Archief FAQ items - BW Trailers

Can I have my trailer repaired directly at BW Trailers?

For maintenance or repair of any of the types of trailers listed below, we would refer you to your local BW
Trailers dealer.
You will find a list of our official dealers on our dealers page.

O1E – unbraked single -axle trailers with a MAM of 750 kg
O1T – unbraked dual-axle trailers with a MAM of 750 kg
O2E – braked single-axle trailers with a MAM of 3500 kg
O2T – braked single-axle trailers with a MAM of 3500 kg
O2Tr – braked triple-axle trailers with a MAM of 3500 kg

You can also contact BW Trailers directly using the contact form.

I have a trailer from RW. Is this trailer also from BW Trailers?

BW Trailers has a long history that goes right back to 1999. At that time the company operated under the name of RW Aanhangwagens.
BW Trailers will endeavour to provide support for these trailers for as long as possible.
For specific questions about these, you can get in touch with us via the details indicated on the Contact page.

Is a rear fog light compulsory on my trailer?

The regulations regarding fog lights depend on the type of trailer.

All new trailers must be fitted with at least one rear fog light.
At BW Trailers, we consider safety as extremely important, which is why we fit all professional trailers weighing over 750 kg
with two fog lights.

Older trailers, regardless of their year of construction or maximum authorised mass, must also be fitted with a rear fog light.

Does a braked trailer with an MAM of 750 kg also need to be registered?

A braked trailer with an MAM of 750 kg (or MAM less than 751 kg) does not require inspection or registration.
However, it must be declared to the insurance company so that it is included in the policy of the towing vehicle.

Does BW Trailers also sell second-hand trailers?

BW Trailers is purely a manufacturer of new trailers. Some of our dealers may also offer second-hand trailers.
You can find a list of our dealer network on our dealer page.

Where can I find the unladen weight of my trailer?

The unladen weight or tare weight of your trailer is listed on the certificate of conformity under item 13.
All trailers manufactured and sold by BW Trailers include this document.

I need a part for my trailer. Can I contact BW Trailers for this?

For ordering parts for any of the types of trailers listed below, we would refer you to your local BW
Trailers dealer.
You will find a list of our official dealers on our dealers page.

O1E – unbraked single-axle trailers with an MAM of 750 kg
O1T – unbraked dual-axle trailers with a MAM of 750 kg
O2E – braked single-axle trailers with a MAM of 3500 kg
O2T – braked dual-axle trailers with a MAM of 3500 kg
O2Tr – braked triple-axle trailers with a MAM of 3500 kg

You can also contact BW Trailers directly using the contact form.

I’m interested in becoming a dealer for BW Trailers. What do I need to do for this?

We believe in the importance of dealers and they are an important link in the BW Trailers sales chain.
If you are interested in becoming a dealer, be sure to send us a message using the form on this page.
We will contact you as soon as we can to discuss any possibilities.

As a private individual, can I purchase a trailer directly from BW Trailers?

Unfortunately, as an individual, you cannot make direct purchases from us.

BW Trailers is a manufacturer of trailers and works with a certified dealer network.
A list of the dealers in your region can be found on our Dealers page.

Where is the chassis number indicated on my trailer?

The chassis number (official VIN or Vehicle Identification Number) of a BW Trailers trailer is indicated on the type plate and is also stamped into the chassis.
VIN and type plate can be found in the right-hand quadrant at the front of the trailer, usually on the front metal cross member, as viewed from the direction of travel.

Where can I find the type plate on my trailer?

All trailers supplied by BW Trailers have a type plate that has been permanently fixed in the right-hand quadrant at the front of the trailer, usually on the
front metal cross member, as viewed from the direction of travel.

The type plate provides information on the origin, type and maximum permitted weights of the trailer.
The unique 17-digit VIN number is also indicated on the plate and is additionally engraved on the trailer’s chassis.

What is a breakaway cable and how should it be used?

Braked trailers must be equipped with a breakaway device, which must be connected to a fixed part of the vehicle.
This is the only way to activate the trailer’s brake in the event of accidental uncoupling while driving.
The various options for correctly connecting a breakaway cable to the towing vehicle are listed in the manuals provided by BW Trailers.

What is an auxiliary coupling and when do I need to have one?

Unbraked trailers with a loading capacity less than or equal to 750 kg must have an auxiliary coupling in the form of an additional steel safety cable.
This cable prevents the trailer detaching from the vehicle in the event of a malfunction of the ball coupling or accidental uncoupling of the trailer
while driving.

When do I need to have a trailer cargo net?

It has been a legal requirement since 1 January 2007 to secure, fasten or cover your load in such a way that the load or parts of it cannot fall off the vehicle while driving. In this context, you should also take into account emergency stops, sudden evasive manoeuvres or rough road surfaces.
There is no specification for the manner in which the load is to be secured or using what equipment.
In general, a trailer cargo net is compulsory for loose loads such as rubble, pruning waste or firewood that cannot be secured with tension straps.
In some cases, such as when transporting sand, even a trailer cargo net is insufficient and you need a canvas or tarpaulin cover.

What is the correct tyre pressure for my trailer?

The maximum tyre pressure is indicated on the tyre.

Please note that the unit is often given in PSI (Pounds/Square inch).
As a rule of thumb, you can assume that 1 bar = 14.5 PSI.
The recommended tyre pressure for most of the tyres used by BW Trailers can be found below:

Type of tyre	Max.tyre pressure (bar)
155/80R13	2,4
165R13C	4,6
185R14C	4,5
195/50B10	6,0
195/50R13C	6,5
185/60R12C	6,5

What type of plug/connection does my trailer have?

All trailers from BW Trailers with an MAM up to 750 kg are fitted as standard with a 7-pin plug in accordance with ISO 1724 and are optionally available with a 13-
pin plug in accordance with ISO 11446.
Braked trailers over 750 kg are fitted as standard with this 13-pin plug (also known as the Jaeger connector).
Special adapters are available for both plug variants and a wiring diagram is included in all the manuals provided by BW Trailers.

What is the MAM of my trailer?

MAM stands for the Maximum Authorised Mass of the trailer and is the maximum total weight the trailer, including all variable contents, may weigh.
The MAM is a fixed value determined by BW Trailers and indicates the maximum weight that can be moved safely with this type of trailer.
The MAM can always be found on the certificate of conformity or on the chassis plate fixed to the trailer.

What driving licence do I need to drive a trailer?

MAM of the trailer is less than 750 kg (Driving licence B)
MAM of the trailer is greater than 750kg but MAM towing vehicle + trailer is maximum 3500 kg (Driving licence B)
MAM of the trailer is greater than 750 kg and MAM towing vehicle + trailer is between 3500 kg and 4250 kg (Driving licence B with code 96)
MAM of the trailer is greater than 750 kg and MAM towing vehicle + trailer is greater than 4250 kg and maximum 7000 kg (Driving licence BE)

What is the loading capacity of my trailer?

The loading capacity of a trailer depends on the mass in running order of the trailer and its Maximum Authorised Mass (MAM).
The useful loading capacity of the trailer = MAM – mass in running order.