FAQs, Legality & Customer Support
FAQs & Legality
Plain-English answers, UK towing guidance and useful downloads
The important answers in one place
Start with the requirements for towing in Great Britain, then read the practical answers about braking, reversing and travel abroad.
What you need to comply with UK legislation
Lighting & number plate
When a car is towed on an A-frame in Great Britain, the car and A-frame are treated as a trailer for the relevant construction-and-use and lighting requirements. Rear lighting, triangular red reflectors and the appropriate rear number plate therefore need to comply with the Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations 1989.
Braking
Braking requirements sit under the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986. GOV.UK guidance points to Regulations 15 and 18 for braking-system construction, performance and maintenance. If brakes are fitted, they must operate correctly and efficiently.
Our electronic system uses the brake-light signal together with measured deceleration to provide proportional power braking rather than simple on/off operation.
MOT & exterior projections
The MOT inspection manual requires modifications to be assessed on their merits and treats a modification as unsafe if it adversely affects roadworthiness or is likely to cause injury. That is why front-end fittings, projections and changes to the vehicle body need to be considered carefully.
Crash beam & front structure
Removing, altering or replacing structural front-end components can change the vehicle from its original manufacturer specification and may affect crash-management behaviour, sensors and pedestrian-protection design. DVLA guidance says structural changes to the chassis, monocoque, frame or load-bearing sub-frames/support members can require notification.
Our approach is to retain the original crash beam and intended crumple-zone function wherever the installation allows.
UK A-frame and trailer rules
Government guidance describes the car and A-frame as a trailer for construction purposes in Great Britain. Applicable braking and lighting requirements must be met. Fitted brakes must operate correctly, including on cars below 750 kg. Check the complete requirements for your vehicle and journey.
Frequently asked questions
How does the braking work?
When towing, the car remains powered but effectively asleep until braking demand is detected. The system uses two signals together: the motorhome brake-light signal and the motion sensor in the car measuring deceleration.
The vacuum system provides power assistance and the actuator applies braking effort in proportion to what the motorhome is doing. A gentle brake produces a gentle response; an emergency stop produces a much stronger braking response.
Because both signals are required, simply holding your foot on the brake in traffic does not make the tow car brake on its own, and engine braking on a descent does not trigger braking unless there is also a brake-light signal and measurable deceleration.
Can I reverse?
Yes—short, careful reversing is possible, preferably in a straight line. The car’s steering geometry helps its front wheels follow when travelling forwards. Think of a supermarket trolley wheel: it swivels to follow the direction you push it. When you reverse, a trolley wheel can swivel right round; a car’s steering cannot. The front wheels may turn towards full lock, causing tyre scrub and extra load on the A-frame. Stop if this happens; disconnect and reposition using the handbook instructions.
The A-frame is not designed to be heavily loaded in reverse. If the tow car’s front wheels turn while reversing, drag increases and the A-frame can be loaded in directions it was not designed to take. If that happens, use the patented WedgIT™ to disconnect the A-frame while leaving the apron/front fitting in place, then turn the car around under its own power before reconnecting.
Going to Europe?
Check the rules for every destination and transit country before travelling. UK requirements do not establish permission to use an A-frame abroad, and enforcement can vary.
The Facebook group A Frames NOT Trailers in Europe shares owners’ travel experiences. It is a community resource; check current requirements with the relevant authorities.
Safety checks and servicing
A — Safety check: every year or 5,000 towed miles, whichever comes first. B — Full service: every two years or 10,000 towed miles, whichever comes first. Record towed mileage and keep your service history.
Use the handbook and your vehicle-specific handover. Connect on flat, level ground, check steering remains unlocked, test the breakaway system and verify both primary leg locks and both double-lock pins before towing. Routine cleaning does not replace servicing.
Handbook, documents & customer support
Use the handbook and written handover supplied for your exact vehicle and installed equipment. Contact Mike for the appropriate handbook, brochure, warranty and booking terms before ordering.
Handbook, brochure & video
Watch the TowGlide demonstration
Use the video alongside the handbook and your vehicle-specific handover.
Download the 2026 Handbook (PDF)Download the 2026 Brochure (PDF)
Include your car’s make, model, year and registration so we can supply the relevant guidance.
Current fitted prices
Standard fitted RRP £3,499.99. NEC offer £3,249.99, paid in full up front, subject to suitability and availability. Vehicle-specific extras and bespoke work are confirmed in your written quotation.
Official A-frame guidance
Check the rules for every destination and transit country before travelling abroad. Translated documents do not override local requirements.
Warranty & booking terms
Ask Mike for the written terms applicable to your installation, including the advertised 24-month warranty, payment, cancellation and servicing requirements, before paying.
Customer support & complaints
Contact Mike with your name, vehicle registration, booking or invoice reference and a description of the issue. Include relevant photographs where helpful.