-wheel vehicles or quadricycles:
— vertical pitch of ± 15° with axial roll of ± 25°
— axial roll of ± 10° with vertical pitch of ± 20°.
5.3. It must also be possible to couple and uncouple ball couplings when the longitudinal axis of the ball coupling in relation to the centre line of the coupling ball and mounting:
— is horizontally b = 60° right or left
— is vertically a = 10° up or down
— is axially rotated 10° right or left.

Cant get the figures to copy across but basically they are standard ball type.

Hope this helps (should cure insomnia if nothin else :D )

Cheers

Chris