Tow Bar!

Post by **honda90** » Wed Mar 09, 2005 1:01 am

I have just fitted a walting tow bar to my traveller the kit states fit the extensions for the number plate or fix it to the door! When I fix the extensions to lower the number plate the plate is obscured by the tow ball and the electrics, I have rung the suppliers and they have said the tow bar has passed the regulations when it was produced so it is legal to fit to the car is this correct?

Post by **Kevin** » Wed Mar 09, 2005 10:31 am

Might be best to ring the local police as they should know exact numberplate requirements, I have seen them on Traveller rear doors often, but not sure about the other position.

Post by **ColinP** » Wed Mar 09, 2005 11:06 am

If I recall correctly, the numberplate should "not be obscured". That's an interpretation, but I'd suggest that if you stand behind the car at a reasonable distance, and you cant read the number plate - you'll have trouble with the Old Bill. (edit - use the eyesight test distance - then you'll know if you need glasses - 2 tests for 1!)

Mind you, I've seen so many unusual numberplates (obscured, illegible, filthy dirty, mis-placed numbers letters), I get the impression that no-one cares.

Well, not until you get stopped and they start to look for things wrong...

Colin

Post by **57traveller** » Wed Mar 09, 2005 12:09 pm

I have a Watling towbar fitted to my Traveller. It depends what you mean by obscured? My number plate is partially obscured (using the extensions they supply) but in four years I have never had any comments made at MOT time or been pulled over by plod. However it's not sufficiently blocked to be unable to determine the registration. Would a picture help for comparison?

Post by **simmitc** » Wed Mar 09, 2005 1:24 pm

I found the same problem with both the Watling and the earlier Witter bar. I found it best to simply put the plate on the door - see inside front cover of curent Minor Matters.

Post by **Gareth** » Wed Mar 09, 2005 8:11 pm

I quite like the look of a square plate on the door...

Post by **Onne** » Thu Mar 10, 2005 9:17 am

It does kill the symmetry

Post by **57traveller** » Thu Mar 10, 2005 9:41 am

Fitting a square plate to the door is probably the best and completely legal option but it does require drilling holes through the door for both the no. plate and the no. plate light. Also re-routing the light cables and doing that neatly bearing in mind the door opens and closes. No doubt some type of flexible cable sleeving would be suitable for that.
It doesn't seem to matter now if the number is obscured. I've seen lots totally unreadable because there is a large bumper protection plate in the way.
Also there are illegally spaced numbers/letters around now that don't attract notice and illegible font styles.
So I'd personally just stick to the Watling supplied set up.

Post by **rayofleamington** » Fri Mar 11, 2005 11:10 am

I'd suggest that if you stand behind the car at a reasonable distance, and you cant read the number plate - you'll have trouble with the Old Bill.

I'd second that as a fair interpretation of the rules - Just because other people ignore the rules doesn't make it right. (e.g. just because muppets drive around with their sidelights and foglights on, it doesn't mean we should all do that).
I'm constantly amazed by the number of people with blown bulbs and unreadable registration plates - once upon a time the police would pull you up, check the rest of your car (tyres etc..) and give you a 7-day documents check.
I haven't heard of that happening for at least a decade, hence so many people not giving a stuff.
Recently I've seen people overtaking on the worng side of the road at a pedestrial crossing - right past a police car. The police did nothing, despite the guy having a near miss with an oncoming car. Presumably the registration mark didn't set off the automatic warning about unpaid road tax.

Post by **honda90** » Sun Mar 13, 2005 12:06 am

Managed to move the numberplate down far enough to be able to see the number plate. Now will be able to bring the Morris and new second hand folding camper and children! Down to Brighton the second week of Easter, ready for the London to Brighton run, anyone know what time the run sets off from Battersea Park.

Regards

John

Post by **Cam** » Sun Mar 13, 2005 12:37 am

Not got my entry back yet! Apparently entries will be sent out with details at the end of March.

Post by **Gareth** » Sun Mar 13, 2005 9:04 am

John, have you got anywhere booked for Easter? Sites are getting full...

Post by **honda90** » Sun Mar 13, 2005 9:47 pm

Yes stopping on a camping club certified location, basic but good enough for my needs.

Post by **Gareth** » Mon Mar 14, 2005 7:17 pm

Ooh lovely. Have a good time! Bet you''ll turn some heads!

Post by **Rasputin** » Mon Mar 14, 2005 10:09 pm

Gareth wrote:Ooh lovely. Have a good time! Bet you''ll turn some heads!

I expect they`ll like your traveller too!!

Post by **honda90** » Wed Mar 16, 2005 2:18 am

if your image of my towbar does not get displayed as I cannot see it try this link http://sky.prohosting.com/honda90/images/number.jpg
PS cut and past it into your browser thats the only way I can make it work?